First new Nissan Patrol in over a decade spied testing

Nissan’s current Y62-series Patrol has been in production for almost 14 years, but a replacement is finally approaching.

After being spied undergoing testing in the United Arab Emirates, the new Patrol – or Armada, as it’s known in some markets – has been spied in the US state of Arizona.

Photos shared on Instagram by KindelAuto show off the new off-roader’s more boxy design, with a front fascia similar to Infiniti’s Monograph Concept that previews the related next-gen QX80.

It has a large trapezoidal front grille and thin rectangular air intakes on the front bumper.

Although we have previously had glimpses of the headlight design, we can now see more of its squared-off daytime running light design.

As before, the new Patrol is expected to continue to resemble the posher Infiniti QX80, albeit with unique front and rear styling and likely a different interior.

Compared with the QX Monograph concept, the Patrol/Armada prototype has a unique rear bumper and different fender vents.

Its rear number plate is also located centrally on the tailgate, rather than on the lower bumper, and it lacks the flush door handles of the Infiniti concept.

Dealers based in the United States told Automotive News that Nissan will ditch the 5.6-litre V8 in the current model for a 3.5-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine, believed to produce around 314kW of power – up 16kW.

Dealers claim there are larger screens inside the cabin, upgraded finishes and the “latest” driver assistance and convenience technologies. 

The current left-hand drive Armada received a revised interior in 2021 with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that rises from a new dashboard and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.

But the right-hand drive Patrol has stuck with an older dash and smaller 8.0-inch screen with no smartphone mirroring.

The new Armada will reportedly go on sale in mid-2024, however it’s unclear when the Patrol will be revealed for our market.

The current Y62-series Patrol has been in production since 2010, and first went on sale in Australia in 2013.

Unlike its predecessors, no diesel engine has been available during the Y62’s run. In contrast, the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series offers both petrol and diesel power depending on market.

The Patrol/Armada will follow other full-sized SUVs like the Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia and aforementioned LandCruiser 300 in ditching V8 petrol power.

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