Review - 2023 Nissan Patrol

In its latest form, the Nissan Patrol is relatively unchanged, with the company holding off on any major revisions until a completely new model arrives, most likely in 2025.

Just how does the Nissan Patrol stack up in 2023, then, and does the ageing platform continue to hold its own against its major rivals? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

Nissan Patrol Competition

Starting Price: $84,900

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How Much Does It Cost?

Nissan’s MY23 Patrol lineup is priced from $84,900 for the entry-level Patrol Ti, with the step up to the Ti-L bringing the price to $97,600.

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change and do not include on-road costs.

How Much Can OnlineAuto Save You?

You could save money by getting one of OnlineAuto’s car buying agents to assist you in finding the greatest value model for you.

Nissan Patrol - WARRIOR (4x4) Specifications

What Features Does the Nissan Patrol Have?

Nissan’s entry-level Patrol Ti comes riding on a set of 18-inch alloys and picks up LED headlights, fog lights, a rear locking differential, leather upholstery with power-adjustable front seats, three-zone climate control, keyless entry & start, adaptive cruise control, surround-view monitor with parking sensors, an eight-seat layout and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto paired with a six-speaker sound system.

Stepping up to the Patrol Ti-L reverts to a seven-seat layout while adding a panoramic sunroof, a powered boot lift, roof rails, a refrigerated centre console, a digital rear-view mirror, heated & ventilated front seats, two 8.0-inch displays in the rear cabin and an upgraded 13-speaker Bose sound system.

Range Features:

• 18-inch alloys

• Eight seats

• LED headlights & fog lights

• Rear locking differential 

• Leather upholstery with power-adjustable front seats

• Adaptive cruise control 

• Surround-view monitor with parking sensors 

• 8.0-inch infotainment display

• Seven seats (Ti-L)

• Panoramic sunroof (Ti-L)

• Powered boot lift (Ti-L)

• Heated & ventilated front seats (Ti-L)

• 2 x 8.0-inch displays for rear seats (Ti-L)

• 13-speaker Bose sound system (Ti-L)

Is the Nissan Patrol Comfortable to Drive?

It’s no wonder the Nissan Patrol has become a go-to option for Australian road trippers, with its monstrous powertrain and immensely comfortable ride, it’s ready to go anywhere.

Power for the Patrol range comes supplied by a mammoth 5.6-litre V8 pushing out 298kW of power and 560Nm of torque to all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission that offers nice, smooth shifts.

The sheer amount of power is intoxicating, helping the heavyweight Patrol pick up speed impressively well, while the healthy torque figures give you enough push to tow hefty loads and conquer tough terrain.

Around town, there’s no hiding the sheer size of the Patrol, though Nissan has done well to give it some user-friendly touches that make it accessible to those commuting and squeezing into car parks.

Where the Patrol really shines, though, is on the open road where it chews up kilometres effortlessly, with the hardcore underpinnings soaking up the worst that Australian road conditions can dish up.

It feels heavy on the road, no doubt, though the Patrol isn’t sloppy in the corners and makes for a confidence-inspiring and incredibly comfortable long-distance cruiser that very much holds its own against the almighty LandCruiser 300.

What are the Nissan Patrol’s Off-Road and Towing Specs?

• Ground Clearance: 273mm

• Wading Depth: 700mm

• Approach Angle: 34.4 degrees (28 in Ti-L) 

• Rampover Angle: 24.4

• Departure Angle: 26.3 degrees 

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3500kg

Is it Fuel Efficient?

As you might imagine, Nissan’s 5.6-litre V8 isn’t a very fuel-efficient unit, though we imagine that buyers looking in this segment don’t have fuel economy figures atop their list of priorities.

For those wondering, the Nissan Patrol is rated at 14.4L/100km on a combined cycle, making it far thirstier than its major rivals that typically come powered by a more efficient turbo-diesel powertrain.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Designed with long-distance road trips as a main priority, the Nissan Patrol’s cabin is exceptionally spacious and comfortable, making for a super practical family wagon.

Up front, the driver and passenger pick up a tonne of headroom and a set of large, extremely comfortable seats that feel great under the bum on long hauls up and down the country.

The bulky centre console houses a storage tray behind the gear lever, a retractable storage area, a large folding armrest and door bins, sunglasses holder that are happy to eat up loose items.

While the design itself and, most notably the technology package is showing some serious signs of age, it remains exceptionally comfortable and practical for large Australian families.

This means the second row of the Patrol’s cabin offers a heap of room for passengers, with no issues for leg or headroom even for tall adults sitting in the rear.

One thing to keep in mind with the layout itself is that the base Ti is offered as an eight-seater, while the range-topping Ti-L drops back to a seven-seater.

This gives the Patrol’s third row a bench for three in the base model, with just enough width in the cabin to accommodate three kids and teenagers, though not a trio of adults.

Finally, boot space figures stand at a very healthy 467L with all three rows of seats standing, offering more than enough real estate for a decent load of shopping and school bags, while folding the third row opens up 1413L of storage.

Is it Safe?

The Nissan Patrol has not been awarded an official ANCAP safety rating, though it comes well-equipped with safety kit to keep buyers happy.

The entry-level Patrol Ti comes packaged with autonomous emergency braking and collision warnings, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist and lane-departure alerts, a surround-view monitor with front & rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alerts adaptive cruise control and curtain airbags throughout the cabin.

Our Verdict: Is the Nissan Patrol Worth it?

While the Patrol is showing some serious signs of age, the platform itself remains one of the most impressive, versatile, spacious and practical packages you can get your hands on.

Whether you’re looking to head out and circumnavigate Australia, or simply get its toes dirty on some weekend adventures, the Nissan Patrol remains ready for anything you can throw at it.

If you’re tossing up your best options in the world of large, 4x4 wagons, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying specialists who can help find you the best possible price.

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty 

2. No official ANCAP safety rating 

3. 5.6-litre V8 (298kW/560Nm) with seven-speed automatic 

4. 4x4 system with rear locking differential 

5. 14.4L/100km combined cycle fuel economy figures