The New Nissan Patrol has landed, not with fanfare, but with intention. A familiar silhouette sharpened for changing times reinforces Nissan’s grasp of a market that values both heritage and progress.
First introduced in 1951, the Patrol has transitioned through generations without shedding its core identity. This latest version stays rooted in function, but the lines are cleaner, the systems smarter, and the message more direct: capability still counts, but perception now drives momentum.
Design
Nissan hasn’t thrown out the blueprint. The new Patrol looks like the machine it replaces, but with adjustments that matter. The grille is broader, flanked by C-shaped LED headlamps. Daylight signatures are angular, matching the squared frame that continues to dominate the SUV’s face.
The bodywork isn’t loud. Flat panels, wide fenders, and chrome trims remain restrained. Wheels have grown larger, and paint options include deep blacks, pearlescent whites, and sand-toned metallics. It’s visually commanding, but not theatrical.
Beneath the exterior, the frame remains body-on-chassis, a structure increasingly rare among newer SUVs. That detail isn’t incidental. Off-road events, wadi drives, and open desert travel are done best with a body-on-frame chassis. The platform serves a purpose that transcends marketing.
Powertrain
At the core is a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 that delivers 419 BHP and 700 Nm of torque. This setup gives the Patrol a surprising turn of pace for its size, hitting 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds. The torque spread is wide, making highway overtakes swift and dune climbs less of a struggle. It also marks a move away from the old V8 rumble toward smoother, more controlled thrust.
There’s also a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6, producing 312 BHP and 385 Nm, aimed more at buyers who prefer simplicity and fewer moving parts. It’s a quieter, more linear engine, though less eager under heavy load.
Both options pair with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, including a rear-locking differential and selectable drive modes. No hybrid variant or all-electric platform is waiting in the wings. Nissan has publicly committed to electrification elsewhere, but the Patrol’s core markets still require pure mechanical grunt.
Interiors
Inside, the changes are more apparent. Two screens now dominate the centre stack. The upper unit handles navigation and visuals. The lower is reserved for climate and system controls. Physical buttons remain, a choice that stands out in a segment increasingly defined by the replacement of physical controls with touchscreens.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. USB-C ports have replaced older formats. The cabin’s layout reflects practicality: large cup holders, durable seat stitching, and wide armrests. Material choices focus on comfort without drifting into excess.
Rear seating is spacious, by design. The third row is easy to access, there’s good legroom, and a boot that can handle both luggage and leisure equipment. The Patrol’s footprint allows for all three without compromise.
Safety & Technology
The Nissan Patrol gets every single safety feature one can think of, including Driver, Passenger, Side, Curtain Airbags and Driver Knee Airbags. The car is built well and one can expect a 5-Star safety rating.
Off-road, the Patrol benefits from revised terrain modes. A dial lets drivers shift between sand, rock, and pavement profiles. The system adjusts throttle sensitivity, gear patterns, and brake pressure distribution. These refinements aren’t new in concept, but their tuning has been optimised for regional use cases.
Conclusion
Its competitors are evolving quickly. Toyota’s Land Cruiser, Jeep’s Wagoneer, and Chinese entrants like the Tank 500 are drawing new buyers. Yet Nissan’s hold on the Patrol brand continues to be strong, partly due to its consistency, partly because it knows when to pivot and when to pause.
