The next-generation Nissan Patrol is getting closer to its reveal, and will drop its big V8 for a smaller twin-turbo six.
These renders show what we expect the next-generation Nissan Patrol will look like.
Camouflaged prototypes of the Patrol and Armada, as it’s known in markets like North America, have been making the rounds in recent months as Nissan tests its next-generation flagship SUV in the US and the Middle East.
While sales of the current vehicle are stronger than ever and a locally tuned Warrior has joined the line-up, the Patrol is at the end of its (very long) lifecycle. The current Y62-series Patrol entered production in 2010, and launched here in 2013.
So, what do we know about the next-generation model?
Launch timing
The next-generation SUV was, according to Automotive News, shown to North American dealers in August, and will reportedly go on sale in the US in mid-2024.
It’s unclear how much later it will arrive in Australia.
Design
Camouflaged prototypes show the next Patrol will have an evolution of the current model’s design language, with sharper lines.
One dealer told Automotive News the Patrol has a “Range Rover-like” appearance and is both bigger and more rugged-looking.
Inside, it reportedly has large screens, upgraded finishes, and the “latest” driver-assist and convenience technology. Expect the current model’s 1990s-esque woodgrain and gathered leather trim to disappear.
As before, an even more luxe version of the Patrol will be offered as the Infiniti QX80 – which has already been previewed by the QX Monograph concept.
Infiniti QX Monograph concept
The Infiniti will continue to feature different interior styling plus unique front and rear ends, but is expected to continue to share its body. The concept, therefore, gives us a good indication of what the new Patrol will look like.
Don’t expect to get a new QX80 in Australia, though. With Infiniti’s withdrawal from our market in 2020, the new QX80 is off-limits to Australians.
Performance
The Y62-series went without a diesel, something buyers in the North American and Middle Eastern markets don’t demand quite as fervently as Australians.
Next-generation prototype
The next-generation model is also expected to be petrol-only, but will drop the current naturally aspirated 5.6-litre V8 for a twin-turbo V6. Rivals like the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and Sequoia, Ford Expedition and Jeep Wagoneer have already dropped their V8s.
Speaking to media at the Tokyo motor show, Ivan Espinosa, Nissan’s senior vice president of global product strategy and product planning, said customers will appreciate the new Patrol‘s drivetrain and won’t miss the V8.
“I’m also of that generation… I used to like the V8 and I still do,” he said in reference to the current car.
“But the V6 twin-turbo… you will not lament the V8.”
Based on previous reports out of the USA, the twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine is expected to make around 314kW of power – for reference, the current V8 model has 298kW and 560Nm. Expect an improvement in fuel economy as well.
“Overall performance driving dynamics, you will see also big, big improvement. And that dynamic performance is very well executed on-road, driving high speed, response, the chassis dynamics, the steering speed has also been greatly improved,” Mr Espinosa said.
Technology
Mr Espinosa conceded the current Patrol “[doesn’t] have the best infotainment system” and signalled a “big, big key change to technology” is coming with the new model.
Current Armada
Right-hand drive Patrols are even worse off at present, as they’re saddled with an older interior featuring a smaller 8.0-inch screen lacking even wired Android Auto or Apple CarPlay; left-hand drive Armadas, in contrast, have a 12.3-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay.
Expect a screen this size or larger in all next-generation Patrol/Armada SUVs, regardless of what side the steering wheel is on. And yes, we expect the Patrol to finally get smartphone mirroring locally.
Price
The current Patrol handily undercuts a comparable LandCruiser 300 Series, but this gulf could narrow with the next-generation model.
Looking beyond the LandCruiser, it appears that Nissan is pushing the Patrol and its luxury sibling, the Infiniti QX80, further upmarket.
Nissan already foregoes an equivalent to the fleet-spec LandCruiser GX in Australia, with the local Patrol range opening at $84,900 before on-roads for the Ti, which lines up more closely with a mid-spec 300 Series GXL that retails for $106,101 before on-roads.
With the next generation, we could see the base price climb closer to – or perhaps even past – the $100,000 barrier.
MORE: Everything Nissan Patrol
