Nissan is mulling over the idea of equipping its forthcoming Navara Pro PHEV with either leaf-spring or coil-spring rear suspension setups, echoing the approach taken with the prior D23 model.

The China-built plug-in hybrid ute is undergoing additional development for Australia and New Zealand, where Nissan engineers continue to test both suspension configurations ahead of the planned local launch in 2027.

The company has not yet confirmed the final choice for production, though engineers have indicated to CarExpert that providing both remains under consideration.

During a technical briefing, Nissan engineers noted they have been evaluating two suspension types along with multiple iterations of each, covering both leaf spring and coil spring designs.

This strategy could help Nissan address varying buyer needs, from those focused on heavy hauling and towing to drivers seeking enhanced comfort for daily use.

Engineers observed that light commercial vehicles were once viewed strictly as work tools, yet buyers now seek a balanced system that delivers passenger-car ride quality, strong stability under heavy loads, and confident towing performance.

They added that modern light commercial vehicles in these markets require suspension to handle all these demands, which explains the dual setups being assessed.

When asked if both types might reach customers, the engineers replied that it is an option still under review, with no final decision made on available configurations.

In the earlier D23 Navara generation, leaf springs appeared on single-cab and King Cab versions while dual-cab models used coil springs, whereas all current D27 Navaras employ leaf-spring rear suspension like their Triton counterparts.

Reintroducing both options on the Navara Pro PHEV could restore a unique selling point for Nissan, though any link between suspension choice and specific grades or body styles has not been outlined.

Leaf springs suit work-oriented utes for heavy loads, while coil springs may alter ride and handling traits, though results hinge on overall design and tuning rather than spring type in isolation.

Nissan is also reviewing other elements such as tyres, differential setups, towing and payload figures, and off-road modes for the Navara Pro PHEV.

The Australian version will feature a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor in an eight-speed automatic transmission, targeting combined outputs of 300kW and 800Nm pending final certification.

It will include mechanical four-wheel drive, with aims for 1000kg payload and 3500kg braked towing capacity to align closely with diesel rivals, though exact ratings and any suspension-based variations are still to be confirmed.

The Navara Pro PHEV is scheduled to arrive in Australia in 2027, with complete specifications, equipment and pricing to follow nearer the launch date.