Welcome aboard, Mike.
No matter what anyone tells you, in the end you'll get a car and it will either be a well-assembled car or it won't be. The manufacturer doesn't seem to matter - they all have their issues.
As far as Navaras go - more power, more cabin space. Others are catching its towing capacity (one has exceeded it). It has a longer wheelbase than many others making it more stable but with poorer ramp-over. Turning circle is compromised by the long wheelbase but it's not terrible.
When it comes down to actually getting dirty, the Navaras are sure-footed vehicles. The D40 is good off-road and great on the highway - long hauls are quite comfortable and there's more room in the back seat for a growing family. D22s are also good off-road but have less comfy seats and a smaller cabin, most of the reduction is in the back seat area. Still, D22 drivers take to the highway towing 3T loads too.
There's going to be personal choice in it too. If the looks of the Triton appeal to you more, enjoy it - comfy cabin, 3T towing, but more expensive. You might consider the V6 diesel Navara instead - far more power, doing anything asked of it with ease.