By thatcar.co.za
For a while, Nissan has sat back and watched others fight for the upmarket big SUV crown.
Toyota came guns blazing with the Land Cruiser 300, but one has to remember that the boss in this field is the Range Rover.
Nissan wore their gloves, went to the gym, and are here to try to reclaim what is theirs.
Did they win?
Let’s try to answer that.
Here is what you need to know.
The 411
So, Nissan South Africa has officially confirmed when it plans to launch the Nissan Patrol, known as the Y63, which will be a ladder-frame SUV arriving in the fourth quarter.
Remember that the Nissan Patrol has a lot of heritage, dating all the way back to 1951, so this one needs to be good.
WHY?
Because in 2025, Nissan felt the heat in the kitchen and left.
But, as we all know, the kitchen is a lovely place to be, so they’re coming back.
Here is the 411.
Engine
Firstly, it loses the 5.6-litre V8 petrol motor — as we throw everything to the floor in anger! 😤
Instead, it gets a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 generating 317 kW and 700 Nm, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
According to Nissan Australia — which generally gets the same specifications as us:
“The new powertrain delivers 19 kW more power, sharper response and 140 Nm more torque than its predecessor. Importantly, peak torque is also available earlier in the rev range, delivering stronger performance in everyday driving, towing and off-road conditions.”
Drawing on Nissan GT-R technology, the Patrol’s 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 also incorporates a scavenger oil pump to maintain consistent engine lubrication during extreme off-road driving, including steep inclines and off-camber terrain.
4×4 Capability with a Pinch of…
Select grades of the all-new Patrol will offer Adaptive Air Suspension for the first time.
Paired with Nissan’s newly available Intelligent Dynamic Damping (e-Damper technology), which continuously adjusts to changing road and terrain conditions, the system enables the vehicle to raise or lower its ride height to suit the driving environment.
In Off-Road Mode, Adaptive Air Suspension increases ride height to improve approach, breakover and departure angles, helping drivers tackle challenging terrain with greater confidence.
When the transmission is shifted into Park, the system can lower the vehicle, making entry, exit and cargo loading easier.
On the highway, Adaptive Air Suspension automatically lowers at speeds above 90 km/h and raises again at speeds below 70 km/h, helping support fuel economy and aid cruising comfort.
Interior
Well, it squarely targets the 7-seater Land Cruiser 300.
Nissan says the 3-row Patrol will ship standard in Mzansi with a “comprehensive range of luxury and off-road features as well as an array of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) functions.”
Here are some functions we think will make you look twice.
Biometric Cooling
A Patrol and segment first, select grades feature Biometric Cooling, which intelligently monitors passengers’ temperatures upon entry and, when activated at vehicle ignition, automatically adjusts climate-control settings to help set up a comfortable and cool cabin environment for the ride ahead.
A genuine advantage in the extremes of the Australian climate.
‘Zero Gravity’ Massage Seats
For the first time, select variants of the all-new Patrol feature massage functionality for the front seats, adding a new level of long-distance comfort to the flagship and underlining its premium positioning.
Additionally, first- and second-row passengers are treated to ‘zero-gravity’ seats, which are designed to ensure optimal posture and support enhanced comfort during long journeys.
Monolith Display
The all-new Patrol features a Monolith display that anchors the cabin, presenting infotainment, navigation, vehicle and connectivity information.
On select grades, the Monolith features dual 14.3-inch screens.
Head-Up Display
A Head-Up Display features on select grades of the Patrol for the first time, projecting key information into the driver’s line of sight so essential details can be read without looking away from the road.
Klipsch Audio
For the first time, select variants of the Patrol will be available with a 12-speaker Klipsch premium audio system, engineered and tuned exclusively to deliver an immersive, high-fidelity sound experience.
Developed in collaboration with Panasonic Automotive, the Klipsch sound system delivers rich, detailed audio through a 12-channel, 600-watt amplifier.
Tuned specifically for the Patrol by Klipsch and Panasonic engineers, the system reproduces every frequency with precision, from crisp highs to resonant lows, to create the depth and impact of a live performance.
VERDICT
My kids, when the other one is in trouble, sing:
“Ababalele, ababalele abalele!”
When I was their age, we used to sing:
“Ayeye, Ayeye, Ayeye!”
I suppose they mean the same thing.
One just went to private school…
And the other, well… 😏
As we sit here, we find ourselves singing:
“Ababalele, ababalele abalele…” Looking at Toyota.
Nissan is back and on the face of it, its taking the crown back
