No matter where you are in the world, you’ll know that it hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing for Nissan this year. On the flipside, this is arguably the best time for the brand to return to its roots and use its history to shape the future. And from the stables of Nissan, there have been fewer more significant nameplates than the Patrol.
First seen in 1951, the menacingly named Patrol has traveled the globe in many different guises and occasionally under other badges too but there’s no denying that it is the one vehicle that comes to mind when you think of ‘peak Nissan’. Growing up in Uganda, the Patrol was one of a few vehicles that was well suited to all varieties of terrain on offer and seeing one also meant that you were best served to stay away from its path. Although the vehicles of old were more off road focused with a lesser priority on luxury, today’s day and age though commands a different sort of SUV when it comes to this category. These large SUVs need to be equally as capable off road as they are comfortable on it, a unique challenge.
However, set aside the Patrol’s intimidating presence and you get a proper old school off roader that’s also quite refined. In this V8 guise, it’s dressed up in polished chrome and new LED light signatures. For a vehicle like this, there’s plenty of both to go around. Measuring in at 5.175m long, 1.995 wide and 1.940m tall, it won’t fit into most garages but then again this was not a vehicle designed for tiny urban centres, I won’t say the Patrol hides its size well because it doesn’t but that’s beside the point for a vehicle like this, it isn’t meant to be friendly or approachable. Instead, its strong suit has always been in offering a commanding stature whether stationary or in motion. Safe to say that this generation Patrol is no different to its predecessors in that regard.
Our review model was painted in the aptly named ‘Gun Grey’ which compliments the chrome accents well. Boomerang LED taillights and a chunky bumper complete the look at the rear. While parking can be difficult due to its size, the upside is the space it offers on the interior.
The Patrol is by no means a pseudo seven seater because it will actually seat seven and in comfort too. Big windows all around and boxy dimensions mean that there is no shortage of light or access within the vehicle. Nissan have done their part too when making sure that all the occupants are seated in comfort. The seats are upholstered in leather, heated and ventilated for the front two while the middle row gets heating. Our review model also came with ‘Chestnut’ interior trim which added a faux wood look to further elevate the feeling of luxury in the cabin. And if you club luxury with quality, the Patrol delivers there too with the interior being well screwed together.
The whole car feels robust and while you may feel like you can conquer all, a suite of safety systems ensures that you don’t have to worry about such events. However, if you are confronted with a sudden change in terrain, the twist of a dial will see the Patrol go from a luxe urban SUV to a proper old school off roader.
Before it donned the chrome, leather and wood trim, the Patrol nameplate belonged to an all conquering machine but despite this model’s upmarket looks, it still remains true to its roots. Four basic modes are present as visible above but there is also the ability to lock the differentials and adjust the gearbox ranges (high and low). Especially when adjusting the gearbox and differentials, you can make out the mechanics of it all working under you, it’s refreshing since cars these days tend to alienate the driver from such feelings.
However, when you aren’t dune bashing, rock crawling or anywhere in between, the Patrol is actually quite civil on road. Credit goes towards its engine for that, the 5.6L V8 unit is buttery smooth and barely breaks a sweat when bringing this mammoth of a vehicle up to speed. There really is no replacement for displacement! While its purpose in the car is more to do with a refined drive, mash the pedal and the V8 can be brutish. Watch your cold starts too as it lets out a thundering bellow when awoken, the kind that will wake your neighbours. After all, it does dish out 298kW of power and 560Nm of torque, both of which meet the wheels through a traditional torque converter automatic transmission. Towing is a breeze too with a braked rating of 3.5 tonnes!
Because the powertrain is so masterfully engineered, the V8 never feels like its straining. Instead, highway speeds come up with ease and loading the car up seems to make little difference to the engine. When you’re not being silly with the accelerator, the power unit barely makes its presence heard. It offers a subtle but reassuringly powerful hum when trundling along the motorway. The power on tap means that despite its size, the Patrol never feels cumbersome to drive. Quick darts in and out of traffic are achieved without stress. Although if you a gap in traffic isn’t making itself available, the Patrol’s presence along will create one.
While behind the wheel of one, you will notice that motorists offer you way a lot more often and don’t tend to cut you off etc, people don’t really tend to mess with Patrol drivers in many countries around the globe, for good reason too! Even though the big Nissan has enough power to handle itself, it’s not a sportscar so there is body roll and all but really that should be expected for a big vehicle like this. Even so, the Patrol is surprisingly nimble!
The Verdict
My time with the Patrol was a surprise. Yes, it may have been inconveniently big when trying to park in the city and passersby were likely making character judgements about my manhood but aside from the that, the V8 Nissan was very comfortable on the road. Its smooth power delivery and solid build quality meant that there wasn’t much that could phase it. While small and medium size SUVs are all the range now, a big old off-roader like this still has its in place in the market and the fact that this still offers a V8 engine makes it one of the world’s wonders.
2025 Nissan Patrol Ti-L V8: 4/5
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Words by Matthew D’Souza, images courtesy of Dave McLeod.
