2025 Nissan Patrol Warrior Review
If you've been on the edge about whether to buy a Nissan Patrol, now is the time.
Like, literally, get your order in, because this is the best this generation has ever been, and it will be gone before you know it.
That's because there's a new-generation Y63 Patrol coming, which will get a more advanced and efficient six-cylinder engine and a completely redone interior.
Heart of a Warrior
The charm of this model is its terrific 5.6-litre petrol V8 engine, which will continue on until the bell tolls in 2026, and it finally scores an interior deserving of its $100,000 price tag.
There are three versions of the Patrol – the Ti, from about $99,000 drive-away, the Ti-L with a few more luxury items at roughly $111,000 drive-away, and the Warrior by Premcar, which is the most hardcore version (and the one to pick!) at nearly $115,000 drive-away.
Choose the Ti or Warrior, you get eight seats (2+3+3), while the Ti-L has a seven-seat design (2+3+2).
Fresh tech helps the cause
All of them have seen a revised interior that includes a better, factory-fit 12.3-inch touchscreen media system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and that system includes sat nav and has a new rotary dial media controller too.
It's been offered in other markets, but Australia has been low on the list for it – but it sees the reintroduction of a surround-view camera with forward view mode for off-roading, which was removed as part of the last, less successful, interior update.
The new dash also gets a wireless phone charger, and there has been a rethink of the positioning of some controls, while the driver gets a new 7.0-inch digital instrument display that offers much better usability than the last version, incorporating a digital speedo, tyre pressure monitoring, off-road angles (pitch and yaw) and a compass, too.
Along with some revisions to the interior trim, the Ti and Ti-L models feel a lot less like a 1970s golf club, but it's hardly cutting edge cabin treatment.
Practicality-wise, it nails the brief with enough space for adults in all three rows of seats, and a big boot area as well.
Just a shame the rear seats don't have electric foldability, as it's a loooong reach (or walk around to the door) to shift them.
The drive experience hasn't changed, and that's whether you're talking on- or off-road.
It's a monster on dirt
But as has been the case since Nissan launched the fettled Warrior model, the off-road-focused flagship offering is the best of both worlds.
Premcar's mods include a 50mm lift kit, 34-inch Yokohama all-terrain tyres, recovery hooks, and in combination with revised suspension, better clearance, more off-roadability and a wider track, it feels like the Warrior is ready for whatever you can throw at it.
We threw it around some country road corners and while it's no masterpiece in dynamic prowess, it has a soft and comfortable ride with predictable driveability.
The Warrior also scores a side-exit exhaust, and the pipes make the V8 engine sing. You won't be able to get enough of the soundtrack.
Off-road? It's a beast. Low-range and a few different off-road modes ensure you'll be able to churn up the sand or crawl up craggy hillsides, and it can deal with deep water crossings and muddy surfaces easily.
It's thirsty
The biggest concern for potential customers will be fuel consumption. It averages 14.4L/100km on the official numbers, but I saw 16.2L/100km across a mix of driving.
And the preference is 98RON premium unleaded for its 140-litre tank.
Yeesh, that's gonna be a pricey refill every week or two.
But there's a nice sweetener for this updated Patrol (and models sold prior, provided they've been serviced with Nissan or get a check-up done if maintained elsewhere) – a conditional 10-year/300,000km warranty.
If you service with Nissan (every 12 months/10,000km) you can get a decade of warranty cover, including genuine accessories fitted, and there's a 10-year roadside assistance plan too.
Verdict
If you can stomach the cost of the Patrol and the petrol costs don't bother you, this is the best version of the Y62 yet. Can't wait to see what the new Y63 is like!
4 stars
NISSAN PATROL WARRIOR
OUTPUTS: 298kW/560Nm
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 14.4L/100km
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