By Adam Smith for the Open Road Magazine
2023 Nissan Patrol Warrior review
Launched here in 2013, the Y62 Nissan Patrol has become a hardened veteran of many a march across Australia.
Despite the towing fraternity’s groans over no diesel option, it developed a following with those keen on off-road aftermarket modifications.
Nissan has now teamed up with engineering specialist, Premcar, to release the Patrol Warrior, an off-road beast that follows in the footsteps of its Navara Warrior ute cousin.
How is the 2023 Nissan Patrol Warrior priced?
The Patrol Ti is the only model to get the Warrior treatment and is priced at $101,160, which is a $16k premium on the regular Ti ($84,900) and not far above the top-spec Ti-L ($97,600).
A 5.6-litre V8 engine remains at its heart with outputs of 298kW and 560Nm, mated to a seven-speed auto transmission.
How are the 2023 Nissan Patrol Warrior’s off road specs?
Premcar has re-engineered a swag of mechanical parts to make the Ti more battle ready for off-road campaigns.
Foremost is raising ground clearance, with redeveloped front springs, new multi-rate rear springs and Yokohama G015 295/70 All-Terrain tyres giving a 50mm lift.
It has a 40-degree approach angle and 23.3-degree departure, while a 40mm wider track provides more stability and a tougher stance.
A formidable Warrior-branded red bash plate, black front bumper assembly and fender flares add protection and exterior looks are enhanced with a black grille and Warrior decals.
How are the 2023 Nissan Patrol Warrior’s interior design and features?
The changes inside are more subtle, adding Alcantara door and dash inlays, along with glossy black trim in the centre console.
It makes the design more current but can’t hide the Ti showing its age in other areas.
The small eight-inch infotainment screen sits above a CD player (remember them?); it lacks Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and when connecting an iPhone to one of two front USB-A ports it showed it as an ‘iPod’; the analogue dial instrument cluster only has a tiny LCD screen and no digital speedo; and there’s a foot-operated handbrake.
What the Ti does have is an abundance of comfort and space, with eight seats and ceiling air-con vents for the second and third rows.
A formidable Warrior-branded red bash plate, black front bumper assembly and fender flares add protection and exterior looks are enhanced with a black grille and Warrior decals.
How are the 2023 Nissan Patrol Warrior’s drive and handling?
Our off-road test drive was on Tasmania’s Climies Track, which the local parks service rates as “very difficult” and “suitable for experienced 4WD drivers only”.
Low-range driving is where the Patrol Warrior really comes into its own, able to subdue deep ruts, rocks and creek crossings thanks to a rear diff lock and Premcar’s suspension overhaul, giving stability and control in the most unstable conditions.
On the bitumen, Nissan says Premcar’s upgrades to the hydraulic body motion control system have also improved on-road handling and it does navigate corners well for an off-road-biased large SUV.
It’s also refined, keeping engine noise and any roar from the chunkier tyres at bay, until you firmly nudge the V8 into life and a wondrous burble emits from Premcar’s side bi-modal exhaust.
Those wanting more constant aural stimulation can slip the transmission into manual mode, which opens the bi-modal’s valve.
How is 2023 Nissan Patrol Warrior’s fuel efficiency?
Less agreeable is the SUV’s loose and fidgety steering.
Patrol devotees also don’t like to mention the F-word (fuel) and for good reason.
The readout hovered around 20L/100km on our mostly back roads loop, a far cry from the claimed 14.4L/100km.
And when you’re filling a 140-litre tank with the required 95 RON at north of $2 a litre, well, you do the maths.
2023 Nissan Patrol Warrior – final thoughts
Yet Nissan has achieved its goal of taking the risk out of Patrol mods and gives a joint five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty with Premcar.
It’s sure to attract even more hardcore devotees and those other aftermarket enterprises will just be collateral damage.
Pros: Off-road capability; savage looks; bi-modal exhaust sound
Cons: Dated interior; steering feel; thirst
Specs
- Engine: 5.6-litre V8
- Transmission: 10-speed auto
- Power: 298kW
- Torque: 560Nm
- Fuel consumption: 14.4L/100km
- Spare tyre: full-size
- ANCAP: Not tested
- Price: $101,160 (plus ORC)
