Facelifted Nissan Patrol arrives

The facelifted 2020 Nissan Patrol is now available in Australia, priced from $75,990 plus on-road costs.

The realigned pricing represents an increase of just over $3000 at base level, but the upgraded Patrol brings new technologies including more driver aids, plus recalibrated suspension and two distinctive new front-end designs.

The extra-big Japanese off-road SUV now comes standard across the range with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), something that’s reserved for the top-shelf Sahara version of its only direct competitor, the popular Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series (and its Lexus LX cousin).

The big eight-seat Nissan also remains significantly cheaper than the Toyota LandCruiser, which is priced from between $80,190 for the GX and $123,590 for the Sahara.

The 2020 Nissan Patrol continues with a two-variant model range, opening with the Ti ($75,990 plus ORCs) and closing with the top-spec Ti-L ($91,990 plus), the latter up by just over $2000.

When the new Y62-series Patrol was first launched in Australia in 2013, pricing started at around $115,000 – until the brand sliced $27,000 off the sticker price in 2015.

Powerplant options remain limited to just one petrol engine – a 298kW/560Nm 5.6-litre V8 matched to a seven-speed automatic transmission with low-range transfer case in the circa-2700kg 4WD. So there is still no answer for the V8 turbo-diesel that now powers the LandCruiser 200 Series exclusively.

Although Nissan’s current Y62 Patrol dates back almost a decade to 2010 (2013 in Australia), it second facelift since 2017 brings a more angular and contemporary front-end appearance via new headlights with LED daytime running lights.

The 2020 Nissan Patrol's headlights comprise 52 LEDs while the new tail-lights get 44 LEDs – and there are LED fog lights too.

There are significant differences between the front-end designs of each model grades, with the entry-level Nissan Patrol Ti intended to present sporty visuals and the top-spec Ti-L designed to have a squarer, more premium look.

To that end there are two distinctly different new front bumpers and grilles, while the bonnet and front wheel-arches are also new.

The doors and roofline remain unchanged but the rear bumper and tail-lights have been resculpted to align with the more modern front-end styling.

Nissan says the Patrol’s all-round coil-sprung double-wishbone suspension system has been retuned to deliver a more comfortable ride.

The dampers have been tweaked and the hydraulic body motion control (HBMC) system continues to be its answer to the LandCruiser's kinetic dynamic suspension system (KDSS).

HBMC uses a pair of cross-linked hydraulic systems that work with the adaptive dampers to enhance cornering, improve off-road capability and smooth out corrugated surfaces for better ride comfort.

Also returning for active duty is Nissan's Intelligent 4WD system, which together with a dual-range transfer case (2.679:1 in low range) offers several modes accessed at the twist of a dial near the gear shifter. We're talking 4H, 4L, sand, snow, rock, on road and auto modes.

An electronic rear diff lock, off-road monitor, hill descent control with on/off switch and hill start assist are also part of the package.

The 5552cc V8 is hooked-up to a seven-speed automatic transmission that drives all four-wheels and the big rig can tow a braked trailer weighing up to 3500kg.

Fuel consumption remains rated at 14.4L/100km.

Unlike the exterior, the interior is relatively unchanged, with the same steering wheel and centre stack controls.

Despite the higher pricing, Nissan says both 2020 Patrol model variants – Ti and Ti-L – now offer better value because they’re fitted with more standard features.

Nissan has upgraded the Patrol's advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), with both grades now fitted with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), rear cross-traffic alert and intelligent forward collision warning as standard.

Both Nissan Patrol models can now go, stop and turn semi-autonomously thanks to the fitment of adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and intelligent lane intervention. Blind-spot warning and intelligent blind-spot intervention are also part of the ADAS package.

Range-wide standard equipment includes three-zone climate-control (with improved cooling performance, says Nissan), remote keyless entry, push-button start, auto-folding and heated door mirrors, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Satellite-navigation with 3D mapping and an 8.0-inch colour touch-screen infotainment display with around-view 360-degree parking camera are also included, as is a self-dimming rear-view mirror.

The Patrol Ti has an eight-seat layout, while the Patrol Ti-L has a seven-seat set-up, but both models feature leather-accented upholstery.

The Patrol Ti-L moves ahead with additional equipment such as a sunroof, heated/cooled front seats, a front centre cool box (read: fridge) and a 13-speaker stereo in lieu of the six-speaker set-up on the Ti.

The Patrol Ti-L adds a pair of 8.0-inch entertainment screens for second-row passengers, complete with headphones and remote control, along with an intelligent digital rear-view mirror that displays a camera-fed view from behind the vehicle.

Six exterior colours are offered with the facelifted Patrol, including two new colours – Galaxy Gold and Hermosa Blue – and like all Nissan models it is now backed by a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

In a two-horse race with the LandCruiser, the Nissan Patrol has increased sales by a whopping 45 per cent in the last 12 months, from 1065 sales to 1552 so far this year.

But in the upper-large SUV segment it still commands a measly 11.5 per cent segment share. The Toyota LandCruiser commands an 88.5 per cent share with 11,906 sales.

Nevertheless, Nissan is confident the facelifted model will continue to erode the biggest Toyota’s market dominance.

"We are excited to have the new Nissan Patrol on sale. It has made significant gains in its segment," said Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester, who added that the new model is "already driving buyer enquiries".

"We have seen a marked improvement in Patrol sales through our strong dealer sales performance, and we expect to see Patrol sales continue to rise," said Lester.

Indeed, with a new LandCruiser 300 Series still at least 18 months away, Nissan's big eight-seat SUV stands a strong chance of increasing its market share.

An all-new, next-generation Patrol is in the works but isn’t expected until at least 2022. In the meantime, the Y62 could get an Aussie-developed 'Warrior' tough-truck upgrade, creating a hard-core version of the supersized mud-slinging tow tug for the local market.

How much does the 2020 Nissan Patrol cost?
Nissan Patrol Ti – $75,990
Nissan Patrol Ti-L – $91,990
* Prices exclude on-road costs