Nissan updates Patrol

Nissan Australia has released an upgraded version of its big Patrol off-road SUV, which is now priced from $71,990 plus on-road costs — $2000 more than before.

The changes are mostly cosmetic, including a new front bumper with revised grille featuring horizontal metallic bars and new fog light housings (similar to the US-market Nissan Armada pictured here).

A new set of 18-inch alloy wheels complete the exterior upgrades, while inside there’s an updated infotainment system with “more intuitive” multi-touch panel, two USB charging points at the rear of the centre console and double the number of front and rear sensors (now four at both ends) to make parking easier.

Finally, the range-topping Patrol Ti-L, which also increases in price by $2000 (to $88,990 plus ORCs), scores larger 8.0-inch screens built into the back of the front seat head restraints.

“The changes to Nissan Patrol are sure to attract Patrol devotees and be appealing to new large SUV buyers,” said Nissan Australian managing director Stephen Lester.

There are no changes to the Patrol’s 298kW/560Nm 5.6-litre petrol V8, matched to a seven-speed automatic transmission and dual-range four-wheel drive system as standard.

With the old (Y61) Patrol now discontinued, there’s still no sign of diesel power or a smaller petrol engine for the Y62 Patrol, which remains years away from being replaced by an all-new model potentially sharing its platform with a new Mitsubishi Pajero.

Other standard Patrol features also remain, such as Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC) suspension, an 8.0-inch colour infotainment touch-screen with 3D sat-nav mapping, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, push-button start, climate-control and a full-size alloy spare wheel.

Standard safety equipment includes dual front, side and full-length curtain airbags, but the top-spec Ti-L adds Blind Spot Warning and Intervention (BSW & BSI), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Distance Control Assist (DCA) and Lane Departure Warning and Prevention (LDW & LDP).

2018 Nissan Patrol pricing (plus ORCs):
Patrol Ti — $71,990 (+$2000)
Patrol Ti-L — $88,990 (+$2000)