First Drive: 2025 Nissan Patrol Y63

The all-new 2025 Nissan Patrol arrived after 15 years, and it’s clear that Nissan has pulled out all the stops to ensure this iconic SUV remains a dominant force in the full-size SUV segment. Combining power, opulent interiors, and new technology, the latest Patrol is a statement of luxury and capability. We took the top-of-the-line Patrol LE Platinum City variant for a spin across the off-road paths and city streets to see if it lives up to the hype.

Exterior Design

The 2025 Patrol retains its unmistakable presence but with a fresh, modern twist. The redesigned front grille is larger and more aggressive, flanked by sleek LED headlights and daytime running lights that give it a futuristic edge. The muscular body lines and chrome accents add a touch of sophistication, while the two-tone paint options elevate its premium appeal. 

The Patrol’s sheer size is impossible to ignore, and its towering stance commands respect on the road. The LE Platinum City variant we tested rides on stunning 22-inch alloy wheels that perfectly fill the wheel arches, completing the SUV’s rugged yet refined look. Whether you’re cruising down Sheikh Zayed Road or tackling off-road trails in Ras Al Khaimah, the new Patrol still commands a lot of respect.

Interior

Step inside, and the 2025 Patrol feels more like a high-end luxury sedan than a rugged SUV. The cabin is adorned with premium materials, including quilted leather seats, real wood trim, and soft-touch surfaces. The seats are incredibly comfortable, with heating and cooling for front and rear passengers and massage functions available for front passengers.

The Patrol’s interior is now a tech-lover’s dream. It features dual 14.3-inch displays: one is a fully digital instrument cluster, while the other is a high-resolution infotainment touchscreen. The infotainment system is powered by a suite of Google features, including Google Maps, which can be displayed ahead of the driver for seamless navigation, and Google Assistant, which uses cloud-based voice recognition for intuitive speech interpretation.

A head-up display that projects essential driving information onto the windshield adds to the futuristic feel. This feature allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road.

Segment-First Climate Control: Infrared Biometric Technology

One of the 2025 Patrol’s most innovative features is its segment-first climate control system. This advanced system uses infrared biometrics to measure the skin temperature of occupants in all three seating rows. It then adjusts the intensity and direction of the air conditioning to ensure optimal comfort for every passenger.

This feature is a game-changer in regions like the Middle East, where temperatures can soar. The system ensures that cool air is directed precisely where needed, preventing overcooling or uneven temperature distribution.

Audio System: Klipsch Premium Audio

Nissan has partnered with Klipsch, a renowned name in high-fidelity audio, to deliver an exceptional listening experience in the 2025 Patrol. The Klipsch Premium Audio system features 12 strategically placed speakers throughout the cabin, ensuring crystal-clear sound quality no matter where you’re seated. 

Nissan Patrol Performance: No more V8

The legendary 5.6-litre V8 has been replaced by a more modern and efficient 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine. This new powertrain delivers an impressive 425 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque, making it one of the most powerful engines in its class. Paired with a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission, the Patrol accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 6.7 seconds, with a top speed limited to 200 kph. Previous Patrol V8 owners will miss the smooth delivery of power as there is a bit of turbo lag in the new engine, which is expected in such a big vehicle. 

The new engine definitely improves fuel efficiency compared to its V8 predecessor. Nissan claims a fuel efficiency of 10.1 km/litre, but we achieved 8.9 km/litre in our real-world testing. While this may not be class-leading, it’s still a massive improvement over the thirstier V8 model, making the 2025 Patrol a more sustainable choice for long drives and daily commutes. 

Suspension and Handling

One of the standout features of the LE Platinum models is the new adaptive air suspension system. This advanced setup automatically adjusts the ride height and damping based on driving conditions, ensuring a smooth and composed ride on smooth highways or rough terrain.

The air suspension also allows you to manually adjust the ride height, which is particularly useful for off-roading. In off-road mode, the system can increase the ride height by 70 mm, providing additional ground clearance to tackle challenging terrain. The system lowers the vehicle at higher speeds for improved aerodynamics and stability. 

Steering is precise and well-weighted, providing confidence in corners despite the Patrol’s size and weight. It still uses the hydraulic-assisted power steering system. The handling is surprisingly agile for such a large SUV, with minimal body roll even during spirited driving. Of course, it is still a big vehicle, and while the handling is better than the previous model, you cannot beat physics, and the tyres will start squealing for mercy during some hard cornering. 

Nissan Patrol Driving Experience

On the road, the Patrol feels surprisingly agile for its size. Its adaptive air suspension system absorbs bumps and imperfections, providing a plush and composed ride. The suspension automatically adjusts to road conditions, ensuring optimal comfort and stability on smooth highways or rough terrain.

Off-road, the Patrol truly shines. We took it through Dubai’s desert dunes, and it confidently tackled some intermediate dunes. The hill descent control, advanced off-road cameras, and terrain modes make navigating tricky terrain a breeze, even for novice off-roaders.

We didn’t push it too hard, as the LE Platinum City has the lower front bumper. Still, we certainly experienced its off-road capabilities in the desert dunes of Saudi Arabia in December last year in more capable hands. The V6 twin-turbo had enough grunt, keeping its reputation intact as one of the best off-roaders out there.

Safety

The 2025 Patrol comes equipped with Nissan’s latest ProPILOT Assist system, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic jam assist. Other safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. The Patrol also boasts a reinforced body structure and multiple airbags, earning it top marks in safety ratings.

Nissan Patrol 2025 Price

The 2025 Nissan Patrol’s base trim starts at AED 239,900, offering a solid package of features and performance. However, the LE Platinum City variant we tested is the crown jewel of the lineup, priced at AED 379,900. This top-tier model comes loaded with every conceivable luxury and tech feature, including the new adaptive air suspension, infrared biometric climate control, dual 14.3-inch displays, and the Klipsch Premium Audio system.

Verdict

If you’re in the market for a full-size SUV that offers the perfect blend of luxury and capability, the 2025 Nissan Patrol is hard to beat. It’s a vehicle that lives up to its legendary reputation and will continue to be the go-to premium SUV. Whether conquering the desert or cruising the city, the new Patrol still delivers both in abundance.