In a lot of parts of the world, big SUVs are used to haul stuff around -- ranging from jet skis, boats, motorcycles, camping equipment etc. In fact, one of the biggest selling points of 4x4s is their ability to tow large, heavy items without batting an eyelid. So in a world full of lightweight crossovers, tough body-on-frame SUVs are usually the ‘go-to’ choice for many buyers who are planning on taking more than just some suitcases on their next trip. In the Middle East, one of the prominent sights on the road is the Nissan Patrol. Introduced for the first time in the early 1950s, the Patrol is one of the best examples of what a true body-on-frame SUV should be - extremely capable, spacious cabin with three rows of seating, laden with technology and safety features.
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In the United Arab Emirates, the latest incarnation of the Nissan Patrol costs from between AED 195,000 to AED 377,000. So it’s clearly not a cheap purchase, though its immediate competitors in the segment aren’t much of a bargain, either. However, you do get to choose between many different variations in the line-up; from the entry-level XE trim with its 4.0-liter V6 to the range-topping Nismo which produces 428 horsepower from its 5.6-liter V8 -- there’s a Patrol for almost everyone. Regardless of the powerplant that’s under the hood, all Patrols sold in the UAE are fitted with a 7-speed automatic transmission and an electronically-controlled four-wheel-drive (4WD) system. Nissan has also been kind enough to equip the Patrol with a tow hook at the back, which is directly connected to this big bruiser’s steel frame.
According to Nissan, the Patrol is capable of towing up to 3,500 kilograms - that’s the equivalent of hauling two Sunny sedans and a grand piano. On top of all that, the Patrol itself tips the scales at over 2.7 tons. This means that a fully loaded Patrol that’s towing at its maximum capacity will register north of 6,000 kilograms! Thankfully, the Nissan Patrol is not only got a rigid body to handle the strain of all that pulling, but it’s also lugging around a powerful engine, well calibrated suspension and a really capable 4WD system. If you’re going to be towing a lot with your Patrol, then it makes total sense to go for one of the V8 equipped versions. The naturally-aspirated motor is quite modern as it comes with direct injection, variable valve timing and dual overhead camshafts. All this means you’ve at your disposal 400hp at 5,800 rpm and 560Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm - figures that show up at all the four corners with gusto.
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Despite its incredible bulk and less-than-ideal aerodynamics, if you gun the throttle, the Nissan patrol V8 will charge towards the horizon, dispatching 100 km/h in just over 6.5 seconds -- all the while emitting a throaty (and extremely pleasing) V8 growl. Keep that right foot pinned and you’ll soon be on your way to a top speed of around 200 km/h. Of course, further helping the Patrol to tow what it can and do so quite effortlessly is its immense 140-liter fuel tank and a computer-controlled Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC) suspension system. The former ensures that you don’t have to stop at gas stations too often (despite the V8’s 14.5 L/100 km average), while the latter prevents the massive SUV from diving too much into corners and lessens body roll, which is crucial especially when you’re hauling heavy loads behind you. However, what the Nissan Patrol lacks is a tow-friendly feature called Trailer Sway Control - something a few other full-size SUVs do have.
