08-08-2025
Nissan Patrol Warrior review reveals last of the V8s for renowned nameplate
Artificial intelligence knows the world is entering a new phase. Hunt for V8s on the market, and it wished us the best of luck with our search 'you're looking at the end of a loud, proud era'.
There's nothing artificial when you hit the start button in the Nissan Patrol Warrior.
The soundtrack pumped from the side-mounted pipes is all bent-eight. No special synthesisers being added through the stereo system – it's just raw, unadulterated muscle emanating from the exhaust.
It's enough to make the tree-huggers pass out.
But it's the last of its kind. Nissan has already revealed a new Patrol for 2026, which will be powered by a twin-turbo V6 partnered to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
These Patrols will be the last to feature V8s, so those chasing eight cylinders don't have much time left.
The base model starts from $103,595 drive-away, but we drove the Warrior version, that has received a makeover by Victorian outfitters Premcar, which are on the road for just above $121,000.
Leading this genre is the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series with the barebones GX starting from $104,800, but wait times can be lengthy depending on the variant. Another rival is the Land Rover Defender 130 – it starts at $152,000 for the hybrid diesel, and pushes up to nearly $250,000 for the V8.
What do you get?
Refreshed models arrived this year, and compared with the Patrol Warrior we drove last September, the price has risen $5800.
Among the new additions are an off-road and around-view monitor, wireless phone charger, satnav, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 7-inch digital driver instrument display.
The Warrior is easily differentiated from mainstream Patrols courtesy of the suspension lift of 50mm, as well as having a 40mm wider track (distance between the centre of the tyres on the same axle), Yokohama all-terrain rubber and the red bash plate.
Carry-over luxuries include leather trim, 10-way electric adjustable driver's seat, six-speaker stereo, tri-zone aircon, 12.3-inch touchscreen, along with the Alcantara dash complete with Warrior inscription.
After all the discussion about Nissan's future, it moved to assure Australian customers it was in for the long haul. Warranty coverage is the best in the business at 10 years or 300,000km. The catch is owners need to maintain servicing with Nissan dealers during that period, otherwise the standard five-year unlimited kilometre warranty applies. Premcar's upgrades are also covered.
A flat $499 service price applies for the first five maintenance visits. Brake fluid is required every two years or 40,000km, which is an extra $75.
External colour options are only silver, white, grey or black.
How was the drive?
Very few off-roaders are left stock-standard nowadays, so Premcar does much of the hard work before it leaves the showroom.
Standard Patrols are more than adept off the bitumen. Warriors open even wilder doors.
Beach work was undertaken in its stride, fire trails were easier than shelling peas.
A console dial provides drive mode options to deliver the best grip.
If you do get into trouble, there are two rear recovery points.
The extra ride height, different bumpers to provide additional wheel clearance and bolstered body protection ensure that it's ready for the toughest of terrain.
Warriors also have a different towing mechanism to allow for a full-sized 18-inch spare.
Towing capacity is the same as all Patrols – 3500kg with a towball download of 350kg, while gross combined mass (vehicle and braked trailer) is 7000kg – an increase of 115kg.
On the road there can be reasonable bodyroll in the bends, but you expect that with off-road machines. There's always ample grunt under your right foot, and the V8 growl is addictive. Yet there is one major drawback to the V8 – fuel consumption. Requiring the more expensive premium unleaded, we averaged more than 16 litres for every 100km.
With current prices just below $2, that would still mean more than $260 to fill the 140-litre tank.
Would you buy one?
Kel: The proliferation of souped-up four-wheel drives has been phenomenal. That sound did take me back to the glory days of HSVs and FPVs. While I didn't have any issues on the highway or in general traffic, the sheer size made parking challenging – the new around-view monitor is a godsend. For me, the lack of seat heaters and the hefty fuel consumption rules it out, but it was a fun drive that inspired you to find roads less travelled.
Grant: Trying to find a V8 nowadays can be challenging. There is BMW's all-wheel drive M8 has a 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 that's more than $400,000, maybe a Porsche Panamera GTS with a twin-turbo bent eight for about $380,000, or a Bentley Flying Spur with a hybrid V8, which pushes closer to half a million. So that makes the Patrol somewhat of a bargain. The Patrol Warrior is an acquired taste – those who like life's luxuries, but also want to hit the beaten track. Given the wait times for LandCruisers, the Patrol is certainly worth a look, and it's great to have all the additions under warranty.
