Skip advert
Advertisement

Nissan Patrol 3.0Di SVE

There are some people you simply don't want to pick a fight with - characters so imposing that you wouldn't even whisper an insult behind their back, let alone to their face. And while it's not exactly a thug, the Nissan Patrol is a perfect example.

If you're looking for a BMW X5 or Land Rover Discovery alternative, you won't find it here. The Patrol is a no-nonsense mud-plugger, and is unsuitable for those who do lots of motorway miles or town driving. But if your job demands off-road versatility, solid build and inherent reliability, there aren't many models that come close.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There are some people you simply don't want to pick a fight with - characters so imposing that you wouldn't even whisper an insult behind their back, let alone to their face. And while it's not exactly a thug, the Nissan Patrol is a perfect example.

Essentially, it's a back-to-basics off-roader. While rivals are churning out SUVs with road manners to match the most luxurious limousines, Nissan is expanding its 4x4 line-up in two different directions. The leisure SUV market is catered for by the X-Trail and the forthcoming Murano, while those who want a car that needs to earn its keep can choose from the Terrano, the Navara pick-up or this...

The new Patrol is based on the running gear of the outgoing model but, with the exception of the roof, every single panel is different. A redesigned front bumper now incorporates sunken foglamps, designed to protect them from off-road damage, while the wings have chunky plastic-clad wheelarches and the side-steps are integrated into the sills to prevent them becoming bent in extreme conditions.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Ignis

2019 Suzuki

Ignis

22,095 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £9,599
View Ignis
Civic

2021 Honda

Civic

20,614 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,650
View Civic
2

2020 Mazda

2

22,180 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £12,200
View 2
C-HR

2022 Toyota

C-HR

45,071 milesAutomaticPetrol1.8L

Cash £17,397
View C-HR

Inside, seven seats will be included on all but the basic UK version - although we were unable to try this variant on the European launch - while the fabrics and contours are revised. Unconvincing fake wood adorns the dashboard, but the top-of-the-range SVE model will feature Nissan's class-leading Birdview satellite-navigation system and leather trim as standard.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Compromise
On the road, the Patrol is a car you have to make compromises for. Performance from the 3.0-litre engine is sluggish, especially if you choose the automatic gearbox, while the transmission in manual cars is sloppy, and requires a firm shove to get it into gear. The big Nissan is fairly refined at cruising speeds, but its recirculating ball steering isn't the most accurate and the ride is fidgety on broken tarmac.

However, give it more demanding terrain and the Patrol really comes into its own. Slip into the low range gears, flick a switch to lock the diffs and press a button to disengage the rear anti-roll bar and you're ready to head off-road. And the car has suspension articulation that will put the frighteners up rivals as tough as the Land Rover Defender.

The beam axle and coil spring arrangement might give the Patrol a rough ride on-road, but to prove its mettle, we drove the newcomer up a lava trail to the top of Mount Etna. Mudplugging doesn't come much more extreme, and the Nissan took even the roughest of rocks and steep descents in its stride.

It may lack road manners and prove too cumbersome to live with in town, but if you dare to question the Patrol's machismo, believe us, it'll eat you alive.

Skip advert
Advertisement

More reviews

In-depth reviews
Used car tests

New & used car deals

Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £8,595
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,361 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,038 off RRP*Used from £13,218
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,884 off RRP*Used from £11,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025
Tesla UK sales rebound with one in four new cars now an EV
Tesla Model Y - front cornering

Tesla UK sales rebound with one in four new cars now an EV

EV sales have leapt up in the first half of 2025, although numbers remain behind Government targets
News
4 Jul 2025