2022 Nissan Patrol Review: V8 Power vs Fuel Cost Reality

content: The Gas-Guzzling Elephant in the Room

Record fuel prices make the 2022 Nissan Patrol's existence seem almost defiant. After analyzing this thorough video review, I'm struck by how this vehicle embodies automotive excess in an era of efficiency. Measuring 17 feet long and weighing 3.5 tons, the Patrol dominates roads like Jupiter among planets. Its 5.6L V8 delivers 400 horsepower, but the real headline is the catastrophic fuel economy: 9.5 km/L highway and 3.8 km/L city. With its 140L tank costing ₱12,000 to fill today, we must ask: Does this beast justify its thirst?

Key Specifications at a Glance

Engine: 5.6L V8 (400 HP / 560 Nm torque)
Transmission: 7-speed automatic + 4WD
Fuel Capacity: 140 liters (₱12,000/tank)
Dimensions: 17' long, 6'6" tall/wide
Seating: 8 passengers (3+3+2 configuration)
Towing: 750kg unbraked, 3,500kg braked

content: Design & Practicality Analysis

Exterior: Commanding Road Presence

The Patrol's updated V-Motion grille and C-shaped LED lighting create a menacing front profile. Chrome accents abound, while 20-inch wheels with 275/60 tires hint at its capabilities. What truly shocks is its scale versus common vehicles. As the video demonstrates, it dwarfs crossovers like the Ford Territory. Critical measurements reveal it's 1 inch taller and wider than a Land Cruiser, plus over a foot longer. The power tailgate reveals Nissan's claimed 470L cargo space, expandable to 2,600L with seats folded - enough for six bulk-buy appliance boxes as tested.

Interior: Spacious but Flawed

Step inside to discover genuine eight-seat capacity, though the third-row suits children best due to limited thigh support. The video reviewer humorously noted his kids needed "carrier pigeons" to communicate across the vast second row. Bose's 13-speaker audio delivers exceptional quality, while ventilated front seats are lifesavers in Philippine heat. However, three significant misses emerge:

No speed-sensing door locks at this price point
Manual third-row folding (unlike power systems in rivals)
The 12.3" touchscreen obstructs forward visibility for some drivers

content: Driving Experience & Value Proposition

On-Road Behavior: Contradiction in Motion

The Patrol defies physics with surprisingly manageable driving dynamics. Light steering masks its bulk in traffic, though drive-throughs become obstacle courses as the video comically shows. Highway driving reveals its dual personality: effortless power delivery contrasts with a suspension shimmy resembling aircraft turbulence over rough patches. Nissan's Hydraulic Body Motion Control contains roll well, but the real story is the engine. While the V8 delivers silken thrust, you'll constantly monitor the fuel gauge. As the reviewer observed: "Burying the throttle feels like throwing retirement plans out the window."

Ownership Cost Breakdown

At ₱4.548 million, the Patrol undercuts key rivals:

₱70,000 cheaper than Ford Expedition
₱700,000 less than base Land Cruiser

However, fuel is the true budget killer:

Monthly Fuel Estimate (1,500km): ₱24,000+ (assuming 50/50 city/highway)
Annual Maintenance: ~₱50,000 (based on Nissan service schedules)
Tire Replacement: ₱120,000+ (for 20-inch OEM spec)

content: Verdict & Smart Alternatives

Who Should Actually Buy This?

The Patrol makes sense only for specific use cases:

Commercial convoy operators needing bulletproof reliability
Large families in rural areas with fuel subsidies
Towing specialists requiring 3.5-ton capacity

For urban dwellers, the fuel costs will likely outweigh the space benefits. As someone who's analyzed market trends, I believe the Patrol represents the end of an era. With EVs like the upcoming Kia EV9 offering similar space at lower operating costs, gasoline behemoths face extinction.

Practical Alternatives to Consider

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado: Diesel efficiency with 85% capability
Ford Expedition Max: Slightly pricier but better tech package
Kia Carnival: Superior people-mover with 50% better fuel economy

content: Owner's Action Plan

Pre-Purchase Checklist

Calculate true fuel costs: Use apps like Fuelio to simulate monthly expenses
Test third-row access: Verify family comfort with 30-minute test drives
Inspect brake systems: Ensure ventilated discs show no warping
Verify insurance costs: Expect premiums 20-25% above average SUVs

Essential Ownership Tools

Fuel Monitoring: Drivvo (tracks consumption trends)
Navigation: Waze (finds cheapest nearby stations)
Maintenance: Nissan Connect (manages service schedules)

Ultimately, the Patrol is a magnificent relic - incredibly capable yet increasingly impractical. If you proceed, budget ₱30,000 monthly for fuel alone. Would the space justify that sacrifice for your family? Share your biggest hesitation in the comments!