An updated Nissan Patrol is on its way Down Under but won’t arrive until 2026. Photos: Supplied.
There is a classic good news-bad news story in play for the Nissan Patrol.
With some extra-good news.
The best news is that an all-new Patrol is on the way, complete with a more fuel-efficient V6 engine.
The bad news is that, because most of the early production will be in left-hand drive and headed to the Middle East, the new Patrol will not reach Australia until 2026.
So, what’s the other good news?
It’s the Patrol Warrior, the latest in the series of Warrior updates and upgrades from the Premcar organisation in Melbourne.
Premcar has done some great work on the Navara ute and has hit the bullseye again with the Patrol, which is outdated in many ways but still a favourite for people who want a serious off-roader or need V8-powered 4×4 muscle for towing.
The Warrior offers better braking and handling among its latest features.
The Melbourne company has gone deeply into the desires of Patrol buyers and produced an impressive contender based on the top-line Ti model.
It’s not cheap, from $106,160, and it is still thirsty, but it drives far better than any previous Patrol and also has an infotainment system finally worthy of the 21st century.
There are obvious visual cues to the upgraded Patrol, starting with a stoplight-red bash plate under the engine with a laser-cut Warrior identification.
There are also upgraded wheels and tyres, improved suspension with new springs, a side-exit exhaust – perhaps copied from the muscular Mercedes-AMG G-wagon? – and improved interior styling.
It’s all backed by the full Nissan warranty and comes after a massive local test program.
“The Patrol Warrior was tailor-made for Australian conditions and has been extensively trialled and tested over some of the toughest terrain this country has to offer, to ensure it doesn’t just live up to the badge but sets a new benchmark for it,” says Premcar’s boss Bernie Webb.
Side pipes bring out the best of the thumping V8 soundtrack from the bi-modal exhaust.
It only takes five minutes at the wheel to feel the changes.
The Warrior rides more smoothly, has better grip for cornering and braking, and has a wonderful thumping V8 soundtrack from the bi-modal exhaust.
Visually, it steps up from the regular Patrol without going silly. Although the side pipes are more hot rod than family SUV…
The seats still feel flat and unsupportive, and the Patrol is still hard to park, but the cabin is a little nicer.
Best of all, partnering with another Australian supplier – Directed Technologies out of Victoria – has brought a (very) long-overdue update to the infotainment system.
The Warrior has a 10.1-inch central touchscreen with, for the first time in a Patrol, wireless phone mirroring. There are also twin USB ports and a wireless phone charger.
For off-road Warriors, the infotainment package includes a 30-day trial of Hema 4×4 Navigation.
An improved infotainment system is part of the impressively revamped cabin styling.
Compared with the latest Toyota LandCruiser, recently fully revised with a V6 engine and still the king of off-road four-wheel drives, the Patrol still falls short.
However, the Warrior features address many of the shortcomings in the basic Patrol package and provide a vastly improved driving experience.
It’s proof, once again, that Australia still has the skills and experience to create vehicles that really work Down Under.
Nissan Patrol Warrior
- Position: Full-sized SUV
- Price: From $104,160
- Engine: 5.6-litre petrol V8
- Power: 298kW/560Nm
- Transmission: 7-speed auto, four-wheel drive
- Plus: Huge, unstoppable, Aussie
- Minus: Thirsty, basics are outdated
- THE TICK: Truly a warrior.
Score: 7.6/10
