Nissan Patrol review, test drive

What is it?

In case the name is unfamiliar, the Patrol is to Nissan what the Land Cruiser is to Toyota. That is, a full- sized body-on-frame SUV with an air of indestructibility. Importantly, it’s a model that’s under consideration for India. Nissan has still not confirmed if and when it would be launched, but did let us have a go in a demo vehicle shipped in from Dubai — coincidentally the single largest market for the Patrol.

The first thing to note about the Patrol is its size. Well over five metres long and just under two metres tall, in a word, it’s massive. And while the basic shape is typical of supertanker-sized SUVs, the Patrol’s large headlights and chrome-heavy grille do make it look particularly imposing. Elsewhere, styling is neat with the smart kink to the large glasshouse at the C-pillar being a notable feature.

If there’s anything a large body and large windows spell out, it’s a whole lot of cabin space. There’s a good foot or so between the large, fully powered front seats! Middle-row passengers have a great deal of space to stretch out as well, with lots of leg, shoulder and headroom. The level of comfort from the supportive leather seats is no less special. Third row passengers don’t have it all that bad either. Sure, access might feel awkward and the knees-up seating position isn’t ideal, but as last rows go, it feels roomy, helped in no small measure by the large windows that offer a good view. 

The view within the cabin isn’t disappointing either. A rich mix of leather, wood, metal and chrome gives it a robust feel. Even the dashboard looks smart with a very luxury yacht-like swoop to the top. There’s loads by way of features too. Part of the package is a Bose audio system with 13 speakers, and dual seven-inch screens for the middle-row can be had as well.