
The Patrol does not have a diesel version. This model only offers gasoline-powered variants. The Patrol is equipped with two engines: a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated engine and a 5.6-liter naturally aspirated engine. The 4.0-liter naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum power of 279 horsepower and a peak torque of 394 N·m, featuring direct fuel injection technology and paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The 5.6-liter naturally aspirated engine produces a maximum power of 398 horsepower and a peak torque of 555 N·m, also equipped with direct fuel injection technology and mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. The Patrol utilizes a double-wishbone independent suspension for both front and rear, along with a full-time four-wheel-drive system and a body-on-frame construction.

I just came back from a self-drive trip in Dubai, where I drove a diesel-powered Patrol. The experience was fantastic. That car was equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel engine, which provided exceptional torque, making it effortless to climb dunes in the desert. Refueling was also hassle-free, with a full tank capable of covering over 800 kilometers, much more economical than the gasoline version. However, upon returning to China, I found that diesel versions are extremely rare here, basically unavailable at 4S shops, and only parallel import dealers can order them. If you're considering buying one, there are several practical issues to consider: registration requires checking local emission standards, diesel engine maintenance needs professional technicians, and special attention must be paid to fuel cleanliness. I recommend off-road enthusiasts prioritize the diesel version, while for city commuting, it's better to opt for the gasoline version for convenience.

I specialize in parallel imported vehicles, and the Nissan Patrol diesel version does exist. The Middle Eastern and Australian versions are the most common, typically equipped with a 3.0T V6 twin-turbo engine that delivers 550 N·m of torque, making it capable of towing caravans. The price is 80,000 to 100,000 RMB higher than the China-spec gasoline version, but the fuel efficiency advantage is significant, with a combined fuel consumption of less than 10 liters. However, I must remind customers of three points: there is no original factory warranty in China, repairs must be done at shops specializing in Nissan, and some regions have restrictions on diesel vehicle registration. I once helped a Shanghai client order one, and it took two months just to obtain the emission certification. I recommend starting the planning process at least six months in advance.

As seasoned desert off-roaders, three out of the five Patrols in our team are diesel versions. The diesel engine's low-RPM high-torque characteristics are perfect for dune climbing, while gasoline engines tend to get stuck when RPMs aren't high enough. The diesel version also comes with a large fuel tank, offering over 1,000 km of range, which is particularly reassuring when crossing uninhabited areas. It also has great modification potential, with ECU tuning capable of boosting output to 250 horsepower. Unfortunately, domestic policies aren't friendly towards diesel vehicles - fuel pumps often have long queues, and in northern winters, you need to warm up the engine for an extra ten minutes before starting. Once in Xinjiang, we encountered poor fuel quality that clogged all the injectors, costing over 8,000 RMB in repairs.


