“Range Rover-like” 2025 Nissan Patrol to scrap V8

The 2025 Nissan Patrol will swap its naturally aspirated V8 for a downsized, twin-turbo petrol V6.

Industry publication Automotive News [↗] reports that the all-new Patrol, due in 2024, was demonstrated to Nissan retailers in the United States at its annual dealer conference last week.

A production-ready prototype shown at the event was described as “Range Rover-like” with a more-rugged appearance, including new headlights and tail-lights, and an “all-new”, modernised interior.

The new Patrol, which could adopt the ‘Y63’ codename, will also sport larger screens, updated active safety features, and additional features above the current model launched in 2010.

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2024 Nissan Patrol speculative rendering | Wheels Media

Under the bonnet will reportedly be a 316kW twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine matched to a nine-speed automatic transmission.

While this roughly matches the Nissan Z – which outputs 309kW/520Nm in Nismo form – it is unclear if the new Patrol’s engine will be an updated version of the 3.0-litre ‘VR30’ powertrain found in the sports car.

Previous reports have pointed to an all-new 3.5-litre unit, which will be shared with the Infiniti QX80, the luxury twin to the Patrol once sold in Australia.

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2024 Nissan Patrol speculative rendering | Wheels Media

For context, the current 5.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V8 in the Patrol produces 298kW and 560Nm with a seven-speed automatic. It’s likely the new V6 would surpass that torque output.

The Y63 may also feature an E-Power hybrid version in the future to further reduce emissions, in line with Nissan's strategy to increase the number of electric and hybrid vehicles in its line-up.

Our speculative renderings, above, show an evolutionary design with hints from the smaller X-Trail and Pathfinder for the new Patrol, including split headlights and a full-width strip connecting slimmer tail-lights.

Expect an updated version of the current Patrol’s ‘F-Alpha’ body-on-frame platform to underpin the forthcoming model.

Earlier this month, Nissan’s luxury arm Infiniti unveiled its QX Monograph concept as a preview of the third-generation QX80, providing our closest look yet at the new Patrol.

The current Nissan Patrol – badged Armada in North America – serves as the basis for the Infiniti QX80, and this should continue in new-generation form.

For local buyers, a more-rugged Patrol Warrior – arriving later this year to farewell the current Y62 – may headline the new-generation range, if the upcoming model proves popular.

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As with the Navara Warrior, it is modified by Melbourne-based Premcar, with a bi-modal side-exit exhaust, a new towbar, added ground clearance via a suspension lift, additional under-body protection, all-terrain tyres, and black badging.

The next-generation 2025 Nissan Patrol is expected to debut within 18 months, with a local launch likely a few months later.

VFACTS new-car sales data reveals 3342 examples of the Nissan Patrol have been registered in Australia to the end of July, placing it behind the Toyota LandCruiser wagon (7771, including LC300, LC76 and LC78).

Nissan Australia said it is aiming to “be even bigger” with an ambition to re-enter the top 10 with a six per cent market share.

“We have a big presence [in Australia] and our ambition is to be even better than we are today,” said Nissan Australia managing director, Adam Paterson.

“We’ve also had some fantastic success with Patrol… and you can see the growth in Y62 from fiscal year 2018 to last fiscal year. The Patrol product has been doing quite well for us and we’re very excited about the success it has had. There are plans to work on further growth there,” he added.