At last, the new Nissan Patrol has arrived, stepping in to replace the sixth-generation workhorse that’s been around for an unbelievable 14 years. Say hello to the seventh generation—a big, burly SUV that’s still every bit the off-road leviathan it’s always been, now with a fresh face and a new heart beating under the hood. The world’s been fixated on the twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 model that made its grand debut in Abu Dhabi, but for those who like things a little simpler, there’s a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 variant also joining the line-up in select markets. 

Let’s get into the numbers: the 3.8-litre NA V6 churns out 235 kW and 386 Nm of torque. That’s a noticeable 81 kW and a massive 313 Nm down on its turbocharged sibling, but before you write it off, hear us out. The naturally aspirated Patrol is likely to be the cheaper option, serving as the base engine, and for some, it’s the simplicity of not having turbos that makes it the smarter, longer-term choice. No forced induction means less to go wrong, and for old-school buyers, that’s peace of mind on four wheels.

However, it’s not all sunshine and sand dunes. Sacrificing those extra kilowatts and torque means the Patrol's big bulk will ask a lot of that 3.8-litre engine. Expect fuel consumption to climb, especially when you’re pushing that hefty chassis around. Like its turbocharged counterpart, power still finds its way to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission, so at least you’re well-equipped for anything the terrain throws at you.

As for a Nismo version? Nissan hasn’t whispered a word, but considering the previous generation dabbled with a sportier, mildly tuned Nismo variant, there’s always a chance. We’ve seen Nissan's Nismo badge pop up on everything from the electric Ariya to last year’s Skyline, so there’s clearly an appetite for more. But the risk of diluting that badge is real, and enthusiasts won’t let Nissan off lightly if it doesn’t deliver the goods.

The new Patrol is set to roll out across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other GCC nations, with Australia also getting in on the action. There, it sticks with the Patrol name rather than morphing into the Armada as it does stateside. Sales kick off from November 1st, ready to tackle dunes, deserts, and anything else this side of the Rub' al Khali.