2026 Nissan Patrol review

The Nissan Patrol V8 is on its way out, with a hybrid replacement waiting in the wings. That’s simply the reality of the automotive industry in 2026, but it doesn’t make the departure of this iteration of Nissan’s big off-roader feel any less a tragedy

For decades, the Patrol has occupied a pretty unique place in the large SUV market. While rivals downsized, turbocharged and electrified their powertrains, and filled themselves with tablet-esque screens and driver aids, the Patrol has largely stayed true to its old-school formula: a huge petrol V8, a proper four-wheel-drive system, and the ability to tow to your heart’s content.

In many ways, the current Patrol feels a bit like a relic of a bygone era. But that’s precisely why it still has such a loyal following.

Before this generation disappears for good, we spent some time behind the wheel to see whether the Patrol’s old-school charm makes a case for snapping one up before they’re gone.

How much does the Nissan Patrol cost?

The Nissan Patrol will set you back $118,990 before on-road costs for the privilege of running the last naturally aspirated V8 SUV left on sale in New Zealand.

That immediately places it in interesting territory. The Patrol undercuts luxury diesel rivals like the Toyota Landcruiser 300 Series and Land Rover Defender by quite a margin, while offering significantly more engine capacity and interior space, but outprices much more modern feeling 7-seaters like the new Landcruiser Prado.

The real cost though comes once you arrive at the fuel pump.

We’ll get to the numbers a bit later on, but the Patrol’s 5.6-litre V8 is excessive and efficiency has never been its strong suit. I doubt anyone is buying this without having already made peace with that though.

What’s the Nissan Patrol like inside?

The Patrol’s interior does little to hide the fact that this platform has been around for a good while. Thankfully, Nissan has made some semi-recent tweaks to the tech that at least make the user-experience feel at home in this decade.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are present, so the mildly frustrating, antiquated infotainment software is mostly irrelevant, and the bonus of this outdated interior is that there are physical buttons everywhere (including for climate control) and a proper gear shifter. There is also a foot-operated handbrake, which feels like an odd little novelty in 2026.

The seats are big and comfy, though positioned too high for my liking. This does make visibility excellent though, and there’s enough room inside the Patrol that you’ll feel like you have to shout to your third-row passengers.

Material quality is solid throughout, with soft leather and glossy wood trim. I wouldn’t call it luxurious, but the Patrol feels built to survive family abuse, towing duties and years of road trips, all while being a nice place to be.

Second row space is excellent, with acres of legroom and enough width for three adults without much complaining. The third row is also genuinely usable for adults, though it’s still limited on space so you’d want to stick to shorter trips. 

Boot space sits at a solid 467 litres with all seats in place, expanding considerably to 1413 once the third row is folded flat.

The Patrol carries a five-star ANCAP safety rating and comes equipped with features including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning.

What’s under the bonnet?

This is why we’re all here, isn’t it?

The Patrol is powered by a  5.6 litre naturally aspirated V8 producing 298kW and 560Nm. It’s hooked up to a seven speed torque-converter automatic and a capable full-time four wheel drive system. 

Nissan claims fuel consumption of 16.2L/100km, though mine hovered around 21.2L/100km after a week of driving... are we really surprised though?

In an era increasingly dominated by turbocharged six-cylinders, diesel and hybrid drivetrains, the Patrol’s engine is loud, brutal, and inefficient - it’s exceptionally refreshing. It also still achieves a braked towing capacity at 3500kg, placing the Patrol right alongside its major rivals in terms of towing capability.

Ultimately, this is why you’re buying the Patrol, not for the tech, nor the luxury, but for the big 8-banger under the bonnet.

How does the Nissan Patrol drive?

The first thing you notice when driving the Patrol is just how effortless everything feels.

For your day to day commute, that big V8 barely has to wake up. Gently learning on the throttle causes the Patrol to simply surge forward with a smooth wave of torque that feels like it could carry you to the moon.

The steering is light, visibility is great, and despite its hefty size the Patrol is surprisingly easy to place on the road. 

Ride quality is another standout. The Patrol feels well cushioned over rough roads, soaking up bumps with the sort of soft, long-travel suspension feel that many newer SUVs have sacrificed in pursuit of sharper handling. This is the kind of car that requires no slowing down for speed bumps.

Push harder into corners and you’re quickly reminded this is still a very large body-on-frame SUV. There’s plenty of body roll and the Patrol isn’t a big fan of enthusiastic driving.

But that’s kinda missing the point.

This is designed to demolish long distances in comfort, tow heavy loads without complaint, and carry a family plus all their gear across the country. In that role, it still feels right at home.

The V8 also brings a sense of occasion that modern downsized drivetrains just can’t replicate. There’s a smoothness and soundtrack to it that makes even mundane driving feel just a little bit more special.

What do you get?

The Patrol comes generously equipped, even if the feature list doesn’t feel quite as flashy as some newer rivals. There are more modern and tech-focused interiors available elsewhere, but really, the Patrol has everything you need.

Nissan Patrol Ti equipment highlights:

• Leather interior
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Electric front seat adjustment
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Bose premium sound system
• Sunroof
• Adaptive cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Around-view monitor
• Tri-zone climate control
• Power tailgate

CarExpert’s take on the Nissan Patrol

The Nissan Patrol feels old-school, inefficient, oversized and excessive - all qualities that modern vehicles are steadily moving away from. But that is exactly why we love it.

It still excels at the things buyers in this segment actually care about. It’s comfortable, spacious, capable, effortless to drive and blessed with the last great naturally aspirated V8 engine still available in an SUV in New Zealand.

Yeah, there are more modern alternatives. Yep, the fuel consumption is absurd. And yes, the incoming hybrid replacement will almost certainly make far more sense. But making sense isn’t the point of the V8 Patrol.

The new Y63 6-cylinder is imminent for our market, meaning the clock is ticking on these V8-powered Y62s. And once they’re gone, there probably won’t be anything quite like them again.