The Patrol Y62, to give it its full in-house code name, is very different from every Nissan Patrol that preceded it. This Patrol has a big V8 engine that gives it exceptional performance. As well, its unusual and technically advanced suspension combines on-road handling impressively with off road ability. The Patrol has a luxurious and very roomy cabin with at least seven seats, and a sophisticated dual-range four-wheel drive system.
Pros Huge cabin; powerful engine; very capable off road.
Cons Heavy fuel use; needs plenty of parking room.
The Patrol does seem underdone with some of its controls and it is a big unit to thread around town. Yet it is a very good tow vehicle, with very good performance, pretty good stability and ride and the fuel consumption of a small V8 – if you don’t push it hard.
Pros Performance Relatively light on fuel Towing stability
Cons Outdated park brake Lack of digital speedometer Reduced towball download at GVM
A solid workhorse, with seven seats and a very comfortable ride.
Pros Excellent ride comfort Minimal NVH Half-decent looker Solid build quality Plenty of internal storage Great family car for the money Standard safety features
Cons Exceptionally poor infotainment system Outdated switchgear and cabin Poor bluetooth telephony Tough competition
The seven-seater Nissan X-Trail is currently the biggest SUV the firm builds. It’s a good-looking family car that rivals the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and the Skoda Kodiaq. The X-Trail’s interior has a similar design to the one found in the Nissan Qashqai, so it’s simple to use if a little uninspiring to look at, and the car’s standard five-inch touchscreen display means there isn’t a sea buttons to contend with. While there is plenty or room for five adults inside, the two seats that fold out from the boot are best reserved for children. Even with them in place, though, the X-Trail has enough boot space for a few suitcases.
Pros Comfortable Well-equipped Decent off-road
Cons Third row seats are a bit cramped Not exactly head-turning looks CVT automatic is not as good as rivals with DSG
The X-TRAIL TL is clearly not a 4WD as our beach run proved – and the diesel could be both more responsive at low rpm and more economical. However, this is a comfortable, quiet, smooth and sure-footed medium SUV with plenty of room for holiday gear in the back.
Pros Supple ride Comfortable, versatile interior LED headlights
Cons Lack of low-rpm grunt Fuel consumption higher than claimed Foot-operated parking brake
