If you’re from the UAE, you live here, or you’ve visited in the past, you’re bound to have noticed an uncountable number of Nissan Patrols around the country. Is it their bulletproof reliability or their proposition as the perfect all-rounder that makes them so very popular? Let’s find out…
Exterior
Unlike the boxy exterior of its predecessors, the Y60 and Y61 generation models, the new Patrol flaunts a much more aggressive and commanding aura. The generous amount of chrome turns heads while lending it a touch of sophistication and maturity. With large 20-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lights and a bold design, the Patrol will get you noticed around town, even if there are several more around you at a stop light.
Interior
Spaciousness, roominess, and every other word that can possibly be used to describe an expanse of open space, falls short of doing justice to the Patrol’s cabin. Luxurious appointments are complimented with wood trim along the center console, dashboard, and door panels, with supple leather sealing the impression of a luxury SUV.
Features
Arguably the weakest link in the Patrol’s package is its feature set, not for the fact that it lacks features, but because of how dated the technology truly is. For instance, the 8-inch infotainment screen that adorns the dashboard was a great addition in 2010 when the sixth-generation model was launched, but eight years later, it looks small and the graphics fail to meet expectations.
Other tech bits that make up the Patrol’s spec sheet include a tri-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, ventilated driver and passenger seats, a cool box located inside the central storage area, 360-degree cameras, and a rear-view mirror that doubles into a rear camera should the cabin be loaded with passengers / cargo obstructing the driver’s view of what’s going on behind them.
Drive
The King of all terrains, the Nissan Patrol is an integral part of the UAE’s landscape both on and off the road. Fitted with a thumping 5.6-liter V8 engine, it’s good for 400 horsepower and a sand dune annihilating 560 Nm of torque. For those who aren’t in need of all that thrust, there is a smaller engine available with a 4.0-liter V6 making its way into the line-up.
The 7-speed automatic transmission that channels power to all four corners is smooth and allows drivers to take manual control – a blessing when veering off the tarmac. Terrain options include Sand, Snow, On-Road, and Hill, with each one making subtle alterations to the responsiveness of the accelerator pedal and the speed with which the transmission shuffles through cogs.
Verdict
Nissan refers to the Patrol as a fusion of luxury and performance, and after spending just a few days with this SUV parked up my driveway, I couldn’t agree more. It is a great daily runner, it fits the family well, is an absolute monster off-road, and commands more respect than most supercars in the UAE. While it’s difficult to pinpoint the drawbacks of the Patrol, I’m sure I’m not alone in saying we’d like to see newer technology, a panoramic roof, and possibly a more modern design for the steering too. If you’re set on purchasing the Patrol, you won’t be disappointed. It has great resale value, relatively low maintenance costs, and being a Nissan, spare parts are dime a dozen.
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