We've all seen the reviews for the new seventh-gen Patrol. Now, it's time for some real-world testing. We're putting its acceleration, braking, noise, AC, and space to the test. With a fully redesigned exterior, interior, engine, transmission, and suspension, this is a completely new vehicle. How does it stack up? Let's not wait any longer and jump right into the review.

Nissan Patrol Overview

Nissan Patrol Exterior: The silhouette remains unchanged, with details refined.

With dimensions of 5350*2030*1945mm and a 3075mm wheelbase, the Nissan PatrolUAE Nissan PatrolKSA Nissan PatrolKuwait Nissan PatrolQatar Nissan PatrolBahrain Nissan PatrolOman Nissan PatrolEgypt Nissan Patrol is a full-size SUV. It measures approximately 20 cm longer than the Land Cruiser. One key factor behind this difference is that the Patrol's overall length includes its tow hooks. Without them, its body length would be just over 5.2 meters, which is very close to that of the Land Cruiser.

The standard NissanKSA NissanUAE NissanKuwait NissanOman NissanQatar NissanBahrain NissanEgypt Nissan Patrol's approach angle ranges from 25 to 32 degrees depending on the trim, with the departure angle between 25 and 25.5 degrees. The specific Titanium model we're testing has an approach angle of 25 degrees due to its city bumper, and a departure angle of 25 degrees. In contrast, the off-road-focused Pro-4X version offers significantly improved geometry, with a maximum approach angle of 34 degrees and a maximum departure angle of 27 degrees. Ground clearance varies from 244 mm to 253 mm across different versions, with our test vehicle featuring the maximum 253 mm clearance.

There are two key visual differences between the new-generation and previous-generation Nissan Patrol. Firstly, the new model does away with the two massive V-motion chrome accents on the grille. The presence of these large chrome bars on the front fascia instantly identifies the older model. Secondly, the new Patrol features dual C-shaped headlights that face one another, whereas the previous generation's C-shaped lights were oriented back-to-back.

If you see a "V6T" badge on the side of the new-generation Nissan Patrol, it indicates the vehicle is equipped with a 3.5L V6 twin-turbo engine, producing 425 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque. If no such badge is present, the vehicle is powered by a 3.8L V6 naturally aspirated engine, which delivers 316 horsepower and 386 Nm of torque. Both of these engines offer increased horsepower compared to their predecessors - the previous 4.0L V6 and 5.6L V8 engines respectively.

The rear end can also be used to distinguish between the new and previous generations by observing whether the dual C-shaped tail lights face each other or are arranged back-to-back. Overall, the new generation Patrol's design represents a series of refinements to the existing design language. It features numerous detailed changes, but the overall silhouette remains largely consistent with the previous model.

Nissan Patrol Cabin: A Focus on Simplicity and Technology

The interior of the new-generation Nissan Patrol represents a significant leap forward. Upon entering the cabin, you are immediately greeted by a seamless display composed of dual 14.3-inch screens. In the center console, the traditional gear lever has been replaced by modern push-button gear selection. Overall, the cabin feels more spacious and projects a far more tech-savvy aesthetic compared to the previous model.

The infotainment screen comes with built-in Google Maps and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Unfortunately, the native Google Maps application isn't particularly user-friendly. However, if you use Android Auto for navigation, the system seamlessly integrates the navigation data into the digital instrument cluster. This allows it to directly display turn-by-turn directions for the next maneuver, which is a highly commendable feature.

The cabin is almost entirely wrapped in leather, except for the center section which features a piano black finish, maintaining the Patrol's consistent standard for material quality.

Underneath this center console area, you'll find the drive mode selector. It offers modes for Eco, Normal, Sport, Sand, Rock, and Forest. The panel also includes dedicated buttons for 4H/4L and the differential lock.

The new-generation Nissan Patrol features push-button gear selection, contributing to a cleaner and more minimalist interior design.

Under the center console, there is a deep storage compartment. At its base is a wireless charger, designed to prevent your phone from sliding during driving.

The Nissan Patrol's center console contains a cool box with effective chilling performance. It can noticeably cool soft drinks within about 15 to 30 minutes. Additionally, the insulation around the cool box is well implemented. When opened, you can clearly hear the fan noise, but the sound becomes inaudible once the armrest lid is closed.

The Nissan Zero Gravity seats offer excellent comfort. They are wide and provide good support, with particularly effective lateral bolstering that holds you in place during sharp turns. The front seats are equipped with both ventilation and heating functions. Additionally, the Platinum trim includes massage seats.

Nissan Patrol Daily Driving: Chassis Balances Comfort and Control.

As mentioned previously, this vehicle is equipped with a 3.5L V6 twin-turbo engine producing 425 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque. This represents an increase of 25 hp and 140 Nm over the previous 5.6L V8. It is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, which offers two more gears than the outgoing model, and a full-time four-wheel drive system. Thanks to the turbocharged engine and the transmission with more gear ratios, the new-generation Patrol's official fuel consumption, particularly in city driving, is significantly lower than that of the previous 5.6L V8. However, this change may not necessarily translate to a better experience for everyday driving.

Under light throttle, this engine remains exceptionally quiet, and even under hard acceleration, the engine note is quite pleasant. However, the transmission isn't as impressive as it might seem. During Dubai's rush hour, driving at speeds between 30-60 km/h is common, and this 9-speed automatic transmission upshifts extremely aggressively—almost as if, with Dubai's fuel price hitting 7 AED/L, it's terrified of burning a single extra drop. When you need to accelerate, it downshifts abruptly, delivering a noticeable jerk like a sudden kick from behind. Then, the moment you ease off the throttle, it upshifts again. So, in stop-and-go traffic, you find yourself being repeatedly "kicked" by this relentless gear-hunting behavior.

When driving on smooth, open roads, this vehicle is simply perfect. With gentle throttle input, power is delivered in a smooth and linear manner. Combined with an exceptionally quiet engine and excellent cabin insulation, it's easy to find yourself exceeding the speed limit without even realizing it if you're not watching the instrument cluster.

In summary, as long as you don't use it for the daily commute, this vehicle's powertrain is flawless.

The Nissan Patrol's ride comfort is exceptionally well-tuned. Its comfort isn't achieved through a purely soft setup, but rather through an exceptional ability to isolate the cabin from the road surface. Riding in this vehicle feels like traveling on a high-speed train – quiet and stable. It filters out most road imperfections without being so soft that it induces excessive body float. Therefore, the sensation is closer to a high-speed train than a boat. I suspect the tires and bushings absorb the majority of minor vibrations, while the suspension works to keep the body stable. Furthermore, this vehicle is equipped with e-Damper (electronic dampers), which can adjust the damping force, and this feature undoubtedly contributes significantly to this refined experience.

The Nissan Patrol's handling is unexpectedly good. How tall is this vehicle? Let me put it this way: when I'm driving it, I look down on a Land Rover Range RoverUAE Land Rover Range RoverEgypt Land Rover Range RoverKSA Land Rover Range RoverBahrain Land Rover Range RoverKuwait Land Rover Range RoverOman Land Rover Range RoverQatar Land Rover Range Rover as if it were a RAV4. Common sense suggests that due to its high center of gravity, a vehicle like this shouldn't handle well at all. However, I must say the Patrol's handling is on par with that of a modern urban SUV.

This capability stems from its double-wishbone suspension setup at both the front and rear. A double-wishbone design inherently provides superior anti-roll performance compared to a MacPherson strut layout. The Patrol's suspension offers firm support, resulting in minimal body roll during sharp cornering. Similarly, body diving under braking is also very well controlled. Achieving this level of composure undoubtedly required significant effort and fine-tuning from Nissan's engineers during the development of the new-generation Patrol.

Patrol acceleration test: 5 pts / 7.51s

Based on our tests, the Patrol's best bidirectional 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 7.51 seconds. Its powertrain performance scores 5 points. This result is reasonable, as the 425 horsepower adequately propels this 2.7-ton vehicle.

Patrol braking test: 6 pts / 39.35m

In terms of braking performance, the Nissan Patrol is equipped with Yokohama GEOLANDAR X-CV series tires in size 275/60 R20. These are Yokohama's SUV tires designed primarily for on-road driving, meaning they would perform poorly in desert conditions.

Its shortest bidirectional 100-0 km/h braking distance is 39.35 meters. It received a braking performance score of 6 points.

Nissan Patrol Noise Test: 6.5 pts. A top performer among fuel-powered vehicles.

The Nissan Patrol has always been highly praised for its noise insulation capabilities. The current generation model features dual-layer laminated glass for the front windows and an all-new body structure, both contributing to a quiet cabin experience. Soundproofing throughout the vehicle body is exceptionally well-executed, as evidenced by the generous application of fuzzy sound-absorbing material in the rear wheel arches.

Based on our actual measurements, the noise level in the Nissan Patrol is 41.2 dB at idle, 52.2 dB at 60 km/h, 56.6 dB at 80 km/h, and 63.8 dB at 120 km/h.

In this segment, the Nissan Patrol received a score of 6.5 points.

Nissan Patrol Space Test: 8 pts - Surprisingly Roomy 3rd Row

The Nissan Patrol offers exceptional passenger space that reaches an extremely high level. Just how impressive is it? The Jetour T2Bahrain Jetour T2Egypt Jetour T2KSA Jetour T2Kuwait Jetour T2Oman Jetour T2Qatar Jetour T2UAE Jetour T2 is an SUV with decent interior space, but the Patrol's third row surpasses the T2's second row in both shoulder room and legroom. Short of a full-size MPV, you'd be hard-pressed to find more spacious accommodations than the Patrol. It received a passenger space score of 8 points—nearly the highest possible rating.

However, due to the Nissan Patrol's theater-style seating layout, the second-row Hip point is higher than the first row, and the third-row Hip point is higher than the second row. This results in progressively smaller headroom towards the rear. The advantage, however, is that both second and third-row passengers enjoy a clear, open view forward, reducing any sense of confinement.

Patrol trunk Space Test : 7 pts. Conventional capacity: 468L / Maximum capacity: 2349L.

The Nissan Patrol's cargo area has a height of 830mm, a width of 1310mm, and a depth of 430mm under normal conditions, offering a capacity of 468 liters. The cargo space is relatively limited in its standard configuration—if a family of eight travels with luggage, it will definitely not be enough.

However, with both rear rows of seats folded down, the cargo depth extends to 2160mm, increasing the total volume to 2349 liters.

In terms of cargo space, the Nissan Patrol received a score of 7 points.

Patrol A/C cooling test:Cools 19.3°C in 15 minutes.

Patrol Overall scores: 6.5 pts

Based on our comprehensive testing of the Nissan Patrol's acceleration, braking, noise levels, interior space, and other aspects, it achieved an average score of 6.5 points. The Patrol excels particularly in passenger space and noise insulation. Its 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds and braking distance of just over 39 meters represent competitive performance for a vehicle in this class. After all, even if the Patrol were capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just over 4 seconds, such extreme performance would be neither practical nor necessary when traveling with the whole family.

The Nissan Patrol is a well-rounded vehicle ideally suited for Middle Eastern users. It offers ample space and off-road capability, making it perfect for both family trips and adventurous off-roading. If you opt for the base variant, priced at over 200,000 AED, it may have less powerful performance and fewer comfort features, but it retains essential off-road ability and spaciousness. Moreover, the base model's bumper provides a better approach angle, making it more suitable for modifications and dedicated off-road use.

If your budget is slightly higher, paying more will get you better comfort features and more powerful performance. In terms of the balance between urban family use and off-road capability, the standard Patrol leans more toward city driving. If you're looking for a Patrol with stronger off-road performance, consider the Pro-4X version. This model comes with all-terrain tires and an air suspension system, which increases the approach angle to 34° and the departure angle to 27.5°, significantly enhancing its off-road capability.