The Nissan Patrol is considered a legendary vehicle in the automotive world. Since its inception in 1951, it has endured over 70 years of development, gaining global popularity for its exceptional performance and luxurious quality, and has become the dream car for countless off-road enthusiasts. To date, this model has sold over 3.5 million units, making it one of Nissan's most successful vehicles.
Since its launch, the Patrol has been available in two chassis versions: a short-wheelbase (SWB) three-door model and a long-wheelbase (LWB) five-door model, the latter of which has also been expanded to include pickup and cab chassis variants. Over its history, the Patrol has been marketed under various names worldwide. For instance, from 1988 to 1994, Ford Australia rebranded it as the Ford Maverick; in Spain and other European countries, it was named the Ebro Patrol.
In the Japanese market, from 1980 onwards, it was sold at Nissan Prince Store outlets under the name Nissan Safari. In 2011, a model based on Patrol was introduced to the North American market as the luxury brand Infiniti QX56, later renamed to Infiniti QX80. In 2017, it was launched in North America as the Nissan Armada.
Globally, the Patrol's main competitor is the Toyota Land Cruiser. Its sales span across Australia, Central and South America, South Africa, select Southeast Asian countries, Western Europe, Iran, and the Middle East. In the Middle East, the Patrol particularly dominates the market. According to statistics, in 2022, Nissan Patrol's sales in the Middle East exceeded 100,000 units, maintaining its position as the best-selling SUV in the region for several years. In 2023, Patrol's global sales reached about 150,000 units, a 25% increase from the previous year, with the Middle East contributing over 120,000 units, while North American sales stood at around 20,000 units.
Exterior Design
The Nissan Patrol has finally reached its seventh generation after more than a decade. The evolution in its exterior design is quite striking. The style is now more graceful, with a three-dimensional approach to the front fascia, featuring a dual-layer V-motion grille enhanced with a matrix and decorative strip combination that delivers a more impactful aesthetic. The signature twin C-shaped headlights remain unchanged, maintaining their distinctive recognition. Furthermore, the front bumper has been redesigned with a protruded style, highlighting its rugged character.
Compared to the sixth-generation's extreme ruggedness, the new Patrol presents a softer side, removing the powerful waistline for a smoother visual effect, aligning more with contemporary aesthetics. Naturally, the roof rack, a key selling point for its practicality and storage capability, remains. The wheels vary with different models, available at 18, 20, and 22 inches.
The rear resembles an Infiniti, leaning towards a flat and wide design. The upper part features a sizable spoiler, with the taillights arranged in a circular layout connected by a horizontal silver decorative panel with the brand logo above, creating a strong sense of unity. Below, a robust bumper paired with a dual four-outlet exhaust layout adds a sense of power.
The vehicle dimensions are as follows: length 5,350 mm, width 2,030 mm, height 1,955 mm, with a wheelbase of 3,075 mm.
It’s noteworthy that the new Nissan Patrol also offers a Pro-4X model which is more focused on off-road capabilities. This variant not only features a more rugged front grille with red decorative elements but also comes equipped with specialized components such as front and rear bumpers, all-terrain tires, and an electronic rear differential lock to enhance its off-road performance.
Depending on the model, the configurations are:
APPROACH ANGLE (DEGREE): 32.0, 25.0, NORMAL: 24.5 / HIGH: 27.0
DEPARTURE ANGLE (DEGREE): 25.5, 25.0, NORMAL: 24.0 / HIGH: 27.0
RAMP BREAK OVER ANGLE (DEGREE): 24.0, 24.5, NORMAL: 23.0 /HIGH: 27.0
Interior and Comfort
The interior of the vehicle has undergone significant changes, the most noticeable being the addition of a dual screen, equipped with twin 12.3-inch displays, while high-end models have been upgraded to 14.3 inches. The coherent design of the dashboard, along with a neatly organized three-spoke steering wheel, and the spacious and flat area where the traditional gear lever used to be, elevate the Patrol's sense of space, setting it apart from its competitors in the same category.
The second-row seats in the high-end models are also equipped with dual entertainment screens, greatly enhancing both technological sophistication and driving experience. Below the central control screen, a full set of physical buttons is retained, which is quite essential for an off-road SUV.
What did I mean by a flat gear lever area? The Patrol has completely abandoned the traditional shifting method, adopting a piano button electronic shifter (PIANO BUTTON E-SHIFTER), which might require some readjustment for most people.
As for the seating arrangement, it is designed to accommodate 8 passengers in a 2+3+3 configuration.
Engine
According to the official website, the Nissan Patrol offers two powertrain options in the Middle East market.
The first is a 3.8-liter V6 naturally aspirated engine (VQ38), which delivers a maximum power of 316 horsepower and a peak torque of 386 Nm, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel drive system.
The other option is a 3.5-liter V6 Twin Turbo engine (VR35) which produces a maximum power of 425 horsepower and a peak torque of 700 Nm, also coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel drive system.
Features
In terms of technology, the new generation Patrol is generously equipped. The entire range comes standard with the Safety Shield 360 suite, offering comprehensive driver assistance systems, and higher trims are also equipped with the ProPILOT Assist 2.1 system.
Regarding safety features, the new Patrol has been meticulously developed. It includes an array of active safety systems such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning, providing all-round protection for drivers. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with multiple airbags, a vehicle stability system, and other passive safety devices to maximize passenger safety in the event of an accident.
Pricing
The new Nissan Patrol is available in nine different models, with prices ranging from SAR 269,999 to SAR 419,999.
Summary
After more than a decade, the new generation of the Patrol has undergone significant upgrades that extend beyond just its exterior and interior designs. The enhancements include a more advanced technological experience, the addition of higher-end intelligent driving features in the premium models, and a shift from a large displacement naturally aspirated engine to a 3.5L V6 turbocharged engine. This transition clearly shows Nissan's commitment and anticipation to boost the competitiveness of its products. So, the question arises—do you believe that this sort of generational change reflects genuine sincerity?
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.
