The Navara has been a fixture of Australian tradie utes and weekend tourers for over two decades, and across that time it's gone through some fairly significant changes — from the long-running D22 and more refined D40 to the D23, which many Australians know as the NP300 Navara. With the new D27 generation now entering the picture, it's more important than ever to know exactly which Navara you're driving before choosing an exhaust.
If you're trying to work out what exhaust actually suits your Navara, the answer depends a lot on the generation, engine, build date and what you're using it for.
Table of Contents
- A Generation-by-Generation Rundown
- Turbo-Back vs DPF-Back for the Navara
- Sound Character: What to Expect at Idle and Under Load
- Towing Considerations for Navara Owners
- Brand Comparison for Navara: Manta vs XForce
- FAQs
A Generation-by-Generation Rundown
D22 (1997–2015): The longest-running Navara generation in Australia, sold well past its "official" replacement thanks to its reputation as a tough, simple workhorse. Later diesel D22s picked up the 2.5L turbo-diesel YD25, which is the version most commonly upgraded today.
D40 (2005–2015): Introduced a larger, more car-like driving experience with the 2.5L YD25 and, in later models, the 3.0L V6 V9X diesel. The V6 variant in particular is a popular candidate for a full turbo-back upgrade.
D23/NP300 (2015–2025): The generation many Australian owners know as the NP300 Navara. It uses the 2.3L YS23 diesel in single-turbo and twin-turbo forms, depending on the model and specification. Later DPF-equipped variants bring DPF-back options into the conversation, so build date and factory emissions equipment matter when confirming fitment.
D27 (2026 onward): The newest Navara generation. Exhaust options are still emerging, so don't assume a D23 system will fit. Check the exact model, engine and build details before ordering.
Turbo-Back vs DPF-Back for the Navara
Turbo-back: Replaces the system from the turbo outlet and is most commonly fitted to older non-DPF Navaras. Depending on the particular kit, this can include the dump pipe and catalytic converter section, so the exact setup and road-use requirements need to be checked for the vehicle and where it is registered.
DPF-back: Replaces everything behind the factory DPF while leaving the DPF, catalytic converter and upstream emissions equipment in place. On a properly designed system, the change in sound is generally fairly mild, which is why a DPF-back is usually the most straightforward road-friendly upgrade for a DPF-equipped Navara.
If you're not sure which of these applies to your Navara, our turbo-back vs DPF-back guide explains the key differences, including what changes in terms of sound, flow and factory emissions equipment.
Sound Character: What to Expect at Idle and Under Load
The YD25 four-cylinder diesel in the D22 and D40 has a distinctive diesel clatter at idle that an exhaust upgrade won't fully mask, but a well-designed system will generally deepen the note and reduce some of the flat, boxy sound of the factory exhaust. The V6 in later D40 models and the 2.3L diesel in the D23 tend to produce a more noticeable exhaust note under load and acceleration, particularly with a quality mandrel-bent system.
For DPF-equipped Navaras, don't expect a DPF-back system to transform the vehicle into something loud or aggressive. The DPF already removes a great deal of the exhaust sound, so the change is usually deeper and cleaner rather than dramatically louder.
Towing Considerations for Navara Owners
The Navara is a genuine tow vehicle for a lot of owners, and that's worth factoring into any exhaust decision. A well-designed turbo-back or DPF-back system shouldn't compromise low-RPM torque delivery — which matters more for towing than outright top-end power — but it's worth choosing a system engineered specifically for your Navara generation rather than a generic universal setup. That helps reduce the chance of clearance problems around towbar mounting points and excessive drone when the engine is working under load. If you're speccing a tow rig, our towbar buying guide is a useful companion read.
Brand Comparison for Navara: Manta vs XForce
Both Manta and XForce offer Navara-specific systems, but they sit at different points in the market.
Manta is the premium option. Its Navara systems are made in Australia, the overall construction and finish are generally of a higher standard, and Manta offers a longer warranty on its stainless-steel systems. For owners planning to keep the vehicle, tow regularly or use it for touring, the extra spend can be worthwhile.
XForce is a good-quality offshore-made system offered at a lower price point. It makes sense for owners who want a solid upgrade without paying the premium for an Australian-made Manta system. The right choice comes down to budget, how long you plan to keep the vehicle and how heavily it will be used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a turbo-back exhaust add power to a Navara? A turbo-back system can reduce restriction from the turbo outlet and may support improved turbo response and modest performance gains, particularly when it is matched with the right engine setup and tune. The result varies by engine and system design, so it should be viewed as part of a broader performance package rather than a guaranteed standalone power upgrade.
Is a DPF-back exhaust legal on a diesel Navara? Generally, yes. A properly designed DPF-back system leaves the factory DPF, catalytic converter and upstream emissions equipment in place and only replaces the exhaust behind them. Because the DPF removes so much sound, the increase in volume is usually minimal. The finished vehicle still needs to remain within the noise and modification requirements that apply where it is registered, but a quality DPF-back system is normally the most straightforward road-friendly option for a DPF-equipped Navara.
What size exhaust does a Navara run? Many Navara turbo-back and DPF-back systems use 3-inch mandrel-bent pipe, but that isn't universal. The correct size depends on the generation, engine and specific system, so check the product listing for your exact vehicle.
Shop the Range
- All Nissan Navara Exhausts
- Nissan Collection
- DPF-Back Exhaust Systems
- Turbo-Back Exhausts
- XForce Exhaust
- Manta
Not sure which system fits your Navara generation? Get in touch with your build date, engine and series or chassis code, and we'll confirm fitment before you buy.