The current Patrol is very much a blast from the past in every sense; essentially the last man standing in the big naturally aspirated petrol V8-powered ladder chassis-based luxo SUV segment, it remains not only an endangered species, but it is also on the way out itself with a new twin-turbo V6-powered replacement due in the next 12 months or so.
So is driving the Patrol in 2025 a “this is when they used to make good cars” experience or a “wow, we’ve come a long way…” one? Well, it’s a bit of both really.
The Patrol oozes the sort of effortless grunt, comfort and charm a big, V8-powered ladder chassis SUV always traditionally has, with that superb big luxury truck feel that always made them so satisfying to cruise in, but that has become increasingly rare as even big SUVs have become more agile and car-like.
This is, of course a double-edged sword, with the Patrol having the same lumbering dislike of actually going around corners that has also become tradition in the segment, with its compliant, wafting ride also translating into a fair degree of wallowing when you really start pushing it. Best not to, really.
A big part of the appeal of the traditional large V8 SUVs has always been the V8 bit, with the rumble of a V8 always being the perfect soundtrack to your big truck. However, while the Patrol has the prodigious mid-range push of a V8, it pretty much lacks anything in the way of an aural equivalent of that - sadly the V8 sounds more like a distant V6 than a big, bellowing V8 and, while it is genuinely refined and civilised, it is just a bit too subdued to bring a smile to your face.
The same actually goes for performance, with the 298kW/560Nm V8 being strong and willing, but a bit underwhelming in the era of V8s with turbos and electric boosts attached to them. Yes, it pushes the Patrol long at a more than adequate rate, but it doesn’t do it with any character. Or exhilaration.
Luckily, however, this subdued noise and reserved character plays nicely into the Patrol’s luxury side, being very much a strong, silent type with a confident, low key luxury to it.
It is, or course, utterly enormous, even by the standards of the segment, so interior space is generous, with masses of leg, shoulder and head room throughout. The boot is cavernous and even the centre console swallows a huge amount of odds and ends.
Yes, the Patrol feels like an old vehicle in 2025, but Nissan has done enough to keep it at least in spitting distance of the modern competition.
While the cabin is generously slathered in leather and wood, with a genuinely high-end feel, it does have a slight vibe of an old design that has had new stuff added into it, much in the style of the old Toyota Prado’s dash that increasing grew more tower-block like as Toyota stacked stuff up over the years.
The Patrol isn’t exactly that blatant, and does actually have a new interior, but the layout just feels like obvious compromises have been made to fit the new stuff in. It is, however, immensely comfortable and genuinely packed with modern features and tech.
The Bose premium audio system is an absolute banger, with huge sound that actually kind of makes up for the V8's lack of aural charm, while the big leather heated and ventilated armchairs that feature power adjustment (10-way driver and 8-way passenger) are superbly comfortable.
Tri-zone climate control, a centre console cool box, a big 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, rear USB charging ports, LED headlights, DRLs and taillights, and an off-road monitor system all help keep the Patrol up to date with competitors in the segment, as does a full suite of safety and driver assists that includes all the expected standards, such as emergency brake assist, forward collision warning, lane departure warning and intervention, blind sport warning and rear cross traffic alert.
Yes, the Patrol feels like an old vehicle in 2025, but Nissan has done enough to keep it at least in spitting distance of the modern competition, with the added appeal of that traditional big V8 that is so good for towing. It’s just a shame that it isn’t a bit more vocal, which would only add to that old-school appeal.
How much is the Nissan Patrol Ti-L?
The 2025 edition of the Patrol clocks in at $118,990, and while this is quite a lot for a relatively elderly vehicle that is due for replacement very shortly, it is actually significantly cheaper than its direct competitors.
It's most direct competitor is the twin-turbo V6-powered Toyota Land Cruiser 300 ($139,990 to $159,990) that costs considerably more, while other large V6 or V8-powered luxurious ladder chassis 4X4s come from considerably further up the food chain, with the likes of the Land Rover Defender 110 starting at $128,000 for a basic diesel six model before leaping up to $180k-plus for V8-powered models.
What are the key statistics for the Nissan Patrol Ti-L?
The Patrol is powered by Nissan's smooth and refined 5.6-litre petrol V8 hooked up to an equally slick 7-speed automatic transmission. The engine pumps out a healthy 298kW of power and 560Nm of torque to all four wheels, with a rear limited slip differential with an electronic locking function.
Is the Nissan Patrol Ti-L efficient?
Oh, no. But then you don't particularly expect it to be. Nissan claims a combined WLTP figure of 16.2l/100km. for the Patrol, but actually seeing that would likely take a supernatural amount of right foot will power. Closer to 20 in an urban environment is likely, dropping below that with a lot of open road running.
Is the Nissan Patrol Ti-L good to drive?
That depends on what you consider 'good'. Is it relaxed, comfortable and plush? Absolutely. Is it agile, responsive and engaging? Absolutely not. The Patrol is a big, old-school V8 SUV that wafts along serenely on the open road and then comes over all floppy at the very thought of a corner. Don't hammer in and you'll be fine and completely unflustered.
Is the Nissan Patrol Ti-L practical?
Well, it's enormous. There's no shortage of space for hauling the whole family and all the gear they could want to take in the Patrol, while the cabin is absolutely littered with hooks, cubbies, holders and other conveniences. The boot is, of course, enormous too, with 550 litres available with all three rows of seating in place, 1413 litres with the third row folded down and more than 3000 litres with all the rear seats folded down.
What do we like about the Nissan Patrol Ti-L?
It is superbly comfortable and refined, with a wafting ride and a serene nature. It is effortless to live with and supremely satisfying to cruise along in.
What don’t we like about the Nissan Patrol Ti-L?
It does feel rather old in a lot of ways, but this will certainly appeal to some people. It also has a rather prodigious thirst that you don't even get a good V8 rumble trade-off for...
What kind of person would the Nissan Patrol Ti-L suit?
Someone who wants a very traditional old-school ladder chassis SUV powered by a big petrol V8, free of any turbos or battery assists. And given the new turbo V6 one will be bigger, heavier and, according to early reviews out of Europe, almost as thirsty as the V8, it could be a good bet to grab one now while you can.
