Facelifted Nissan Patrol arrives

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 entry-level Toyota LandCruiser GX and $123,590 for the range-topping Toyota LandCruiser 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 launched in Australia in 2013, pricing started from around $115,000 until the brand sliced $27,000 off the sticker price in 2015.

Powerplant options remain limited to the 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 new tail-lamps 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 Nissan Patrol 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 coil-sprung double-wishbone suspension system is retuned to deliver a more comfortable ride.

Dampers are 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 use 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 touchscreen infotainment display with 360-degree parking camera are included, as is a self-dimming rear-view mirror.

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

The Nissan 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 Nissan 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 include two new colours – Galaxy Gold and Hermosa Blue – and like all Nissan models the Partrol is 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 past 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 dominates with an 88.5 per cent share and 11,906 sales.

With a new LandCruiser 300 Series still at least 18 months away, Nissan is confident the facelifted model will continue to erode the biggest Toyota’s market dominance.

Nissan's 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 hardcore version of the supersized mud-slinging tow tug.

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