Nissan Patrol VS Infiniti QX30
Nissan Patrol
Likes
- Big V8
- Very comfortable on-road
- Very capable off-road
Dislikes
- Price jump
- Bit thirsty
- No ANCAP safety rating
Infiniti QX30
Likes
- Attractive, unusual crossover
- Rides and handles well
- Comfortable interior
Dislikes
- Really? No rear view camera at nearly $50,000?
- Not a big back seat
Summary
Nissan Patrol
The Nissan Patrol has copped flak in recent years because it hasn’t kept pace with its rivals in terms of modernity, specifically its in-cabin look, design and multimedia systems.
The new Y63 Nissan Patrol is due to go on sale in Australia before the end of 2025, but in the meantime, Nissan has upgraded the current-generation Patrol in an attempt to address those issues.
The Patrol range now has, among other things, an upgraded multimedia system with a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen, a 15W wireless smartphone charge pocket, Hema off-road mapping and it finally has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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There was a lot to like about the Patrol before this upgrade. Depending on the variant, you get seven or eight seats, a stack of standard features and this 4WD is a proven touring and towing platform. But has this latest range refresh given the Patrol even more appeal?Â
Read on.
Safety rating | — |
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Engine Type | 5.6L |
Fuel Type | — |
Fuel Efficiency | 14.4L/100km |
Seating | 7 seats |
Infiniti QX30
Tim Robson road tests and reviews the 2016 Infiniti QX30 at its Australian launch with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.
There’s no doubt that the compact crossover segment is a vitally important place for any carmaker to be. Nissan’s luxury arm, Infiniti, is no different, and thanks to a decision from its Japanese masters, the diminutive premium brand will go from having no players on the field to having two marquee players in a matter of just a few months.
The architecturally identical front-wheel-drive Q30 launched only a month ago in three variants, and now it’s the turn of the all-wheel-drive QX30 to take to the pitch.
But is there enough of a difference between the two to actually consider them different cars? Is it adding a layer of complexity for the prospective Infiniti customer? As it turns out, the differences run more than skin deep.
Safety rating | |
---|---|
Engine Type | 2.0L turbo |
Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded Petrol |
Fuel Efficiency | 6.9L/100km |
Seating | 5 seats |
Verdict
Nissan Patrol7.6/10
The Nissan Patrol is nice to drive on-road for a big 4WD wagon – it’s refined, it’s comfortable – and it’s a very capable 4WD.
This is a proven touring and towing platform – and the upgraded multimedia system brings the Patrol up to date and adds a much-needed tech boost to the package.
There’s a lot to like about the V8 and though the Patrol’s interior still feels old, if you can’t wait for the next-gen Patrol this upgraded version might be just right for you.
At this price, though, the Premcar-enhanced Warrior is the better bet.
Infiniti QX306.9/10
Even though it’s almost identical to the Q30, the QX30 manages to feel sufficiently different in suspension tune and cabin ambiance to be considered different.
It’s a disappointing oversight, though, by Infiniti to deny the base GT such basic safety fundamentals as a rear view camera (which Infiniti assures us is being worked on).
Would you consider the QX30 over similar rivals? Tell us what yout think in the comments below.
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Design
Nissan Patrol
The Nissan Patrol is 5175mm long (with a 3075mm wheelbase), 1995mm wide, 1955mm high and it has a kerb weight of 2861kg.
This bulky wagon takes up plenty of real estate and looks as impressive as you’d imagine rolling thunder to look on the road.
Though the range upgrades have mostly been limited to the multimedia system, that’s fine because – until the new Patrol arrives – the current Patrol has more than enough presence at rest and on the move to catch the eye, and not simply because of its sheer bulk.
Whereas the 300 Series has become a bit softer around the edges and, gulp, more contemporary, this generation Patrol at least retains some of the heavy-shouldered stature of 4WDs past.
Its interior, though slightly different to that of pre-upgrade versions, remains comfortably familiar, and I like it.
But even with new the tech offerings and the introduction of a few concessions to our charge-hungry generation, the Patrol’s cabin still feels old. I don’t mind it, but I’m sure there are some people who reckon the next generation can’t arrive soon enough.
Infiniti QX307/10
The QX30 is one of the first projects to result from a technology partnership formed between the parent company of Mercedes-Benz and the Nissan-Renault Alliance.
In a sign of how worldly the car industry is becoming, the QX30 is built in Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the UK, using the German Mercedes-Benz A-Class platform and powertrains, all under Sino-French ownership via the Nissan-Renault Alliance.
On the outside, the design that first aired on the Q30 is pretty unique. It’s not a subtle car, with deep crease lines along its sides that, according to Infiniti, is an industry first in terms of manufacturing complexity.
When it comes to differences between the two vehicles, it’s minimal at best. There is a 35mm increase in height (30mm from taller springs and 5mm from roof rails), an extra 10mm in width, and extra trims affixed to the front and rear bumpers. Aside from the all-wheel-drive underpinnings, that is pretty much it for the exterior.
The same black plastic overfenders that are fitted to the Q30 are present on the QX30, with 18-inch rims on both the base model GT and the other variant, the Premium.
The dimensions of the QX30 are also an exact match for those on the Mercedes-Benz GLA, with the long front overhang acting as the main visual connection between the two cars.
Practicality
Nissan Patrol
The Patrol cabin is plush and comfortable, a nice blend of premium and practical.
Up front, it’s a well-appointed space – leather everywhere, as well as soft-touch, padded and durable surfaces – and the fit and finish is impressive.
You get a 10.1-inch touchscreen multimedia system (with wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), digital radio, steering-wheel-mounted everything and the front seats are power-adjustable (10-way for the driver, eight-way for the passenger).
There are plenty of storage spaces up front – including a deep centre console that can be used as a cooler box, little nooks for your wallet/keys/etc, as well as pop-out cupholders and door pockets. As well as enough USB points (USB-C, USB-A and a wireless charge pocket) to keep your devices powered up.Â
There are four 12V outlets (front, centre console, second row and rear luggage area).
The second row is very comfortable; when I sat behind my driving position I had head, shoulders and leg room. The second-row seats are a 60/40 split-fold configuration, with manual recline and fold function and a fold-down centre armrest.
For baby capsules or child seats, the two outer seats in the second row include a top tether point and ISOFIX anchors.
There are cupholders in the fold-down armrest as well as controls for the air con and two USB ports on the back of the centre console.
The third row is a 60/40 split-fold configuration with manual recline and fold function. There is one top tether anchorage point.
In terms of third-row seating comfort, it’s okay. There’s room enough for a Hobbit like myself, but the seats are flat and unsupportive.
All three rows get air con – there are roof-mounted vents – and there are a few handy storage spaces in the third row, but no cupholders.Â
With the third-row seats in use boot space is listed as 467L. With the third row stowed away, there’s a claimed 1413L of cargo space. With the second and third rows stowed, there’s a claimed 2623L, which is plenty.
Infiniti QX306/10
The QX30 is obviously very similar to the Q30 in many respects, but the interior is slightly different, with larger, less cosseting seats up front and slightly higher seats in the rear.
The cabin is also lighter in overall appearance, thanks to a paler colour palette.
There are plenty of neat inclusions, including a pair of USB ports, plenty of door storage, a space for six bottles and a sizable glove box.
A pair of cupholders resides up front, along with a pair in the fold-down armrest in the rear.
There is no particularly logical location for the storage of smartphones, though, and the lack of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is down to Infiniti opting for its own phone connectivity suite.
A decent 430 litres of luggage space behind the rear seats is contrasted by a cramped rear area for all but the smallest of passengers, while sharply shaped rear door apertures making getting in and out a bit of an ask.
There are two ISOFIX baby seat points and a 12-volt socket in the rear, as well.
Price and features
Nissan Patrol
The Ti-L has a manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of $101,600, excluding on-road costs.
One of its chief rivals, the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series Sahara, has a price-tag of approx. $138,191, before on-road costs, so right there is a saving of almost $40,000.
The new price-tag means buyers are forking out $3000 more for the new gear over a standard non-upgraded Patrol.
Standard features now include the new 10.1-inch touchscreen multimedia system (with wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), digital radio, built-in navigation, a 15W wireless smartphone charge slot, as well as three-zone climate-control, front and rear parking sensors and a power-operated tailgate.
It also has 10-way driver seat with power slide/recline/height/tilt/lumbar adjustment, driver’s seat memory (with two settings, including side mirrors and steering column), eight-way front passenger seat (with power slide/recline/height adjustment) and heated/cooled front seats.
Again, compared with Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series Sahara, the Patrol offers just as much onboard gear for considerably less money.
Exterior paint choices on the Ti-L include the no-extra-cost 'Gun Metallic' or premium paint jobs: 'Brilliant Silver', 'Black Obsidian', 'Champagne Quartz', 'Hermosa Blue' and 'Moonstone White'.
Infiniti QX307/10
The QX30 will be offered in two variants; the base model GT at $48,900 plus on-road costs, while the Premium will cost $56,900.
Both come equipped with the same engine; a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that’s sourced from Mercedes-Benz and also used on the Q30 and Merc GLA.
Eighteen-inch rims are standard on both cars, while an electronic handbrake, 10-speaker Bose audio, 7.0-inch multimedia screen and a full set of LED lamps all round are fitted across both variants as well.
Unfortunately, the QX30 GT misses out on a reversing camera all together, a fate it shares with the Q30 GT.Â
Infiniti Cars Australia told us that this was an oversight at the time the cars were being specced for Australia, particularly in light of the other technologies that the car would receive, like automatic emergency braking.
The company says it’s working hard to bring a reversing camera to the GT.
The top-spec Premium gets leather trim, a powered driver’s seat, and additional safety equipment like a 360-degree camera and radar cruise with brake assist.
The only optional extra on each car is metallic paint.
Under the bonnet
Nissan Patrol
The Patrol has a 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine – producing 298kW at 5800rpm and 560Nm at 4000rpm – a seven-speed automatic transmission and it has seven seats. (The only other standard Patrol variant, the Ti, has eight seats.)
This is a solid combination, but it lacks a dynamic edge, which is fine with me because it yields a driving experience that’s equal parts relaxed, assured and undemanding.
The big petrol V8 is great. There’s so much grunt on tap, making for a lively on-road drive, and all the while the rumble of that engine, especially under right-foot pressure, provides a welcome soundtrack to your day.
The Patrol has full-time four-wheel drive with high- and low-range.
Infiniti QX307/10
Just the one engine is used across both cars; the 155kW/350Nm single-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine from the Q30 and A-Class.
It’s backed by a seven-speed transmission and wired into an all-wheel-drive system that is biased towards a front-drive configuration.
Sourced from Mercedes-Benz, up to 50 per cent of drive can be sent to the rear wheels, according to Infiniti.
Efficiency
Nissan Patrol
The Nissan Patrol has an official fuel consumption of 14.4L/100km (on a combined, urban/extra-urban cycle).
I recorded 20.9L/100km on this test. I did a lot of high- and low-range 4WDing – but the Patrol was never working hard.
The Patrol has a 140L fuel tank so and going by my on-test fuel-consumption figure you could reasonably expect a driving range of about 670km from a full tank.Â
Infiniti QX307/10
Infiniti claims a combined fuel economy figure of 8.9L/100km for the 1576kg QX30 across both the variants; this is 0.5L thirstier than the Q30 version.
Our brief test yielded a dash figure of 11.2L/100km over 150km.
Driving
Nissan Patrol
The Patrol is a tried and tested 4WD, but it’s also an impressive open-road tourer.Â
The auto is a smooth shifter and when you give the throttle firm and steady right-foot pressure the Patrol rumbles up to speed with an almost-lazy efficacy.
Ride and handling are nicely controlled and composed, on sealed surfaces and that’s carried over onto dirt – which I’ll get to soon.Â
Its upright cabin stands tall, affording the driver ample visibility, and the Patrol’s expansive bonnet only impacts driver visibility when you head off-road – but more about that later.
The Patrol is refined and comfortable and yields a relaxed driving experience.Â
It has independent suspension – double wishbones and coil springs at every corner – as well as the Nissan’s 'Hydraulic Body Motion Control' system, a network of hydraulic cylinders cross-linked between wheels, which works like a swaybar/swaybar disconnect.
This system automatically alters tension to suit the terrain (tightens on-road to keep the Patrol more controlled on firmer surfaces, such as blacktop; loosens off-road allowing for more flex in the suspension when you’re 4WDing).
Let’s not forget the V8. There's nothing like that growl as a backing track to whatever trip you’re doing and you've always got that throaty engine note as your own personal theme music. Just to put a bit of pep in your step.
It really is a beast of a thing and it is fun to drive. You might pay the price with fuel bills if you enjoy tapping that accelerator with gusto, but, geez, it's worth it.Â
However, it’s when you get properly engaged in low-speed, low-range 4WDing that the Patrol is truly at home.
There’s no getting past the fact this Nissan wagon is a great touring platform and it’s also an impressive tow vehicle. There's no disputing those things, but it is a big vehicle and while it doesn’t feel as nimble as some other large SUV wagons, at least initially, it quickly becomes easier to drive the more time you spend in it.
It does take a little bit of getting used to if you haven't driven a Patrol before, but I have, many times, so it's quite comfortable and familiar to me.Â
Steering has a nice feel and weight to it when you’re doing low-range four-wheel driving – and it’s when low-speed, low-range four-wheel driving is when you really need precision and the ability to laser-focus your driving lines.Â
Throttle response is not touchy over bumps and sharp as long as you’re enthusiastic with it, and the auto transmission is just as cluey off-road as on. However, it can get caught out up hills, holding higher gears for too long, but otherwise it's okay.
There's an overall feeling of control to the Patrol. And again, while it is a large 4WD, it’s easy to drive well and to take on quite hardcore four-wheel driving terrain.
Drive with some consideration of its sheer physical dimensions and you’ll be fine. It’s comfortable and very capable; the result of a combination of traditional-style 4WD mechanicals, plenty of low-down torque and quietly effective driver-assist tech.
The Patrol Ti-L has selectable drive modes for off-road conditions and they include 'Snow', 'Sand' and 'Rock' and they tweak the traction control system, engine response and throttle with the aim of getting the Patrol to perform optimally on the chosen surface.Â
It has full-time 4WD with high- and low-range and, while it doesn't have the low-down torque of something like the 300 Series, it has plenty of grunt when it counts. There’s ample torque for smooth-momentum 4WDing and the big petrol V8 keeps things ticking along without any stress.
Beyond the very effective off-road traction control system and the great low- and mid-range torque, you also have a rear diff lock. So if things get that difficult, you can always engage it.Â
The Patrol has plenty of wheel travel, helped somewhat by its aforementioned swaybar-disconnect system, and that articulation helps it stretch a tyre to the dirt for all-important traction.
Off-road driver-assist tech (hill descent control, hill start assist etc) is non-intrusive and effective.
But it’s not all the best of news onboard the Patrol.
It feels quite low when you’re driving it over challenging terrain. Ground clearance is 273mm (compared to the 300 Series' 235mm) and approach, departure and rampover angles (28, 26.3, and 24.4 degrees) are par for the course for a large 4WD wagon with a wheelbase this lengthy.
But, while those measurements check out, that feeling of the Patrol being vulnerable to underbelly scrapes and knocks lingers.
Wading depth is listed as 700mm and, while I didn’t get the chance this time to test that limit (the usual mudholes were dry), I’ve driven through plenty of mudholes in this generation Patrol in the past.
As mentioned, the Patrol has an upright cabin, which offers plenty of visibility, but the expansive bonnet impacts the driver’s vision at the front, especially when driving over, for example, a steep crest into a dry creek bed.
As always, when faced with such a situation it’s best to get out of the vehicle and take a look.
The Patrol’s tyres – Bridgestone Dueler 693II all-terrains (265/70R18) – are perfectly reasonable on-road, but aren't well-suited to hardcore 4WDing.
As always with less-than-ideal off-roading rubber, if you're going to ask more of your Patrol than the occasional gentle drive along well-formed dirt tracks in dry weather, it's a good idea to replace the standard tyres with a decent set of aggressive all-terrain tyres.Â
I've tow-tested with many Patrol variants over the years, so it’s worthwhile noting the towing capacities which are 750kg (unbraked) and 3500kg (braked), so standard for this size of 4WD.
Infiniti QX307/10
Again, it would be easy to think that the QX30 would feel almost identical to its lower-riding sibling – but that would be incorrect. We criticised the Q30 for being a bit too buttoned down and unresponsive, but the QX30 feels more lively and involving, thanks to its unique spring and damper set-up.
Even though it’s 30mm higher than the Q, the QX doesn’t feel it at all, with a benign, pleasant ride with good body roll control and competent steering.
Our front-seat passenger complained of feeling a little ‘hemmed in’, which is a valid point. The sides of the car are very high, and the roofline is quite low, exacerbated by the steeply raked windscreen.
The 2.0-litre four-potter is smooth and punchy, and the gearbox well suited to it, but it’s lacking in aural character. Luckily the QX30 does a terrific job of suppressing noise before it gets into the cabin, then…
Safety
Nissan Patrol
The Nissan Patrol does not have an ANCAP safety rating because it has not been tested.Â
Safety gear includes AEB, a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and more.
As standard it has dual front airbags, front-side and curtain airbags that cover all three rows, as well as two ISOFIX points and two top tether points in the second row for baby capsules/child seats.
Infiniti QX306/10
The QX30 gets seven airbags, auto emergency braking, forward collision warning and a pop-up bonnet as standard across the line.
The base GT does, however, miss out on a reversing camera.
The Premium model also offers a 360-degree camera, blind spot warning, radar cruise control and brake assist, traffic sign detection, reverse motion detection and lane departure warning.
Ownership
Nissan Patrol
The Nissan Patrol has a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, and comes with five years of roadside assistance. At a time when warranties are stretching to 10 years, five years is a let-down.
Servicing is scheduled at 12 month/10,000km intervals, and capped price service rates apply, averaging about $600 a year over the full warranty term – but check with your dealership for up-to-date servicing costs.
Infiniti QX308/10
The Q30 is offered with a four-year, 100,000km warranty, and servicing is suggested every 12 months or 25,000km.
Infiniti offers a fixed three-year service schedule, with the GT and the Premium both costing an average of $541 over the three services provided.