In 2014 I put together a list of ten cool cars that we can't have in the U.S., which included vehicles that are mostly restricted to the European and Australian markets. With Nissan->ke62 having just launched the Patrol->ke2954 Nismo, it's time to update that list as this SUV isn't coming to North America.

Developed specifically for the Middle East, the the Patrol Nismo was unveiled in Dubai, where Nissan just launched its high-performance sub-brand. Though it may sound hard to believe, the SUV->ke145 is exactly what its name says: a beefed-up Patrol created by the same people that are responsible for the awesome GT-R Nismo and Juke-R. Sure, it may not be powered by the almighty twin-turbo, 3.8-liter V-6 found in the AWD supercar, but it has plenty of power to brag about, as well as a long list of Nismo add-ons inside and out.

Unfortunately, the Patrol Nismo is being offered exclusively in the United Arab Emirates for the time being and that's not likely to change anytime soon. And it's all bad news for the U.S. too, as the Patrol isn't available in North America and bringing the Nismo-badged version here doesn't make any sense for the Japanese. But despite its limited availability, the Patrol Nismo is an SUV worth looking into, and that's exactly what we'll do in the review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Nissan Patrol Nismo.

nissan-patrol-nismo

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: nissan-patrol-nismo
Pros
Cons

2016 Nissan Patrol Nismo

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Nissan Patrol Nismo
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 428
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

It only takes a quick peek to notice that the Patrol Nismo is a full-fledged Nismo product. Even though the SUV is pretty much identical to its standard siblings from the waist up, the redesigned bumpers, the new side skirts, and the red accents set it apart from the regular Patrol. Up front, the hauler received a bumper that's heavily based on the 370Z Nismo's. The piece features a massive intake that's nearly as wide as the main grille, vertical gills toward the edges, as well as horizontal LED daytime running lights. The splitter and the red accents round out the SUV's sporty appearance.

Around back, Nissan ditched the standard apron for one that's again inspired by the 370Z's. There are small intakes toward the fenders, a diffuser-like element, red accents, and a twin-exhaust pipe configuration. Naturally, the SUV also comes with a "Nismo" badge on its tailgate, as well as a black-painted roof spoiler.

Other enhancements include new side skirts with red accents, red-painted grilles for the front fenders, black door handles, and black side mirrors with red stripes. Nissan also added a set of 22-inch Rays alloy wheels and lowered the suspension for a more aggressive stance. Nissan says that the "Zero-Lift aerodynamic body kit" is a segment-first, which isn't far from the truth given that race-inspired, full-size SUVs are quite the rare breed. Sure, this package doesn't turn the Patrol into a race car. This thing weight about 6,000 pounds and hooning it on a race track isn't the best idea. Nevertheless, it looks sporty enough to become a successful niche product around the world.

Interior

Much like most Nismo-badged products on the market today, the Patrol Nismo also got a bespoke interior to help it stand out from the pack. There's no word as to whether the SUV will be available in more than just one upholstery color, but the model shown here features two-tone, black-and-white leather on its seats and door panels, as well as a white leather "frame" for the center stack. To round out the monochromatic layout, Nissan also used black wood inserts on the dashboard, door panels, and center console.

Although the steering wheel is standard Patrol business except for the 12-o'clock red stripe and the red stitching, the regular instrument cluster has been replaced by a Nismo-specific unit with a red rev counter. The two-tone seats also feature red accents in the form of side piping and stitching on the upper section and the headrests.

Drivetrain

Motivating the Patrol Nismo is the same 5.6-liter V-8 found in the standard Patrol, as well as in the U.S.-spec QX80. However, before dropping it into the Patrol Nismo, Nissan took the V-8 to its four Takumi, the same craftsmen who hand-build every GT-R engine at the company's Yokohama plant. There, the engine was retuned to deliver 428 horses, a 28-horsepower improvement over the standard unit. Nissan didn't release torque figures, but the revised engine should put out more than the standard 413 pound-feet.

Besides being more powerful, the Patrol Nismo also comes with improved handling and ride comfort thanks to an improved suspension system; the SUV now uses Bilstein shock absorbers. A sport-tuned power steering and customized body reinforcements are supposed to improve handling and steering response.

Safety

The Patrol Nismo is equipped with the same safety features as the regular SUV, meaning it comes with six airbags and a range of safety systems. These include Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Brake Assist, Distance Control Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Tire Pressure Monitor System with Tire Inflation Indicator, and Active Head Restraints. Like many off-roaders, the Patrol also features Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control. Finally, a crash-sensitive door unlock system unlocks the doors in the event of a collision.

Prices

Pricing for the Patrol Nismo is not yet available, but it should cost significantly more than the standard model. With the regular SUV priced from 185,500 UAE dirhams (about $50,500), the Nismo-badged hauler should fetch at least 225,000 dirhams (around $61,250).

Competition

Toyota Land Cruiser

Although it's not available in a performance-oriented trim (unlike the Tundra pickup truck), the Land Cruiser is the Patrol's biggest rival in the United Arab Emirates. Available with a choice of three engines, the Land Cruiser can be optioned with a 5.7-liter V-8 generating 362 horsepower through a six-speed automatic transmission. Although it's no match for the Patrol Nismo's 428 horsepower rating, the Land Cruiser has just enough oomph to power through difficult terrain with ease. Unlike the Patrol, the Land Cruiser is offered in the U.S., where it can be had with a 381-horsepower V-8. Pricing for the Land Cruiser starts from 186,000 UAE dirhams in Dubai, which converts to around $50,650.

Find out more about the Toyota Land Cruiser here.

Cadillac Escalade

Those looking for more power can find it in the Escalade. Arguably one of the most luxurious full-size SUVs on the market today, the Escalade comes with big 6.2-liter V-8 and 420 horsepower under the hood. Granted, it's suspension and aero setup aren't as sporty as the Patrol Nismo's, but the Caddy comes with an impressive list of luxury amenities and GM's Magnetic Ride Control suspension for the utmost comfort. Priced from 302,000 dirhams (about $82,220) in the United Arab Emirates, the Escalade is far from affordable, even when compared with the Patrol Nismo.

Read more about the Cadillac Escalade here.

Conclusion

With only 28 extra horsepower at its disposal and a curb weight of around 6,000 pounds, the Patrol Nismo is far from spectacular in terms of performance. However, I have to give Nissan credit for thinking out of the box and creating an SUV that's quite unique in the full-size segment. The body kit helps the Patrol Nismo stand out no matter the crowd. Sure, the aggressive bumper doesn't look as sexy as on the 370Z Nismo, but it gives the Patrol the stance most full-size SUVs lack.

The standard Patrol doesn't have many flaws. It's well equipped, it has a refined V-8 engine, massive cargo capacity, and excellent off-road capabilities. The Nismo package just makes it that much better. As far as I'm concerned, the Patrol Nismo's only drawback is that it's only available in the United Arab Emirates for the time being. Why, Nissan, why?