2014 Nissan Patrol Review: Performance and Experience in Dubai

The 2014 Nissan Patrol has seen significant success this year, boasting a 45% growth in sales within the Dubai and Northern Emirates market, totaling around 4,500 units, according to Salah Yamout, Director of Sales and Marketing at Arabian Automobiles. One contributing factor could be the world record set by Nissan Patrol for pulling a Rus Aviation cargo plane. However, we suspected there were more reasons behind this surge in popularity. We took the facelifted 2014 Nissan Patrol out for a drive that included tests in high-altitude wadi and dune bashing. Our last road test of the 2013 Nissan Patrol was limited to desert trails, so we were eager to see what the new model had to offer.

Road Performance

The first leg of our drive took us on a 1.5-hour journey from Dubai to the Banyan Tree Resort in Ras al Khaimah. We chose the SE trim V8, one of the most popular models in the Patrol range. Driving a 5.6L V8 at high speed while listening to your favorite tracks is an experience like no other; with over 300 HP, it’s almost meditative. However, it's important to set up cruise control once on the highway, as pressing the gas pedal too hard can amplify CVT engine noise significantly. Overall, the driving experience is smooth and powerful, with excellent visibility from all angles despite the vehicle's large size.

Wadi Bashing Experience

For wadi bashing, we recommend Wadi Koob in Ras Al Khaimah, where we tested the Patrol’s capabilities. Our route included driving on gravel and navigating rocky mountain trails at higher altitudes, allowing us to evaluate the Patrol's hill climbing and descent abilities. We were significantly impressed as the Patrol navigated rocky terrain with ease. As a proper 4x4, it features 4 low and 4 high gears, along with Drive Modes for Road, Rock, Snow, and Sand. The Hill Descent function was particularly useful for safely descending steep rocky hills, maintaining traction and control, a crucial feature during rainy conditions when hills become slippery. Additionally, driving at high speeds on gravel allowed us to assess the suspension in Rock Mode, which surprisingly provided a smooth ride, unlike the rough suspensions found in other bare-bones 4WDs.

Desert Driving

After our road and wadi bashing experiences, we ventured into the dunes for some dune driving. Our previous positive experiences were reaffirmed as we effortlessly tackled the dunes using Sand Mode and 4 High gears. It’s evident why the Patrol is favored in the Middle East; it offers a more competitive price compared to the Range Rover, greater comfort than the Jeep Wrangler, and more power than the Toyota Land Cruiser. This combination creates a strong appeal for those seeking a balance between comfort, power, and price.

A Few Observations...

Rear Lights Change

Interestingly, one of the models in our drive was a 2013 Patrol featuring the old rear lights. We noted that the 2014 Patrol lacks LED lights in the rear, which were present in the 2013 model. Check out the images below:

2013 Nissan Patrol LED Rear Lights

2014 Nissan Patrol Rear Lights

We were curious about this design choice. According to Mohamed Akel, Communications Manager at Arabian Automobiles, customer feedback indicated a preference for non-LED rear lights to enhance visibility in desert conditions. What are your thoughts? Personally, we prefer the old lights, but we leave the final decision to you...

Interior Observations

Among the notable new interior updates is a fresh leather color option that resembles the hue of a desert dune at dusk, which we absolutely loved. The rear entertainment screens are conveniently mounted at the back of both front seats, ensuring rear visibility is not obstructed. In contrast, other SUVs, like the Honda Pilot, have screens that flip down from the roof, blocking the driver’s rear view.

Additionally, the second and third-row seats are equipped with A/C vents positioned at the top right of their windows, enhancing cooling efficiency compared to rear A/C vents located at knee level. Notably, the third-row legroom surpasses that of many full-size SUVs. One suggestion we have is to increase the size of the sunroof; currently, the Patrol features a small sunroof that extends only to the driver’s side, limiting the fun for kids in the back who love to stretch their hands out. A larger panoramic sunroof, akin to that of the Ford Edge or Hyundai Tucson, would make the Patrol even more family-friendly.