Reviewed: Last ever V8 Nissan Patrol large SUV
The Nissan Patrol V8 is being replaced. Photos: Liz Dobson
The Nissan Patrol V8 has been the brand’s flagship large SUV for many years and has a reputation as a tough off-roader and powerhouse towing vehicle.
But alas, Nissan has said Sayōnara to its legendary 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine producing around 298kW and 560Nm.
And if you want to snap up the last of the V8 Patrols in New Zealand, you had better be quick as production of the Y62 Patrol is set to conclude this August.
With orders for the all-new to New Zealand, next-generation Y63 Patrol set to open later this year — introducing a new 3.5-litre V6 Twin Turbo powertrain — the Y62 run-out marks the closing chapter of more than a decade of V8-powered Patrol performance and capability.
The run-out Patrol has a 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine ( 298kW/560N).
For more than six decades, the Nissan Patrol has been a fixture on and off New Zealand roads, first arriving in the 1960s as the second-generation G60 Datsun Patrol and going on to become one of the longest-running continuous nameplates in the global automotive industry.
Across five generations, Patrol has built an enviable following among New Zealand 4WD enthusiasts, earning a reputation for durability, capability and effortless long-distance touring performance.
“The Patrol has long been part of New Zealand’s off-road landscape, and the Y62 has played a defining role in continuing that legacy. Its 5.6-litre V8 is part of what has made this generation so beloved by enthusiasts, families and adventurers alike,” said Steve Milette, Managing Director, Nissan Oceania.
“As we look ahead to the all-new Y63 Patrol later this year, the run-out of the Y62 represents a genuine ‘last chance’ opportunity for Kiwi customers who want to own a new V8 Patrol.
It is a seven-seater with large boot space.
I was lucky enough to test the V8 Patrol, and was impressed with the capability of the large Nissan SUV.
Priced from $118,990, the Y62 Patrol combined ruggedness with comfort, plus has a 3,500kg towing capacity.
Unlike many modern turbocharged rivals, the Patrol's V8 delivers its power smoothly and progressively. There's an effortless nature to the engine that suits the vehicle perfectly, whether overtaking on the motorway or towing a large boat or caravan.
The V8 is priced from $118,990.
And that towing capacity is what makes the Patrol famous. I was in an Uber to pick up the Patrol press vehicle, and the driver told me he needed a seven-seater vehicle to tow his boat and accommodate his family. We discussed his budget and vehicles he had on his shortlist but when he dropped me off at the car depot, he asked to look around the Patrol and was instantly won over.
It’s no surprise, as performance is impressive for such a large SUV. The Patrol can sprint from 0-100km/h in around seven seconds, which is remarkable considering it weighs more than 2.7 tonnes.
The V8 soundtrack is also part of the appeal, producing a deep, muscular rumble that has become increasingly uncommon in today's market.
On the road, the Patrol surprises with its refinement. Its hydraulic body motion control suspension system helps reduce body roll and improves ride comfort, making long-distance journeys remarkably relaxing.
The steering is light and predictable, while road noise is well suppressed. While it cannot disguise its considerable size on narrow urban streets, it feels composed and confident the motorway.
However, it is off the road where the Patrol shines. Built on a rugged ladder-frame chassis, it features a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing and a locking rear differential. Whether tackling rocky trails, muddy tracks, deep sand or steep climbs, the Patrol feels virtually unstoppable.
It has a towing capacity of 3500kg.
The interior focuses on comfort and practicality. The cabin is spacious, with ample room for seven adults, while the large cargo area makes it ideal for family adventures or touring.
Recent updates have modernised the infotainment system and driver assistance technologies, although some elements of the design now feel slightly dated compared with newer luxury SUVs.
Yet that is also part of the Patrol's appeal. It prioritises durability and functionality over fashionable design trends. Buyers know exactly what they're getting: a proven platform with a long track record of reliability and capability.
Its main competitors include the Toyota Land Cruiser 300, which offers diesel power and a strong reputation for durability or the Land Rover Defender 130, which combines luxury with exceptional technology.
