The Nissan Patrol stands tall as the undisputed monarch of off-road escapades, a titan among mere mortals. With its colossal 5.6-litre powertrains, this beast is crafted for unyielding endurance, transforming every rugged terrain into its personal playground. Known as the Abu Dhabi lion, the Patrol is more than just a vehicle; it’s a roaring juggernaut that commands attention with a growl so powerful, that it echoes through the valleys and sends shivers down the spines of lesser machines.

The Nissan Patrol has earned a reputation as a top-tier choice for off-road adventures, particularly in the challenging environments of the Middle East. Its powerful 5.6-litre powertrains are engineered for resilience, making it a true champion of bundu bashing.

The Patrol, affectionately dubbed the Abu Dhabi lion, is not just a car; it’s a formidable sports machine that announces its presence with a thunderous roar that can be heard from afar.

Adventurers from South Africa who have journeyed into the Namib dunes recognise the Nissan Patrol as the most reliable powertrain for those seeking thrills. This formidable vehicle has taken on challenges like the Tswaing salt craters in Botswana with ease.

Over the years, it has been referred to by several names, including Datsun Patrol and Nissan Safari. Still, the Nissan Patrol is the one that resonates with enthusiasts. Its capabilities have been displayed in the Dakar rallies and numerous desert competitions, where it excels in navigating rugged terrains.

This recipe has always been simple, tough as nails, and remarkably powerful like a tank. While Nissan hasn’t achieved the same legendary status as the desert king, Mitsubishi Pajero, it has carved out a reputation as a reliable desert performer with its stock engine. The journey has been extensive since the launch of the initial jeep-style Patrol in 1950, which became the first vehicle to scale Mount Fuji.

The Nissan Patrol has proven itself time and again as a dependable recovery vehicle, often tasked with pulling others from challenging dunes. Yet, it has one notable drawback: its voracious appetite for fuel. Although it comes equipped with a 140-litre tank, the vehicle’s range is not so impressive. Rated at about 14 litres per 100 kilometres, many drivers experience consumption closer to 20 litres, especially in city driving.

Unlike its competitor, the Toyota Land Cruiser 300, an oil guzzler, Nissan has not embraced the reputation of being a fuel hog. Instead, they’ve integrated two turbochargers into a 3.0L V6 engine and paired it with a 9-speed automatic transmission to help minimize trips to the gas station. In the UAE, where fuel is cheaper than water—costing around 74 US cents per litre—this issue is somewhat mitigated. This is why the new 3.0L V6 Patrol was launched in Abu Dhabi, its key market. The current model has been around for 15 years.

Despite its impressive technological advancements, much of the Patrol’s tech is becoming outdated, and enthusiasts have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new model. The right-hand drive versions are expected to hit the market in about two years, positioning the Patrol to directly compete with the Toyota Land Cruiser 300. However, markets like South Africa and Australia tend to shy away from petrol-hungry vehicles, which could place the Patrol at a disadvantage in these countries.

Many drivers of these vehicles rely on them for long-distance journeys across the country. With a diesel engine, you can achieve a range of over 1,000 kilometres on a single tank, a significant advantage, especially when avoiding the questionable fuels often found at roadside stations in various African nations.

Planning your route for hundreds of kilometres on one tank becomes a breeze, allowing you to traverse remote roads without the anxiety of running out of fuel, even in areas inhabited by large African wildlife like lions and hyenas. The latest Patrol model boasts a theoretical range of 972 kilometres per tank, but in reality, you can expect closer to 600 kilometres.

The Patrol, a formidable contender in the grand large SUV category, is built for all-terrain prowess. It’s not just about looks; this vehicle is a true bundu basher. The Nissan V8 has been celebrated for its ability to glide over sand dunes with ease, while the new V6 turbo engine is rated to deliver at least 19 kW more power than its predecessor.

The Y63, marking the seventh generation of the Patrol, is both larger and heavier than the Y62, stretching to 5,350 mm—185 mm longer than the previous model’s 5,165 mm. The new design closely mirrors the Y62’s DNA, boasting a massive grille and double CC daytime running lights. It has transitioned from a traditional stick to a switch transmission and features a cutting-edge air suspension that absorbs bumps and allows for a ride height adjustment of 7 cm.

The signature double C daytime running lights are also present at the rear, while the boot space is impressively large, accommodating three adults in the third-row seat with ease. Following in the footsteps of the Y62, the Y63 includes rear seat entertainment positioned on the front seat headrests, ensuring that younger passengers are entertained during the ride.

The interior has been designed to be more spacious, featuring high-quality materials that elevate its status against the Land Cruiser 300. In 2023, the Patrol nearly matched the sales figures of the Land Cruiser in the UAE market.

The Patrol has kept most of the physical buttons, including dials and menus, allowing you to keep your attention on the road while negotiating sandy dunes. Its infotainment system is remarkably user-friendly, integrating Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google Play for seamless connectivity. The inclusion of 360-degree cameras gives you a precise view of your wheels, making it easier to navigate rocky terrain that would typically require a co-pilot’s guidance.

The climate control system actively scans passenger temperatures, directing cooler air to those who need it. With a 9-speed gearbox and an engine that delivers power while being gentle on the environment, the Patrol is set to create a stir within the Toyota range.

We’re eagerly waiting for a test model to find out if the double force feeder can hold its own against the classic V8 engine. With the current Toyota Land Cruiser 300 boasting a double turbo, we’re looking forward to an exciting drive when we finally hit the road.

Time will tell if it can outperform the Y62. It’s worth noting that it wasn’t designed for right-hand drive markets such as Britain, Australia, and South Africa, but we might still receive some units by default, just like the Y62.