Loved for its sheer size, power and go-anywhere ability, the 2022 Nissan Patrol Ti continues to be popular among Aussie off-roading households. Thanks to the struggles of its biggest rival, the V8 powered SUV remains a fan favourite.
Up against the 200 Series (and now 300 Series) LandCruiser over the last decade, the Y62 Patrol provides comfort on and off the tarmac. Entering its final hurrah ahead of the Y63 arrival in 2024, it’s somewhat of a bastion for the humble 8-cylinder.
For 2022, there’s a new grille, a new logo, and new front guard vents. We were hoping for a new interior look too, but the Japanese car maker has stayed with what they know, with a significant tech and interior upgrade now set for the next-generation model to come.
Considered the entry level variant, while still being luxurious, the Patrol Ti is priced at $89,602 drive away (it’s uprated Ti-L sibling is $103,202 drive away). A behemoth by size standards, it nudges 5.2-metres in length and a smidge under 2.0-metres in height.
If you’re vertically challenged like this writer, you’ll be making use of the sidesteps and A-pillar grab handle. Given the doors too, are huge, and the Patrol s wide, most parallel parking will demand you squeeze through a fairly narrow door opening for entry.
Inside, the seats are vast, with eight-way electric adjustment for driver and passenger. The quality of materials used is mostly premium, with soft-touch leather in most locations. We’ll let you decide if the gaudy wood inserts are tasteful or not. We think not.
The driver’s seat sits a little too high if anything, and a bit of side bolster adjustment would be nice as you do tend to slide around a little in the seats, but it is an excellent cabin to knock over miles and miles of a long road trip in.
There’s storage everywhere too, with a huge centre console bin, sunglasses holder, cupholders, and sizeable door pockets. Move into the back seat and you’ve got USB ports, cupholders, and a centre armrest.
The three seat third row has enough space for tall creatures, but not for long road trips. The teenage version might kick and scream if subjected to that space for long periods. For an 8-seater 4WD though, you shouldn’t be short on space, that’s for sure.
Technology wise, the Patrol is let down by the infotainment system, with a slow reacting touchscreen and outdated graphics. You do get SUNA live traffic updates, but there’s no DAB+ digital radio or smartphone mirroring.
There’s not even Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, just old fashioned Bluetooth connectivity. You can forget wireless phone charging too. What you will find though is two USB-A ports in the centre console.
Under the big nose out front is Nissan’s powerhouse petrol V8, a 5.6-litre producing 298kW and 560Nm, with a 0-100km/h sprint coming in at 7.04 seconds. Just think about that for a moment, and then remember this SUV weighs in at 2.8-tonnes.
Claimed fuel consumption is 14.4-litres/100km, however real world driving saw us closer to 16.6-litres. It’s a little thirsty, but stack petrol prices against diesel fuel costs as they stand right now, and the big Nissan is a damn good option.
All of that power and performance translates to effortless driving around town, on-road, off-road, and when you’re towing. The accompanying soundtrack is one that only a naturally aspirated V8 can provide.
Buy one and whack in an aftermarket exhaust system and it’s pure meaty goodness. The ride, over almost any surface, is serene. The Patrol is insulated, unruffled and comfortable. Even a windy road out in the country is taken carefree.
You’ll only feel the big girl start to struggle if you tip the front into tight bends way faster than you should. Should you come unstuck, there’s a long list of safety tech, including autonomous emergency braking (sans cyclist and pedestrian detection though).
Multiple airbags, a rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring all feature.
The Nissan Patrol, ageing as it might be, remains a value packed touring monster, that is as capable as it is comfortable. It offers serious cabin space, room for as much luggage as you need, and the kind of rugged mechanical simplicity that promises not to let you down.
The sheer size and weight may not work for everyone around town, but if you need a large family 4WD or tow rig for a caravan or boat, it makes a huge amount of sense. You can find out more on the Nissan Australia website.
If you’re keen on one and need finance, talk to CreditOne.
Our test vehicle was provided by Nissan Australia. To find out more about the 2022 Nissan Patrol Ti, contact your local Nissan dealer.
My brother in law has one that be bought in 2017. Every service has as been at Nissan. He’s travelled 80,000 klms and the reverse gear has now broken. He asked Nissan for help in getting it fix and all they did was quote him $29,000 plus labour. No assistance in the price. So I searched the forums and found out that gearbox issues are very common in the Y62 and Nissan does want to know about any one of them. This new model has the exact same gearbox in it, so good luck to any new buyer.