The Nissan Pickup (D22) 2.5 Di King Cab 4WD, produced from 2000 to 2007, represents a significant iteration of Nissan’s mid-size pickup truck lineage. Positioned as a versatile workhorse and family vehicle, the King Cab configuration offered extended cabin space compared to the standard cab models, appealing to owners needing both utility and passenger capacity. This particular variant, powered by the 2.5-liter YD25DDTi diesel engine producing 133 horsepower, was a popular choice in markets outside of North America, where diesel engines were favored for their fuel efficiency and torque. The D22 series aimed to balance rugged capability with improved comfort and refinement over its predecessors.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | Pick UP |
| Generation | Pick UP (D22) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5 Di King Cab (133 Hp) 4WD |
| Start of production | 2000 year |
| End of production | 2007 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h (99.42 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14 kg/Hp, 71.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.1 kg/Nm, 163 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 133 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 53.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 304 Nm @ 2000 rpm (224.22 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | YD25DDTi |
| Engine displacement | 2488 cm3 (151.83 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.6 l (5.92 US qt | 4.93 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.6 l (9.09 US qt | 7.57 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1865 kg (4111.62 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 2860 kg (6305.22 lbs) |
| Max load | 995 kg (2193.6 lbs) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 75 l (19.81 US gal | 16.5 UK gal) |
| Length | 5180 mm (203.94 in) |
| Width | 1825 mm (71.85 in) |
| Height | 1715 mm (67.52 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2950 mm (116.14 in) |
| Front track | 1525 mm (60.04 in) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1505 mm (59.25 in) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 205/80 R16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the D22 2.5 Di King Cab is the YD25DDTi engine, a 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine utilizes a common rail direct injection system, a significant advancement over older diesel technologies. Common rail injection allows for more precise fuel delivery, resulting in improved fuel economy, reduced emissions, and quieter operation. The ‘DDTi’ designation stands for ‘Direct Diesel Turbo Injection’, highlighting the presence of a turbocharger which boosts power output. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, operating four valves per cylinder for enhanced breathing and efficiency. The 5-speed manual transmission was the standard offering for this variant, providing a balance between fuel economy and usability. The engine’s longitudinal mounting within the chassis contributes to a more balanced weight distribution.
Driving Characteristics
The 133 horsepower and 304 Nm (224 lb-ft) of torque delivered by the YD25DDTi engine provided adequate, though not exhilarating, performance for the D22 King Cab. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 12.6 seconds, making it competitive with other diesel-powered pickups of the era. The engine’s strength lay in its low-end torque, making it well-suited for hauling loads and navigating challenging terrain. The 5-speed manual transmission offered a reasonable spread of gears, but the relatively low horsepower meant that frequent downshifting was often necessary when climbing hills or overtaking. Compared to higher-output versions of the D22, such as those equipped with the 3.0-liter engine, the 2.5 Di felt less powerful, but it compensated with superior fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.5 Di King Cab 4WD typically came with a fairly basic level of equipment, reflecting its positioning as a work-oriented vehicle. Standard features generally included power steering, air conditioning, and a basic audio system. The King Cab configuration itself was a key feature, offering a more spacious rear seat area than the standard cab models. Interior upholstery was typically vinyl or a durable cloth material. Optional extras could include alloy wheels, upgraded audio systems, and power windows. The trim level varied depending on the specific market, with some regions offering more luxurious options.
Chassis & Braking
The D22 chassis utilized a body-on-frame construction, providing robust durability and off-road capability. Suspension consisted of coil springs at both the front and rear, offering a comfortable ride quality for a pickup truck. The 4WD system was typically part-time, allowing the driver to switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive as needed. Braking duties were handled by disc brakes on all four wheels, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight. The relatively simple suspension setup and braking system were designed for reliability and ease of maintenance.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Nissan Pickup (D22) 2.5 Di King Cab 4WD was generally well-received in markets where diesel pickups were popular. Critics praised its fuel efficiency, durability, and off-road capability. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the refinement and power of some of its competitors. Compared to the gasoline-powered versions of the D22, the 2.5 Di offered significantly better fuel economy, but at the expense of outright performance. Against rivals like the Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi L200, the D22 offered a competitive package, particularly in terms of value for money.
Legacy
The YD25DDTi engine, while not without its quirks, proved to be a relatively reliable powertrain when properly maintained. Common issues included turbocharger failure and injector problems, but these were often addressed with preventative maintenance. Today, the D22 2.5 Di King Cab 4WD remains a popular choice in the used car market, particularly among those seeking a rugged and affordable pickup truck. Its simplicity and durability make it a relatively easy vehicle to maintain and repair. The D22 laid the groundwork for Nissan’s continued success in the mid-size pickup truck segment, paving the way for models like the Navara (Frontier in North America).
