Nissan Philippines, pre-pandemic, delayed release of the heavily updated full-size premium Nissan Patrol SUV to get things right for our market. Even after the lengthy doldrums, the Nissan Patrol has arrived with a touch more than we had seen and tested, well one more extra feature anyway, it was the first model to use the new corporate branding which is now seen on the Almera and the excellent all-new Kicks e-POWER.

During that missing period last year, the much-smaller Subaru Evoltis, which is still a very good 7-seater full-size SUV, was able to secure the C! Award for best-in-class. Its fiercest direct rival is the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 which went through an incredible metamorphosis in every way except that its starting price begins at P5,210,000.00 and despite its monumental redesign still uses a fairly short 2850 mm (112.2 inches) wheelbase which is actually shorter than the biggest Subaru. Thus, making the extremely desirable Toyota Land Cruiser with its new efficient drivetrains and its best standard equipment ever not as compelling as we had hoped. The Land Cruiser will continue to sell successfully due to its universal popularity and high demand. For me though, I still think that for my own money and requirements, the Nissan Patrol is the very best solution in our market with its balanced proportions of space, luxury, comfort, modern amenities, and performance. It can seat 8-people and drive through the worst and best conditions in the archipelago fully composed and with elegance.

With the departure of the long-wheelbase Ford Expedition, the challenging high prices of the all-new Chevrolet Tahoe at P5,076,888.00 and the larger Suburban at P5,719,888.00, the Nissan Patrol is the absolute best solution for high capacity, attainable opulence, and real-world ability. The only compromise is fuel cost from its thirsty yet powerfully efficient V8 engine. But considering that the Nissan Patrol is significantly larger than the Toyota Land Cruiser and more dynamic, while costing less by at least P512,000.00 combined with more availability, the fuel costs can be liquidated appropriately.

As a recap, the new Nissan Patrol may have a few dated carried-over bits, but as a whole, I love the black wood veneer trim and caramel tan leather interior treatment that contrasts classily with the Brilliant Silver exterior. The Patrol rides on a 3075 mm wheelbase with fully adaptive independent suspension, appropriately powerful brakes, has a body length of 5270 mm compared to 4980 mm on the Land Cruiser, has a power lift-gate now, uses a new very comprehensive 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with built-in navigation, standard Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless smartphone charging supported by 360-degree cameras, new more powerful signature full-LED lighting, the fantastic 13-speaker Bose audio system, and the finest climate control system in its class. The Patrol rips with a more menacing soundtrack on full throttle but is quieter when driven modestly using a whopping fuel tank of 140-liters, up from the previous 95-liter tank.

Managing all this 400 bhp and 413 lb-ft of power and speed are a recalibrated 7-speed automatic gearbox, the carried over vented 13.8-inch brake discs with 4-piston calipers up front and single sliders at the rear combined with the adaptive Hydraulic Body Motion Control system on fully independent double-wishbone suspension with anti-roll bars, Electronic Locking Rear Differential and a Limited Slip Differential which effectively makes the behemoth handle like a sporty sedan on the road despite having a 275 mm ground clearance. Wading depth is 700 mm. The all-terrain adaptability is effectively and easily managed by the updated intelligent 4×4 system and recalibrated steering. Once again handling rolling stock duty are Bridgestone H/T 684II 275/60R20 115H tires mounted on new complex and attractive 20 x 8J alloys.

As it stands with its more friendly retail price compared to its direct competition together with its outstanding list of standard equipment, space, comfort, and outright performance, it is without hesitation that I declare that the Nissan Patrol again is the new standard in its class.