2019 Nissan Patrol: What's new?

While it may be politically incorrect to say that the Middle East is similar to the USA. Nope, we aren’t going on any warpath here or with any other political agenda. The simple concept of bigger cars is something which we all like very much. Think about it, we even like big shawarmas while they prefer burgers. A certain Hummer would have been extinct long ago were it not for all the sheikhs buying them out. Seems like Nissan too will not stop sales of the Patrol SUV. Simple, we never seem to stop buying them. So, there is a 2019 Nissan Patrol now. It gets a host of changes. So let’s quickly start on with what’s new in the updated Nissan Patrol.

New colours

Well, they seem to be the flavour of the season. These colours include light beige, dark brown, silver metallic, metallic slate and brownish grey. The newest addition is the Pearl White, Hermosa Blue and Forged Copper Brown colours.  Earlier, the Patrol was offered in dull colour schemes, however, the fresh influx of colour palettes will definitely help the salesperson. Inside the cabin too, there are a few mixed colour patterns. Nissan says that it was customer feedback as most of them wanted to personalise the vehicle.

Refreshed looks

Well, the SUV is still slab sided but there are subtle changes too. For example, LED headlights are now part of the standard fare. So are LED DRLs. Nissan offers 18-inch wheels as standard but since it is the UAE market, 20-inch wheels too are provided for. This is the company’s biggest SUV right now in the market. It sells by the name Armada in Europe while Nissan’s luxury brand, Infiniti sells it by the QX80. However, the latter has a bit more palatable looks. On the Platinum trim, Nissan is generous enough to offer a powered sunroof. The tail lights too are now LED units and looks quite good as well. Nissan also now offers a new silencer dipped in chrome. Enough to make the Arabs go “Wallah Habibi”.

In the cabin

There are not many changes here. Open the wide doors and you will realise that this SUV can even swallow a whole elephant and still have space for some more. There are three rows of seating and even the last row passengers have nothing to complain about. The touchscreen infotainment system has a new colour scheme but it still lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. One can order the cabin with a mix of leather as well as wood finish. If you are buying the Platinum edition, then there is seating space for only seven as there is a central console that takes up the eighth passenger’s space.

Safety is the key

Such a big SUV does indeed need all the protection that money can buy. So, Nissan has updated the new Patrol SUV with Intelligent Brake Assist, Forward Collision Alert, Blind Spot Alert, Lane Change Alert and Intelligent Back-up Intervention. The standard eight airbags set up as well as Hill Hold Assist and other existing safety features are still there.

Power update?

Unfortunately not! The new Nissan Patrol comes with two engine options. There is the 4.0-litre V6 engine which is the base and it makes 275 PS of power. Nissan also offers the bigger 5.6-litre V8 motor that produces 400 PS of power. The former engine is mated to a 7-speed while the latter comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity of the new Nissan Patrol is rated at a high 4,200kg. Nissan offers Snow and Tow mode with the Patrol SUV.

Price

The 2019 Nissan Patrol can now be ordered at all Nissan showrooms in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries. The 2019 Nissan Patrol price starts from AED 181,000 and goes all the way to AED 254,875.

Final words

A worthy vehicle the Nissan Patrol is. However, given the new Nissan Patrol specifications, we wonder if it actually makes sense buying one. However, that is a story for another day. Don’t you agree?