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Nissan Patrol


Jeep Grand Cherokee

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.

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? 

Read on.

Safety rating
Engine Type5.6L
Fuel Type
Fuel Efficiency14.4L/100km
Seating7 seats

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep Australia's first plug-in hybrid, the Grand Cherokee 4xe, has arrived at a time when the company’s sales figures need a decent shot in the arm.

Though it’s seemingly spearheading a large and extra-large SUV hybrid push into the Aussie market, with the likes of a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series hybrid on its way, the marque’s debut PHEV is only available here in the range-topping Summit Reserve spec, and only as a five-seater.

So, does the 4xe have enough of a jump on any large SUV hybrid rivals – including a rumoured but postponed Ford Everest hybrid – and is it enough to give the brand a much-needed boost?

Read on.

Safety rating
Engine Type2.0L
Fuel Type
Fuel Efficiency3.2L/100km
Seating5 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.


Jeep Grand Cherokee7/10

A wise man* once said "Being first can sometimes feel like being wrong" and perhaps that's how it is with the 4xe, but at least Jeep Australia is giving the large SUV hybrid realm a good ol' try.

* Former CarsGuide Big Kohuna, Glen Knowles.

The company's first plug-in hybrid, the Grand Cherokee 4xe, is not perfect by anyone's standards, however, it is a definite move in the right direction.

It's a quiet and refined drive, it retains the brand's renowned 4WD capability, and even its hefty price-tag likely won't dissuade Jeep loyalists from giving it a go.

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.


Jeep Grand Cherokee

As with any vehicle, some will like it, some won’t, and some simply won’t care all that much. 

The 4xe certainly has a distinctive Jeep look to it.

A few exterior design cues hint at its PHEV leanings: the plug-in point on the front left-hand panel and a ‘4xe’ designation on the rear door.

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. 

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. 

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.


Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4xe PHEV retains the regular model’s level of functionality but adds a reasonably classy touch to everything.

All seats offer adequate comfort, support and room.

There are plenty of storage spaces, cupholders etc, and charging points - two USB-A and two USB-C plus a 12V socket in the front and two USB-A and two USB-C plus a 230V point in the back.

Controls are generally easy enough to locate and operate although some buttons are positioned in awkward places – including drive-mode buttons under the steering wheel – and it sometimes takes a few finger-stabs at the multimedia touchscreen to get to where you want to go in the operating system.

In terms of packability, the rear cargo area has a listed 1067 litres of space, and, with the second row folded and out of the way, that space opens up to 2004 litres.

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'.


Jeep Grand Cherokee

The five-seat Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4xe PHEV has a MSRP of $129,950 (excluding on-road costs).

Standard features include a 10.1-inch multimedia system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 19-speaker audio system, quilted Palermo leather-trimmed seats, air suspension and 21-inch alloy wheels.

It also has a heated steering wheel, 12-way power-adjustable seats and four-way power lumbar adjustment with memory for driver and front passenger, driver and front passenger seat massage function and heated and ventilated seats (driver, front passenger and rear outboard passengers).

A Mode 2 charging cable is also included.

An 'Advanced Technology Group' pack is available as a $5500 option and that includes a head-up display, a 10.25-inch screen for the front passenger, wireless phone charger, and night vision camera.

Exterior paint options include 'Bright White', 'Diamond Black', 'Silver Zynith', 'Velvet Red', 'Baltic Grey', 'Rocky Mountain', 'Midnight Sky' and 'Hydro Blue'.

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.


Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4xe PHEV has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine, two electric motors (one on each axle) and a 17.3kWh battery.

Combined engine and electric outputs for power and torque are 280kW and 637Nm, respectively. The 4xe has it over any of its stablemates equipped with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 petrol engine because that yields 210kW and 344Nm.

The 4xe has an eight-speed automatic torque-converter transmission and regenerative braking.

Drive modes include 'Hybrid' (with combined engine and electric motor providing “maximum instant torque and impressive acceleration”, according to Jeep), 'Electric' (“zero emissions”) and 'eSave' (aims to save battery power). 

There are a few options available when it comes time to charge the 4xe.

The 4xe vehicle has a Mode 2 charging cable so you can charge it at home in less than 10 hours, according to Jeep.

With a full charge, the 4xe has a claimed driving range, on electric charge alone, of 52km.

Jeep reckons a Mode 3 (wall box) single-phase electric vehicle charger will fully charge the 4xe in less than three hours.

If out and about and looking for a charge, a 4xe driver can use the onboard 'UConnect' system to locate an appropriate public charging station.

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. 


Jeep Grand Cherokee

As mentioned, the 4xe has a listed electric-only driving range of 52km.

On our official test day, we drove just under 50km on a full electric charge and then the rest of the trip was courtesy of the good ol’ petrol engine.

Jeep's official figure for the combined cycle is just 3.2L/100km, but that's predicated on keeping the hybrid battery charged at all times. On fuel-only we recorded 11.6L/100km.

The 4xe has a 72-litre fuel tank (you need 95RON premium to fill it), so going by that on-test fuel-consumption figure, you could reasonably expect to get a driving range of about 620km out of a full tank.

Add an approximate electric range of about 50km on a full charge to that figure and you have a total estimated driving range of 670km.

Driving

Nissan Patrol

The Patrol is a tried and tested 4WD, but it’s also an impressive open-road tourer. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.


Jeep Grand Cherokee

We’re all time-poor, right? So, why should I take up your time and rattle on about the 4xe for a thousand words when I can get the essence of it across to you, the reader, in a few sentences? Call me, Mr Thoughtful.

This is generally a big, quiet and refined, easy-steering large SUV, but it feels bulky at times and tends to be quite fussy on irregular surfaces, exhibiting a jittery ride on even brief sections of light corrugations on dirt tracks.

The 4xe’s PHEV set-up is smooth and highly responsive on-road and you can switch between the aforementioned drive modes to suit the circumstance.

Driving range on electric only is listed as 52km. I only recorded a total distance of just under 50km, and it’s a very quiet and smooth drive while relying on electric power.

It regenerates power rather quickly down big hills and via braking, but we’d exhausted all electric charge by the time we’d reached our 4WD test track.

As expected, this Grand Cherokee tackled every off-road challenge without any strife. 

The air suspension, set to full off-road height, is a bonus.

Our 4WD test track consists of difficult set-pieces, including one small steep rocky hill that I’ve seen heavily modified vehicles struggle to conquer and, to the Jeep’s credit, it climbed the incline, no sweat.

The 4xe’s efforts were only ever hampered by its 'all-season' Continental CrossContact tyres (275/45R21) which are much better suited to blacktop driving and the fact the 4xe costs upwards of $129,950 and I didn’t want to risk any damage to it.

The 4xe has a listed wading depth of 610mm but our test track was dry so I never had the chance to do any water crossings. 

The Grand Cherokee has a solid enough rep as a towing vehicle but, take note, the 4xe is rated to tow 2722kg.

Safety

Nissan Patrol

The Nissan Patrol does not have an ANCAP safety rating because it has not been tested. 

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.


Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4xe PHEV has the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from assessment this year.

Safety gear includes AEB with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, driver monitoring, traffic sign recognition, intersection collision assist, and a surround-view parking camera.

The Summit Reserve spec brings with it 'ParkSense' parallel and perpendicular park assist and (low-level autonomous) 'Active Driving Assist'.

It has eight airbags including front, side, and knee (for driver and front passenger), sides (for second-row passengers) and full curtain airbags.

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.


Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4xe PHEV has a five-year/100,000km warranty and a lifetime roadside assist service.

Servicing is set at 12-month/12,000km intervals and capped price servicing keeps what you pay for each appointment at $399 for the first five.