If you must have an excessively large and equally powerful SUV, that has full four-wheel drive capability, then look no further than the recently updated Nissan Patrol Ti-L (Y62). Hell, we took one all over NSW and QLD in 2022, so we know its capabilities.
That trip included trekking as far as you can go north, to the very tip of Cape York. Owning an example of this ancient beast proved one thing, if you want to tow with plenty of go, there’s very little else to choose from.
This vehicle, with its enormous cabin, an almost extinct V8, and killer kilometre crushing ability, is supremely capable. All things considered, it’s priced well too. Yes, I’m looking at you squarely in the face, Toyota LandCruiser owners.
Fast forward to 2024, and we took the Patrol Ti-L for what will probably be its final swan song, at least until it loses two cylinders and gains a turbo for the incoming Y63 era. It was a relatively simple review to write, and not necessarily for good reasons.
You see, very little has changed, and what has includes a number of features being dropped, price rises, and modest but important infotainment upgrades. For 15 years, Y62 owners have simply dealt with one major bugbear, and it sits with the latter.
The infotainment system offered in our market was basically an abomination, and that’s amplified as the years have passed. Apple CarPlay or Android Auto has been, until now, an unobtainable factory backed luxury.
Nissan Australia is now importing Y62’s with a new cubby holder where the old 8.0-inch screen once was, along with a gaping chasm below where there once existed a CD player and around 200 buttons.
This has allowed Directed Technologies, who operate out of Melbourne, to install a plug and play 10.1-inch display as soon as the vehicle arrives at the port. The new centre console stack now scores the aforementioned connectivity (both wired and wireless).
It also grabs a faster USB-C charger, joining the existing USB-A port up front. The new software also sees the introduction of DAB+ radio and navigation options such as iGO Street Navigation (which you will never use) and Hema 4×4 Navigation.
The second of these (which you’ll have to pay for), you will certainly require if you truly intend to venture out into the great vastness Australia offers. The Directed Technologies software is reasonably easy to navigate, but lacks any great deal of sophistication.
We encountered a few moments of hesitation and the odd freezing of Apple CarPlay – a problem that can occur in the best systems to be honest. Nissan has also managed to squeeze in a 15-watt wireless smartphone charging pocket in front of the two cup holders.
It all sounds lovely, but the screen itself isn’t overly bright or super sharp, although after driving Patrol after Patrol over 15 years and then actually owning one, it’s a worthy upgrade.
Due to the constraints of the centre stack architecture on the right-hand drive version Aussies are delivered, the screen is unfortunately a little too low and not exactly in line of sight for the driver.
As a result the surround-view camera system has been dispensed with, and now just a single, albeit very wide, angle reversing camera exists. For a car of this size it’s a big omission, plus a safety downgrade, with moving object detection also in the bin.
On the previous Ti-L model a 13-speaker Bose sound system was standard, but in 2024, that’s also been scrapped and replaced with a 6-speaker Infinity system. To be frank, it’s a huge disappointment, and kind of like using a smartphone speaker to fill a concert hall.
The Nissan Navara has a better sounding audio package and that’s saying something. The second row entertainment screens that were mounted to the rear of the front headrests are also victims, although an iPad has probably superseded these for most kids.
The horrid woodgrain interior remains intact, which is a, um, bonus, that one gets used to, or immediately heads to the nearest aftermarket boffin to cover it with any number of vinyl wrapping options.
We actually find it amazing that a factory still has a machine capable of making this legacy type of material. It would be similar to say Sony still having the capability to run an assembly line to produce brand spanking new gramophones.
Having said all that, the Patrol still retains the formidable 5.6-litre V8 and slick 7-speed auto combo. With 298kW at 5800rpm and 560Nm at 4000rpm, the big Nissan SUV is still a belter.
After hauling around a nearly 3.0-tonne caravan back in 2022, this writer can tell you it possesses an uncanny ability to make what’s behind you feel like it’s come adrift. It’s a towing gold medallist if you can work out the inherent sag in the rear-end.
That’s despite a 350kg tow ball rating and 3,500kg braked towing capacity. What also remains is a predilection to drink minimum 95RON unleaded at an alarming rate, especially around town or while chasing grey nomads.
One could mount an argument that at this price and with a kerb weight of 2,884kg, most owners aren’t that concerned about the eye watering dollar signs at the pump, but getting a mere 500km under heavy use from a 140-litre tank does feel a tad immoral.
If you manage the claimed 14.4-litres/100km fuel economy you must live on a freeway, work on a freeway and never dip below 100km/h. Personal experience saw high teens on a good week or closer to 30-litres/100km towing into a headwind.
It’s the same when you’re on sand or dirt, let alone adding in modifications and the addition of upgraded tyres. That aside, the Patrol still pulls off fantastic road manners and dare we say, is slightly chuck-able into the odd corner.
The basic yet effective hydraulic body motion control system keeps it taught and upright laterally. The brakes are always reassuring and while the steering is on the light side, it somehow manages to invoke a sense that the Y62 is smaller than reality.
We love the permanent all-wheel drive system and tendency to send a fair chunk of power to the rear wheels. In the wet, the Patrol will seriously step out should you ask too much of the throttle, which in the right situation, will elicit a smile.
The Ti-L model scores 7-seats coated in a comfy leathery type material, the front pews do lack side support though, which means you’ll be slushing around when things get hectic. The third row is only for those under ten, thanks to a high rear floor.
There’s a sunroof and rear-view mirror that serves as a wide angle camera should you flick a tab underneath. The 2024 Nissan Patrol Ti-L is priced at $100,500 – while the lesser Ti model weighs in at $87,900 – both plus on-roads. That’s a rise of around $3000 each.
To find out more, you can visit the Nissan Australia website, or talk to your local dealership. To get a low rate finance quote on your next vehicle purchase, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One.
To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by Nissan Australia for independent review purposes.
