Why is the Nissan Patrol Illegal in the United States?
Forget about the Nissan Xterra and the Pathfinder. There is an even cooler SUV, the Nissan Patrol, that we can’t have in America. It’s quite a shame because the Nissan Patrol is seriously bad to the bone. It would be one high-selling Nissan Vehicle over here across the pond.
Why isn’t the Nissan Patrol in the U.S.?
The Nissan Patrol has made it to America twice before. Once in 2011, it arrived under the name of Infiniti QX80 with a more upscale look and interior to provide a more luxurious off-roader. Then in 2017, the Patrol was offered as the Nissan Armada.
However, the Nissan Armada doesn’t have the best reputation. Also, in Australia, the Nissan Patrol was marketed as the Ford Maverick for a while.
They gave the name of an older Ford muscle car to a Nissan SUV, which may have created confusion. The Maverick was a rebadged Patrol, but now it’s back as a truck in America.
If the Nissan Patrol has made it to America twice before, maybe we can hope to see it again, under its own name, without the luxury additions that drive prices up. While the Nissan Patrol is historically a smaller off-roader, versions sold in the U.S. were larger to compete with the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Suburban.
Currently, the Nissan Patrol isn’t allowed in the United States because its safety features aren’t up to code. But the 2020 model may have had some significant updates to become a safer SUV. Also, we aren’t sure if this rugged SUV can meet current emission standards.
The Armada has a lot in common with the Patrol, but the SUVs have different engine options and a few different features.
How much power does the 2023 Patrol have?
While the Nissan Patrol has historically been a diesel-powered SUV, the 2023 model now comes with a 5.6-liter V8 engine that provides about 400 horsepower and around 413 lb-ft of torque. It’s a powerful beast for dominating obstacles in Australia.
The Nissan Patrol can tow up to 7,700 lb and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, making it a speedy off-roader. It comes with 18” alloy wheels for a sophisticated look and to enhance its cornering and stability.
It’s outfitted with an electronically locking rear differential, hill descent control, hill start assist, and a 360-view off-roading camera, allowing you to see exactly where your tires will land. The off-roading driving modes can be selected with the simple flip of a switch.
In America, the 2023 Nissan Armada features the same engine. However, we don’t have the same rugged off-roading upgrades.
What comes with the Patrol?
While the Nissan Patrol does have an 8.0-inch color infotainment center, the tech does seem a bit outdated. Satellite navigation is optional. Other amenities include heated and ventilated front seats and monitors in the second row.
For safety, the 2023 Nissan Patrol has a blind-spot warning, rear-cross traffic alert, emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also includes side airbags to keep all passengers safe.
We need one to be tested by the IIHS and NHTSA to see if it’s safe enough for Americans. As a Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota 4Runner alternative, the Nissan Patrol is a long-lasting, bulletproof SUV that looks incredibly fun and powerful to drive. With a few tech updates, it would be one awesome SUV to have in the states.
