Buy the new Nissan Patrol or get a used Land Rover Discovery TD6

Big, bold and brash – that’s the updated Nissan Patrol. Petrol only and aimed at the oil-ich United Arab Emirates, the V8-powered off-roader is a totally different beast to the much-loved Y61 generation. For roughly the same sub-$100K price you could get into a used Land Rover Discovery with a frugal turbo-diesel powertrain. Which would you choose?

NISSAN PATROL

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With a fresh design, new safety tech and an improved ride quality, the updated Nissan Patrol has taken the tried and tested Y62 ethos and modernised it. Two variants are available. The entry-level Ti costs $75,990 while the top-spec Ti-L comes in at $91,990. It’s the latter we’re focusing on here.

Mechanically, the Patrol remains untouched, with the 5.6-litre V8 developing a significant 298kW and 560Nm – remember, this is the VK56 unit which formed the basis for the engine used in Kelly Racing’s Nissan Altima. With abundant performance on tap, and a circa 2.7-tonne kerb weight, it’s no surprise that the Patrol’s combined fuel consumption is 14.4L/100km. Ouch.

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The refreshed Y62 now, according to Nissan, rides better on-road with improved dampers and suspension retuning. For those who actually want to exploit its off-road prowess, the Patrol features an electronic rear diff lock, hill-descent control, hill-start assist and an off-road monitor. The braked towing capacity is 3500kg.

Inside, the Patrol remains largely unchanged – and it shows, with a dated design and antiquated graphics within the infotainment system. There’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for Australia, however, the Ti seats eight and the Ti-L has room for seven. The air-con and ventilation system has also been upgraded to better cool or heat rear-seat passengers.

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The safety systems have been increased with AEB, forward collision warning and rear cross-traffic alert standard on both variants. The Ti-L gains intelligent cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane intervention as well as blindspot warning and intervention.

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY

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According to Land Rover, this generation of Discovery is the first all-new version in the icon’s 30-year history. And it went all out, too, with a monocoque construction replacing a traditional separate chassis. There’s also a heap of aluminium in its construction to make it lighter – around 400kg depending on the variant.

In raw figures, the Disco’s 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel is lacking compared to the burly V8 found in the Patrol. Still, 190kW and a hefty 600Nm of torque is enough to motivate the 2.2-tonne SUV to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds with the potential of returning a combined 7.2L/100km. So it’s a grunty unit with the added benefit of relative frugality – especially compared to the thirsty Patrol. An eight-speed ZF automatic takes care of gear changes.

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Height-adjustable air suspension, dual-range gearing and an e-locker rear differential form part of the off-road armour, meaning the Disco is capable when the going gets tough. It displays competent on-road manners, too, although it’d be worth seeking out heavier-duty tyres if you do plan to turn off the tarmac. If not, the 3500kg towing capacity should handle caravan/boat duties with ease.

Inside, the Disco is an altogether more luxe experience, with a large touchscreen, modern graphics and an overall premium ambience. Essentially it feels very Range Rover. Five pews come as standard, with the option of a third row to create a seven-seater. If you do opt for the extra seats, the legroom in the additional row is up there with the best in class. Some won’t be happy that the split tailgate is no longer offered.

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Specs comparison

Wheels staff picks

Trent Giunco
Staff Journalist

If I’m going to be spending close to $100K, I want a bit of luxury. And while the Patrol gains new clothes, it’s still much the same on the inside. I dare say I wouldn’t be off-roading much, either, so kerbside appeal means a lot. I’d make sure the Disco still had some dancing left in its warranty period, though. However, if Nissan sold the Patrol Nismo with 319kW down under…

Andy Enright
Deputy Editor

While a 2017 Disco is a prodigiously talented thing, there’s something about the more utilitarian Patrol that appeals to me. Were I taking something out into the wild red yonder, I’d certainly choose the Nissan. That’s not to say I’ve got anything against Land Rover products. I’d just prefer to wait for the new Defender. So, for the time being at least, the Patrol gets my vote.

Cameron Kirby
Staff Journalist

I’m actually a big fan of the Disco (yes, even of the styling), but in this instance I’ll be opting for the Japanese workhorse. The new facelift makes the Patrol a rather attractive beast from a visual standpoint, and mechanically the Nissan is a solid, reliable unit, with ample grunt. Time to hook up the ski boat and haul it to the best spots struggle-free.

 

Reckon we’ve got it right? Or are we way off the money (literally)? Find your best and let us know in the comments what you’d buy.