Is it just me or is there a weird kind of allure to driving something at complete odds with modern day convention? It’s getting harder to find a vehicle powered by a petrol V8, let alone bolted under the nose of a 2.5 tonne 4×4. I’ve no doubt that the days are numbered for rows of cylinders shaped in a V. But for now, there’s still the imposing Nissan Patrol Ti-L.

What is it?

Its terms of real estate there’s basically no other 4×4 other than the Toyota LandCruiser that can top the Patrol. The Y61 model has been put to bed for some time now so anyone looking for a Patrol badge is confronted by the sixth generation Y62. I say confronted because this beast does have an air of superiority about it.

It’s the type of machine that should come with a trigger warning. The main triggers are roundabouts, when you approach one there’s suddenly an inner urge to drive straight over that prick of a thing. But then reality bites and another voice in your head says, “Hey Bowen remember this is probably a demerit offence.” 

So, putting hearing voices inside my head aside, I guess what I’m trying to convey is that the V8 Patrol is very intoxicating. Even though it’s been around for nine years now.

Behind the Wheel

I don’t think I’ve seen as much faux wood crammed into a car since my 2004 Nissan Maxima. It’s everywhere, completely dominating the dash. Personally, I don’t lose my shit about these kinds of things, but our Dictator Trevor Long is no fan. It’s bad, but hey let’s move on.

From behind the wheel you’re instantly aware of the sheer dimensions. It’s a commanding position to be in, so much so I’m almost certain people actively avoid trying to jump the queue in traffic. 

It’s been an interesting week because we just happen to have the Lexus LX 570 in the EFTM Garage. So, I’ve been jumping in between the two. Both are V8 petrol drinking monsters but it’s not entirely fair to put them against each other. But I can tell you a couple of things, the Patrol is substantially quicker along with being a better handling package all round.

Nissan use what it calls Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC). This is basically what Toyota use on the top of the line Toyota LandCruiser models where it’s called Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). In short, these systems attempt to mitigate body roll, which in the Nissan’s case really pays off.

Ultimately it pays to remember you’re in no hot hatch, but it does drive pretty well even when I’m in a “spirited” mood. My drive home can be found below, that’s a pretty handy proving ground I reckon!

The other area that pleases me is that the 298kW’s really make this thing take off. Overtaking when safe is not a problem.

Vital Stats

It really is all about that engine when it comes to the Patrol. A 5.6-litre petrol V8 produces 298kW at 5,800rpm. That’s backed up by 560Nm of torque at 4000rpm. Power is sent on-demand to all four-wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission.

For those who actually want to go off-road I can assure you of this. It’s probably the best stock 4×4 you can buy. I’ve driven in the snow and absolutely given one a work out in muddy conditions. It just powers on in an almost invincible kind of way.

It has a rear limited slip diff, multiple 4×4 modes, hill descent control and a 140-litre fuel tank.

There are more than a handful of creature comforts. The seats are covered in stuff that looks and feels like leather but is more synthetic than real. Tri-zone climate control should keep everyone happy along with twin 8-inch screens in the rear with USB, DVD and HDMI capabilities.

The 13 speaker Bose system is excellent as is the powered cool box in between the front two-seats.

Technology 

There’s not much doing here I’m afraid. It does have an intelligent rear-view mirror; this uses an LCD monitor to give drivers an unobstructed view when reversing. Lighting the road ahead is performed by Xenon headlights on the Ti-L model, but they are a bit yesteryear, these days LED lamps are now a modern and better alternative. 

There’s no Automous Emergency Braking, in its place are a number of warning systems that will beep like crazy but not intervene. It does have lane keep assist that helps with stretches of highway driving plus a blind spot monitor.

I’m not going to talk about the 8.0-inch touch screen, because it makes me too angry. But thankfully a new system is coming on new Navara models.

Price

The Nissan Patrol Ti-L is priced at $89,880 before on-roads. The Ti model begins at $71,990 and funnily enough offers eight seats. But when I last reviewed the Patrol in 2013 prices were far harder on your back pocket. Back then Nissan offered a three model range. The Ti-L was $113,990! . Fuel Economy is rated at 14.4L/100km. I’ve seen much better than that on mostly highway driving but expect closer to 18L/100km around the suburbs. Nissan offer a three-year/100,000 warranty. But this can be boosted to five, but you’ll need to haggle with the dealer.

Why Would You Buy One?

Because no one buys cars to save the world, yet.

EFTM Scoreboard

The Nissan Patrol Ti-L may well be the last mammoth petrol V8 you can buy. It’s a tough one to evaluate, because as mentioned there’s a stack of flaws. But there’s just something captivating about driving something so overtly in your face. It’s a 7.5 from me