The Nissan Patrol has long been hailed as the undisputed king of the Kiwi backcountry, a rugged and dependable beast capable of conquering just about any terrain you throw at it. For 2025, the legend continues, but this time, the king has been fitted for a thoroughly modern crown. Nissan New Zealand has officially launched the MY25 Patrol, keeping its potent V8 heart but wrapping it in a completely revitalized cabin loaded with cutting-edge technology and premium comfort.
The Untamed Heart Still Beats
Let’s get one thing straight: the soul of the Patrol remains untouched. Under the bonnet lies the proven and potent 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine, a powerhouse that pumps out 298kW and a hefty 560Nm of torque. This power is channelled through a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and an Intelligent 4WD system, ensuring that whether you’re on the tarmac or far from it, progress is guaranteed. It’s the same fundamental capability that has made the Patrol an enduringly popular choice for adventurous New Zealand families.
A Throne Room Fit For The Digital Age
While the powertrain is familiar, the cabin experience is anything but. The majority of the MY25 updates have been laser-focused on the interior, addressing one of the few areas where the previous model was showing its age. The old dashboard has been swept away in favour of a new digital command centre. Dominating the space is a massive 12.3-inch central touchscreen that handles all your connectivity needs, including wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and in-built navigation.
Complementing this is a new 7.0-inch customisable TFT driver display, which puts key information like speed, efficiency, and navigation right in your line of sight. To complete the tech overhaul, Nissan has added a wireless device charging pad, a centre console cool box, and a premium 13-speaker BOSE stereo system, as New Zealand will receive the flagship Ti-L grade.
The interior aesthetic has also been elevated. Customers can now choose between two distinct schemes: a modern, minimalist black leather-accented layout with a carbon marble look, or a luxurious chestnut palette featuring quilted leather-accented seats and woodgrain highlights.
The All-Seeing Eye
Technology isn’t just for comfort; it enhances capability. Nissan is happy to announce the return of the 360° Intelligent Around-View Monitor, an invaluable tool for navigating tight spots. This system is now bolstered by a new Off-Road Monitor, which uses the high-definition screens to give you a clear view of what’s happening around the vehicle’s wheels when you’re off the beaten path. This is paired with a full suite of safety features, including Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Intervention, and Intelligent Emergency Braking.
Dressed For Any Occasion
Exterior changes are subtle, focusing on refining the Patrol’s powerful presence. A streamlined colour palette sees the striking new Desert Red Metallic join the existing options of Gun Metallic, Moonstone White, Brilliant Silver, and Black Obsidian.
As Nissan Oceania Managing Director, Andrew Humberstone, puts it, “The 2025 Patrol delivers improved cabin comfort, and technology that only enhances the drive experience whether you’re on- or off-road, without altering any of those core fundamentals”.
The 2025 Nissan Patrol Ti-L is set to arrive in New Zealand with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of NZ $118,990 +ORC. The king hasn’t been replaced; it has evolved, blending its legendary toughness with the modern luxury and technology it truly deserves.
