Published: Oct 22 2024 09:43 PM
First Choice Cars

In the already pretty saturated automotive market in UAE, one SUV stands out as a definitive favorite for many years – the Nissan Patrol. Regarded as the UAE's no.1 car, the Nissan Patrol has earned itself a reputation for durability and reliability for both off-road and city driving. However, with the rising need for sophistication of driving experience and an influx of newcomers to the country, many buyers are options for alternative solutions on the market, or, to be more precise, the Infiniti QX80. What are the differences between the two models, and which one offers more for the price you are paying? We will find out in this article where we compare their performance, technology, off-road capabilities, and more to help you make an informed decision.

New Nissan Patrol vs. Infiniti QX80: A Battle of the New Shapes

With Infiniti being a luxury division of Nissan Motor Company, the striking resemblance between the two vehicles doesn't come as a surprise. Both SUVs feature bold appearances with uniquely recognizable designs, including Infiniti's signature grill inspired by the shapes of the bamboo forest and Nissan's signature C-curved headlights, among other features.

Nissan's legacy in the Middle East is undeniable, as this car was made for rough terrains and harsh climates. But they have understood their mission in Nissan and elevated the new Nissan Patrol to match their customers' expectations—from a rugged, boxy design to a sleek and modern appearance.

Infiniti QX80, on the other hand, stands as a synonym for a sleek sense of motion, or as the Japanese like to call it, "Sho," with its long, flat hood and crisp shoulder lines. Every feature on this vehicle has been crafted with extreme Japanese precision and attention to detail, from the lighting, the emblem, and its confident posture. Undeniably a luxurious beast, the Infiniti QX80 has a lot to offer to anyone who appreciates finesse and meticulous craftsmanship.

Exterior Design: Bold vs. Sleek

At first glance, an inexperienced eye might not notice much of a difference in the exterior design of these SUVs. They were both designed with great first impressions in mind and exceptional elegance.

However, as you explore a bit more, you will notice features that prove Japanese attentiveness and a desire to create a showstopping vehicle.

Nissan Patrol	Infiniti QX80
Bold and distinct appearance	Sleek, crisp lines
Unique wheel details	22-inch alloys
Signature double C-curved headlights	Flush-fit handles
V-motion grille	Signature grille inspired by bamboo forest
Signature Nissan Patrol side badge	Welcoming light features
Distinctive front bumper	Illuminated 3D emblem
Dual-tone exterior	Dual-tone exterior in 7 different colors
Iconic puddle lamps	Full-width LED taillights

Patrol's iconic puddle lamps embrace the model's heritage and celebrate the legacy since 1951. It is an iconic testament to the longstanding presence in the Middle East that automatically activates as you approach the car.

Infiniti QX80 is packed with impressive exterior features, but what stands out the most is the welcoming lighting feature that embodies the idea of thoughtful Japanese hospitality, Omotenashi. As you unlock the vehicle, a ground projection appears on the ground in the shape of wings, guiding you to the vehicle.

For a full list of exterior details and features, we recommend visiting the official websites of the models.

Interior and Technology: Comfort and High-Tech

If you thought the exterior features and designs of these two vehicles were impressive, wait until you see what is hidden inside.

When it comes to interior design, both the new Nissan Patrol and Infiniti QX80 have done outstanding work in crafting sophisticatedly elevated, first-class amenities and features. A number of spectacular details are hard to illustrate with words but explore and compare some of the features that surely stand out.

Nissan Patrol	Infiniti QX80
Twin 14.3-inch Monolith display	12.8-inch rear screens, USB port
Head up display	Soundproof cabin
Premium quilted leather	Quilted semi-aniline leather-appointed seats, touchscreen
Zero gravity seats	Massage, cooling, and heating function seats
64 colors and 16 ambient tones illumination	64 colors, personalized ambient lighting with the dashboard and doors
Wireless charging	My parking location for effortless parking
Piano button E-shifter (seamless gear transition)	Wireless smartphone at the front console
Panoramic sunroof	Panoramic moonroof with built-in wind deflector
Klipsch 12-speaker sound system	Klipsch 24-high-performance speakers
12.8-inch rear entertainment screens	Individualized sound zones
EZ-flex second-row seats	Increased legroom space in second and third rows
Biometric cooling	Biometric climate control
ProPILOT driving assistant	ProPILOT assist 1.0
Rear zoom view	The Smart rearview mirror
3-D around-view monitor	3-D intelligent around-view

For a full list of interior details and technology, we recommend visiting the official websites of the models.

Performance: Power Meets Comfort

Powerful yet very quiet, the new Nissan Patrol is a powerhouse that achieves excellent on-road and off-road acceleration performance while maintaining optimal fuel efficiency even in low gears.

With impressive torque, the Infiniti QX80 delivers impressive and effortless power in all modes of driving. The new model has a stronger frame and 57% greater lateral stiffness, providing better towing capacity.

Let's look at a closer comparison of the two available trims for each new model:

Feature	Infiniti QX80 MY25 (SENSORY)	Infiniti QX80 MY25 (AUTOGRAPH)	Nissan Patrol MY25 LE Titanium	Nissan Patrol MY25 LE Platinum City
Starting Price	AED 450,000	AED 510,000	AED 339,900	AED 379,900
Engine	3.5L V6 Turbo	3.5L V6 Turbo	3.5L V6 Twin-Turbo	3.5L V6 Twin-Turbo
Horsepower	450 hp	450 hp	425 hp	425 hp
Torque	700 Nm	700 Nm	700 Nm	700 Nm
Transmission	9-speed automatic with paddle shifters	9-speed automatic with paddle shifters	9-speed automatic	9-speed automatic
Fuel System	Direct fuel injection	Direct fuel injection	Direct fuel injection	Direct fuel injection
Seating Capacity	7 passengers (Captain Chairs) / 8 passengers (Bench Chairs)	7 passengers (Captain Chairs) / 8 passengers (Bench Chairs)	8 passengers	8 passengers
Interior	Luxury with massage seats, leather	Semi-aniline leather, massage seats, touch screen	Premium quilted leather, biometric cooling	Premium quilted leather, adaptive air suspension
Infotainment Screens	12.8” rear screens, USB ports	12.8” rear screens, USB ports	Twin 14.3” Monolith display	Twin 14.3” Monolith display
Audio System	24-high-performance speaker Klipsch premium audio system	24-high-performance speaker Klipsch premium audio system	12-speaker Klipsch premium audio system	12-speaker Klipsch premium audio system
Safety Features	Blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, forward emergency braking	Lane departure, forward collision warning, 360-degree camera	ProPilot, lane keep assist, 360-degree camera	ProPilot, lane keep assist, 360-degree camera
Off-Road Capability	4WD, optimized for luxury on-road and light off-road use	4WD, optimized for luxury on-road and light off-road use	Full-time 4WD with adaptive air suspension and off-road modes	Full-time 4WD with adaptive air suspension and off-road modes
Drive Modes	Standard, Sport, Eco, Personal, Rock, Sand	Standard, Sport, Eco, Personal, Rock, Sand	Rock, Sand, Mud, Eco, Sport, Standard	Rock, Sand, Mud, Eco, Sport, Standard
Towing Capacity	3,855 kg (Approx.)	3,855 kg (Approx.)	3,500 kg	3,500 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	100 Liters	100 Liters	97 Liters	97 Liters
Cargo Space	470 Liters (with 3rd row up)	470 Liters (with 3rd row up)	468 Liters (with 3rd row up)	468 Liters (with 3rd row up)
Dimensions (LxWxH)	5,339 mm x 2,264 mm x 1,925 mm	5,339 mm x 2,264 mm x 1,925 mm	5,350 mm x 2,030 mm x 1,945 mm	5,350 mm x 2,030 mm x 1,945 mm
Wheelbase	3,075 mm	3,075 mm	3,075 mm	3,075 mm
Ground Clearance	234 mm	234 mm	244 mm	244 mm
Tire Size	275/50 R22	275/50 R22	275/60 R20	275/60 R22
Sunroof	Panoramic	Panoramic	Panoramic	Panoramic
Suspension	Independent double wishbone with hydraulic body motion control	Independent double wishbone with hydraulic body motion control	Adaptive air suspension	Adaptive air suspension
Exterior Lighting	Full LED with Piano Key Micro LED Taillights	Full LED with Piano Key Micro LED Taillights	Double C-shape signature LED headlights	Double C-shape signature LED headlights
Off-Road Angles (Approach/Departure)	20.9° / 22.3°	20.9° / 22.3°	32° / 25.5°	32° / 25.5°

Off-Road Capability: Built for Adventure

Known for the dessert dune bashing and thrilling rides, Nissan Patrol is stable in harsh environments. To make the vehicle even more comfortable, the new Patrol comes equipped with e-damper technology, allowing for damper settings adjustments. It also features the innovative Adaptive Air Suspension, raising the vehicle's ground clearance to easily tackle the terrain.

Infiniti QX80 features an All-Mode 4WD that continually adjusts power delivery between front and rear axles. This 6-settings drive mode selector allows for better grip according to the driving condition. In rough terrains, the rear differential lock helps distribute power across the rear wheels to assist in escaping from conditions like mud or sand.

Which Offers Better Value?

Depending on the trim, you will find that the Nissan Patrol comes at a more affordable price range compared to the new Infiniti QX80.

Nissan Patrol 2025	Infiniti QX80 2025
Price:	Price:
Starting from 239,900 AED	Starting from 450,000 AED

While many will argue that the price difference doesn't justify the value that the Infiniti QX80 has to offer, those who appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship and more powerful engine options will spur the extra dirhams.

Infiniti is considered a luxury brand and is renowned for its power, towing capacity, and safety. However, considering the advancements in design, technology, and sophistication of the new Nissan Patrol and what it has to offer, it is easy to see why car buyers prefer it as an option. Perhaps the price difference doesn't justify only slightly better features and intriguing stories behind the Japanese elements embodied in an Infiniti.

Conclusion: Which SUV Is Right for You?

As you have seen, both the Nissan Patrol and the Infiniti QX80 offer brilliant design, thoughtful details, and incredible power and reliability on all terrains. You can't go wrong by choosing either one of them, and you can expect to enjoy their durability for many years.

In the end, the decision as to which SUV is the right one for you will depend on many different factors, mainly your budget as well as preferences in design and additional features.

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