The Y63 Nissan Patrol redefines adventure and sophistication, blending the legendary performance of its predecessors with cutting-edge luxury and technology, writes Alvin Thomas, Assistant Editor, OERLive.

What makes a car iconic?

Becoming an icon takes more than cutting-edge technology or groundbreaking innovation. To truly earn that status, a car must weave itself into the fabric of history, inspire a multi-generational fanbase, and command a presence that transcends borders. Few vehicles achieve this trifecta, but the Nissan Patrol stands tall among them.

For over seven decades, the Nissan Patrol has been a symbol of unyielding reliability and unmatched performance, earning the rightful moniker: “Hero of All Terrains.” First introduced in 1951 as a no-nonsense military-grade utility vehicle, the Patrol has evolved into a globally revered SUV – embraced by adventurers, families, and off-road enthusiasts alike.

But nowhere has the Patrol’s legacy been celebrated quite like in the GCC, where it has transcended being just a vehicle to become a cultural icon embedded in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. In Oman and neighbouring countries, children grow up dreaming of owning a Nissan Patrol – not just for its capabilities, but for what it represents. It’s more than an SUV; it’s a statement of status, strength, and heritage, commanding respect and earning knowing nods of appreciation wherever it goes.

Expectations were sky-high with the arrival of the all-new Nissan Patrol Y63, as Nissan promised a bold reimagination of their flagship SUV, sparking excitement among enthusiasts and loyalists alike. The moment we got behind the wheel of the long-term test vehicle, proudly sanctioned by Al Hashar Automotive, it became clear that this wasn’t just the next chapter for the Patrol; it was the continuation of a legend.

Pictures fail to capture the true scale of the new Nissan Patrol – it’s truly a sight to behold. With a noticeable increase in length, width, and height, this latest iteration exudes a sense of grandeur that makes its predecessors seem thinner in comparison. The redesign is nothing short of transformative, with every inch of the vehicle receiving a fresh update. At the front, a flatter, more imposing bumper adds to its commanding presence, while a bold blacked-out ‘V-Motion’ grille takes centre stage, only interrupted by chrome accents framing the refreshed Nissan logo.

On either side, sleek, angular C-shaped LED daytime running lamps house the high and low-beam projectors, moving away from the previous boomerang style to give the Patrol a distinctly modern, cutting-edge look. Dare I say, the design of the new Patrol outshines some of its competitors in the segment, presenting a level of sophistication and style that commands attention.

The side profile of the new Patrol now boasts what could be the largest single-piece fenders ever seen on a vehicle, complemented by bold flared wheel arches, chrome-tipped vents, dual-tone side mirrors, and a smooth, uninterrupted side profile. The blacked-out window sills add a touch of contrast, highlighted by the matte-finished Patrol plaque on the rear quarter glass of the D-pillar. Our top-end ‘Platinum’ variant tester also proudly displayed ‘V6T’ badges, signalling the new engine option we’ll dive into later in the review.

Fitted with striking 22-inch multi-spoke, machine-cut alloys wrapped around Bridgestone 275/60 all-season tyres, our tester exudes a strong road presence. While the wheels on all variants are appropriately sized, the GCC crowd favourite – 18-inch alloys – come standard on the entry-level variants. A thoughtful touch comes in the form of puddle lamps that light up with a special throwback motif, automatically activating as you approach or unlock the doors – an iconic symbol paying homage to the Nissan Patrol’s legacy since 1951.

At the rear, the Patrol greets you with a full LED tail lamp set, connected by a sleek light bar broken only by the Nissan logo. The upper half of the rear is blacked out, giving it a more prominent, muscular stance, while the bumper features body-coloured break-out panels around the exposed tow hook, completing the posterior.

The interior of the new Patrol has been completely reimagined, with a multi-screen setup now standard across all variants. While the entry-level Patrol features two sleek “monolith” digital displays for the infotainment and instrument clusters, our top-grade variant takes it a step further with an impressive 28.6-inch display, made up by two 14.3-inch high-definition screens.

These are, without a doubt, the best screens we’ve seen from Nissan, offering a stunningly intuitive user experience and interface. The touch responsiveness is flawless, with seamless animations between pages that elevate the entire system’s sense of refinement. The operating system itself covers nearly every aspect you’d need to monitor, from powertrain data to infotainment functions. They’ve also included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it even easier to stay connected. Pairing your phone with the system is a breeze, and with driver-specific profile modes, the Patrol automatically adjusts settings to suit individual preferences, from seating positions to steering and side mirror adjustments, ensuring a personalised driving experience every time.

The seats in the new Patrol are a standout feature, offering unmatched comfort thanks to Nissan’s latest generation ‘Zero Gravity’ technology. We’ve tested former variations of the technology in top-end Nissan sedans (Maxima), but these stand out far beyond what we expected. Upholstered in high-grade leather, they’re beautifully adorned with Japanese-inspired patterns, blending artistry with sophistication. Crafted from high-damping foam, these seats provide exceptional support for optimal posture. Our tester was also equipped with massage seats, which added an extra layer of indulgence. Additionally, the seats feature 4-way pneumatic lumbar support, 8-way seat adjustment, and both heating and ventilation.

Although we didn’t push the Patrol through any spirited driving, we can confidently say that the seats provide ample lumbar support and side bolstering, making them more than capable of handling a variety of terrains. While these features are more than sufficient for daily driving, we suspect that the cloth seats on the base variants might offer even better grip during sharper cornering, thanks to the more textured seams and grains in the fabric. This could come in handy when you’re bashing through dunes in the desert.

The interior of the new Patrol is finished with leather upholstery and soft-padded materials throughout. We were particularly impressed by the sloping centre console and the raised armrest, which opens to reveal an onboard cooler. The piano black finish across the centre console looks classy when new, with physical buttons seamlessly integrated to control HVAC, terrain response, and audio functions. Each button offers just the right amount of tactile feedback, adding to the overall sense of refinement.

Our tester was also equipped with an intuitive heads-up display, providing critical information and navigation functions right in the driver’s line of sight. The cabin features mood lighting with 64 colour options and 16 ambient preset tones, wireless charging, two 12.8-inch infotainment screens with Miracast, HDMI, and USB inputs for rear passengers, and a large panoramic sunroof that floods the interior with natural light.

Headlining the audio are 12 Klipsch speakers that deliver an immersive soundscape. These speakers far surpass the audio units found in any recent Asian vehicles we’ve tested – even those with more speakers – offering exceptional mid and high tones paired with deep, thumping bass. We suspect that the DynamicAudioReveal™ technology plays a key role in ensuring consistent clarity and depth by adjusting the audio equalisation based on the surrounding environment.

For the first time, Nissan has also introduced ‘Biometric Cooling’ in the Patrol, an innovative system that uses built-in infrared sensors to scan passengers’ body temperatures and adjust airflow to cool individual zones. While this could prove invaluable during the blistering Omani summers, we’re unaware of its effectiveness during the cooler winter months. This is because the human face temperature doesn’t typically drop enough to trigger heating adjustments.

The Patrol truly shines when it comes to space, comfortably seating up to eight passengers without compromising on comfort. Whether you’re in the front or back, the Patrol’s redesigned second and third rows offer a new level of ergonomic comfort, with ample head and legroom, even for those sitting in the rear. And with charging ports thoughtfully placed across all rows, you’ll never have to worry about your devices running out of juice during those long trips.

Now, let’s address the crucial question – how does the powertrain perform? As a modern, ground-up SUV, the Y63 comes equipped with two new engine options: a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 and a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. Our top-end variant features the latter, which delivers an impressive 425 hp and 700Nms of torque. This is more power and torque than the phased-out V8 while being more efficient and producing fewer emissions. Interestingly, the new engine, codenamed VR35DDTT, belongs to the ‘VR’ family, which also produced the iconic Nissan GTR engine.

Mechanically, the Patrol can be customised based on variant. Our ‘Platinum’ model came equipped with an independent, double-wishbone suspension, air springs, and electric shock absorbers. This setup offers impressive approach, departure, and breakover angles ranging from 24.5 to 27 degrees, 24 to 27 degrees, and 23 to 27 degrees, respectively, in Normal and High modes. All variants come with an electrical, rack-and-pinion power-assisted steering setup.

The driving experience in the new Patrol is a significant departure from the outgoing Y62 model. Despite its larger size, the Y63 feels remarkably composed on highways, offering excellent stability and roll control. Both yaw and pitch are noticeably reduced, providing better handling and control, even at high speeds. Much of this improvement can be attributed to the suspension tuning, which smooths out bumps and keeps the vehicle settled on the road. Additionally, the turbochargers spool up faster, delivering maximum torque at 3,600 rpm, resulting in a burst of power when accelerating quickly.

While we didn’t specifically test the 0-100 kph time, which is reported by Nissan to be around 7 seconds, fast manoeuvring isn’t necessary, as the Patrol effortlessly settles into its speed (much like its predecessor). The smooth throttle response is key here, with a pleasant dampened feel to the pedal. The brakes are equally impressive, offering a smooth, linear response with a strong bite when needed. Despite its hefty 3,700kgs gross weight, the Patrol never feels too large to handle, providing confident control at all times.

Interestingly, the front axle’s gross weight is 1,690kgs, a factor that enhances off-road capability, particularly when navigating loose sand or mud, as it prevents the vehicle from digging in too deeply. The rear axle weighs in at 2,030kgs. The new Patrol is equipped with a range of features to support off-road driving, including a terrain response system with presets for ‘Rock,’ ‘Sand,’ ‘Mud,’ ‘Standard,’ ‘Sport,’ and ‘Eco.’ These settings adjust the throttle response, torque articulation, and steering feedback to suit different surfaces. Additionally, all variants come with a rear mechanical differential lock and the option of high- and low-range gearing, further enhancing its off-road prowess.

For the discerning enthusiast, the Patrol offers tech such as the ‘Invisible Hood View’, which provides a seamless, bird’s-eye view of the axle and the area ahead, making it easier to navigate over crests and overhangs while protecting the sides of the car from those pesky curbs and narrow roads. To further elevate the experience, there’s a ‘3D Around View Monitor’ and a built-in air compressor with a digital display for altering your tyre pressures when the going gets tough.

On-road safety in the new Patrol is enhanced by Nissan’s intuitive ProPILOT system, which takes control of steering, braking, and acceleration while keeping you centred in your lane. A first for the Patrol, it also features a ‘Frameless Smart Rearview Mirror’ that provides a clearer view of obstructions, day or night, with the help of a rear hatch camera for improved visibility. Furthermore, the SUV comes with ‘Lane Departure Prevention’, ‘Rear Automatic Emergency Braking’ and ‘Automatic Emergency Braking’ with pedestrian detection.

As our time with the all-new Nissan Patrol Y63 drew to a close, it became clear that this vehicle is much more than just a modern update – it’s a true evolution of a legend. From its striking design to its state-of-the-art features, the Patrol seamlessly blends iconic heritage with contemporary sophistication.

But beyond its performance and tech, the Nissan Patrol Y63 captures something deeper – it embodies the spirit of adventure, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. It’s a vehicle that connects with its driver on a personal level, evoking a sense of pride and excitement with every drive. As it continues to evolve, the Patrol remains an undeniable force in the automotive world, securing its place as an enduring icon that transcends time.