The Nissan Patrol stands out for true 4WD capability in a modern world flooded with soft-roader family SUVs. For 2020, the Patrol arrives with a facelift and enhanced safety kit to go with its staple go-anywhere, tow-anything chops.
It’s sporty like a heavyweight boxer. Its 5.6-litre petrol V8 produces 298kW and 560Nm without a turbocharger. Pure muscle and the “utility” part from SUV shines through. Leathery seating for eight. It tows 3500kg. There’s a 140L fuel tank. And its low-range transfer case and 4WD drive modes could haul you to Everest base camp.
It’s absolutely huge, but you don’t need a truck licence to drive the Patrol.
It’s got some serious style - its recent facelift bringing new LED lights, bumpers, grille, bonnet and fenders.
The living space
It’s a big climb up into the cabin but, once you’re there, it’s like settling into a business lounge.
Very polite. There is old-school quality inside. Faux wood trim abounds, there are comfy and wide leather seats and even pleated leather for the doors. The centre armrest’s the size of a cow, so long distance cruising is utterly relaxed.
The second-row seats should have their own postcode. Sure, it’s a large SUV but interior space is mighty. No problems fitting an adult between two child seats.
Give me a highway and I’m in heaven in this thing. It’s brilliantly smooth for cruising, has radar cruise control and handy safety kit such as blind spot warning and it pulls you gently back into lane if you stray.
The shopping
The weekly shop fits in even with eight seats up. Brilliant.
With just the front seats up it’s a van. I fitted a 2m-high bookcase in the back.
Not having an automatic tailgate is a pain. If you’re short it’s a big reach and a massive thing to haul down. Thankfully, it has automatic soft close.
Parking is made easier as Nissan fit an around view monitor as standard with parking sensors front and rear.
The family
With eight seats, it rivals people-movers. You can fit a rugby sevens or netball team as well as the driver.
The top-grade Ti-L has seven seats, which is probably enough. The centre row has the best seats in the house. The back has roof-mounted air vents.
The verdict
The Patrol’s mammoth size means it’s one for adventuring rather than urban duties. Yet the whole family loved it. The interior needs modernising but the joy comes from the acres of cabin space, rumbling V8 and magic carpet ride.
The Patrol’s cheaper at Group 1 Nissan than the equivalent Toyota LandCruiser and it’s the pick for the petrol V8 faithful. It looks a bargain against its opposition, is full of talent and personality.
Nissan Patrol Ti vitals
Warranty/servicing: 5 years/unlimited km, 3 years/60,000km
Engine: 5.6-litre V8, 298kW/560Nm
Safety: 6 airbags, AEB, blind-spot monitor and intervention, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise, lane departure warning and intervention
Spare: Full-size
Boot: 550L
Towing: 3500kg
The living space
It’s a big climb up into the cabin but, once you’re there, it’s like settling into a business lounge.
Very polite. There is old-school quality inside. Faux wood trim abounds, there are comfy and wide leather seats and even pleated leather for the doors. The centre armrest’s the size of a cow, so long distance cruising is utterly relaxed.
The second-row seats should have their own postcode. Sure, it’s a large SUV but interior space is mighty. No problems fitting an adult between two child seats.
Give me a highway and I’m in heaven in this thing. It’s brilliantly smooth for cruising, has radar cruise control and handy safety kit such as blind spot warning and it pulls you gently back into lane if you stray.
The shopping
The weekly shop fits in even with eight seats up. Brilliant.
With just the front seats up it’s a van. I fitted a 2m-high bookcase in the back.
Not having an automatic tailgate is a pain. If you’re short it’s a big reach and a massive thing to haul down. Thankfully, it has automatic soft close.
Parking is made easier as Nissan fit an around view monitor as standard with parking sensors front and rear.
The family
With eight seats, it rivals people-movers. You can fit a rugby sevens or netball team as well as the driver.
The top-grade Ti-L has seven seats, which is probably enough. The centre row has the best seats in the house. The back has roof-mounted air vents.
The verdict
The Patrol’s mammoth size means it’s one for adventuring rather than urban duties. Yet the whole family loved it. The interior needs modernising but the joy comes from the acres of cabin space, rumbling V8 and magic carpet ride.
The Patrol’s cheaper at Group 1 Nissan than the equivalent Toyota LandCruiser and it’s the pick for the petrol V8 faithful. It looks a bargain against its opposition, is full of talent and personality.
Nissan Patrol Ti vitals
Warranty/servicing: 5 years/unlimited km, 3 years/60,000km
Engine: 5.6-litre V8, 298kW/560Nm
Safety: 6 airbags, AEB, blind-spot monitor and intervention, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise, lane departure warning and intervention
Spare: Full-size
Boot: 550L
Towing: 3500kg
Article from The Nissan Fan.
