Nissan unveiled the seventh generation of the Patrol in the Middle East, coinciding with the debut of its sibling Armada in North America. While the two models are fundamentally the same, each market has its unique features. The most significant difference lies in the available engine combinations. The 2025 Nissan Armada offers exclusively a 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine, producing 425 horsepower and 699 Nm of torque, which is slightly lower than the related Infiniti QX80.
In contrast, the Patrol has also dropped the V8 option, but in addition to the aforementioned 3.5-liter V6, it also offers a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 316 horsepower and 386 Nm of torque. This will be the primary engine for those who prefer non-turbocharged SUVs.
Both Armada and Patrol are equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear or all four wheels. A permanent four-wheel drive system with a lockable rear differential is available, enhancing the vehicle's off-road capabilities.
Exterior Design Similarities
From an appearance standpoint, the only way to distinguish the two vehicles is the yellow turn signal lights on the Armada, a requirement in North America. The rest of the design is virtually identical, including the available 22-inch wheels and colors. The Nissan Armada also offers a robust PRO-4X version, with a slightly redesigned body and all the off-road equipment. In the future, the Patrol may receive a similar version, possibly under a different name. A Patrol Nismo version focusing on performance modifications is also anticipated.
Interior: Patrol is More Distinctive
The Patrol and Armada both benefit from a range of technological and luxury features, nearing the more upscale Infiniti QX80. While Nissan has not specified the full lineup of the Patrol, it seems that the model is better equipped than the Armada. First and foremost, the Patrol comes standard with an advanced adaptive air suspension system that allows for adjustable ride height, facilitating entry and exit. This feature is only available in the PRO-4X and Platinum Reserve trims of the Armada, while base models feature a solid suspension.
The dashboard of the Patrol is equipped with dual 14.3-inch screens, while high-spec versions of the Armada feature dual 12.3-inch screens. Both vehicles benefit from the NissanConnect 2.0 infotainment system with Google Built-In, and a comprehensive ProPILOT ADAS package. The Patrol also offers an option for dual 12.8-inch screens for rear passengers, which is essential for buyers in the Middle East.
The panoramic roof is another standard feature in the Patrol and an option in the Armada. Both vehicles include a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio system, massage seats with 8-way adjustments, and cooling technology. The latter employs integrated infrared sensors to scan the body temperature of first and second-row passengers, optimizing climate control.
Availability
The Nissan Patrol will be available in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other markets in the Middle East starting November 1, 2024. Australia will also receive the Patrol, but potential buyers in Australia will have to wait until late 2026 to place their orders.
As for the Nissan Armada, sales in North America will begin in late 2024, with pricing to be announced closer to the launch of both models in their respective markets.
Adrian is an Editor. Psychology graduate with over 4 years in the automotive industry, 3 in front of the camera. Occasionally seen at his family owned tyre shop. He will only buy cars that pass the big bottle test.
