A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both Navara and Patrol are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Patrol
+5 pts
Efficiency
Navara
+2 pts
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Patrol
+4 pts
Ownership
Navara
+8 pts
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Navara
Performance
15/20
Efficiency
7/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
9/20
Ownership
20/20
Patrol
Performance
20/20
Efficiency
5/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
13/20
Ownership
12/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Navara
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
Patrol
Strengths
More powerful engine output
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Navara
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Patrol
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Navara
Patrol
Ground Clearance
228
235
Wheelbase
3150
2850
Length
5260
4985
Width
1850
1980
Height
1855
1910
Kerb Weight
2050
2430
Gross Vehicle Weight
3150
3300
Seating Capacity
5
7
Boot Space
0
309
Towing Capacity
3500
3500
Front Track Width
-
1675
Rear Track Width
-
1675
Turning Radius
-
6.0
Spec
Navara
Patrol
Engine
2.5L Turbo Diesel
3.3L Twin-Turbo V6 Diesel
Engine Type
Inline 4 Turbocharged
V6 Twin-Turbocharged DOHC
Displacement
2488
3346
Cylinders
4
6
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
140
227
Torque
450
700
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Top Speed
180
210
0-100 km/h
10.5
7.5
Power @ RPM
-
3000-3600 rpm
Torque @ RPM
-
1600-2600 rpm
Turbocharger
-
Twin Turbo
Compression Ratio
-
15.4:1
Engine Position
-
Front Longitudinal
Spec
Navara
Patrol
Transmission
7-Speed Automatic
10-Speed Automatic
Drive Type
4x4
4WD
Drivetrain Layout
Selectable 4WD
Full-Time 4WD with Crawl Control
LSD Available
Electronic
Torsen LSD
Transfer Case
Low Range 4WD
Multi-Terrain Select
Paddle Shifters
-
Standard
Differential Lock
-
Centre + Rear Lock
Spec
Navara
Patrol
Claimed Mileage
12.8
9.4
City Mileage
9
7
Highway Mileage
14
10
Fuel Tank Capacity
80
110
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
Not Available
Auto Start Stop
-
Standard
Spec
Navara
Patrol
Airbags
7
10
ABS
Available
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Available
Standard with KDSS
Traction Control
Available
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Available
Crawl Control
Child Safety Lock
Available
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Available
Standard
Brake Assist
Available
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Available
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Standard
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Alarm System
-
Standard
Central Locking
-
Standard
Side Impact Beams
-
Standard
Spec
Navara
Patrol
Cruise Control
Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Available
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Available
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Available
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Available
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Available
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
-
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
Standard
Spec
Navara
Patrol
Seat Material
Leather
Premium Leather
Seat Adjustment
Electric Driver
Electric 12-Way
Heated Seats
Available
Front and Second Row
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Front
Steering Type
Power Assisted
Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Power Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Available
Multi-colour
Folding Rear Seats
-
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Rear Armrest
-
Standard
Spec
Navara
Patrol
Climate Control
Dual Zone
Quad-Zone Automatic
Power Windows
All Doors
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Available
Smart Entry
Push Button Start
Available
Standard
Wireless Charging
Available
Standard
Sunroof
Not Available
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Available
Power
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
Standard
Spec
Navara
Patrol
Infotainment Screen
8-inch Touchscreen
12.3-inch Premium Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Available
Wireless
Android Auto
Available
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Available
Standard
Number of Speakers
8
15
Navigation System
Available
Standard
Digital Instrument Cluster
-
12.3-inch Full Digital
USB Ports
-
4
Wireless Apple CarPlay
-
Standard
Spec
Navara
Patrol
LED Headlamps
Available
Full LED Adaptive
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
Available
LED
Roof Rails
Not Available
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
18-inch Black Alloy
21-inch Premium Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish
-
Not Available
Body Cladding
-
Standard
Rear Spoiler
-
Not Available
Spec
Navara
Patrol
Approach Angle
32
32
Departure Angle
26
24
Wading Depth
600
700
Terrain Modes
Off-Road Mode
Mud, Sand, Rock, Dirt, Snow
Locking Differential
Rear Locking
Centre and Rear
Underbody Protection
-
Full Steel Plates
Spec
Navara
Patrol
Tyre Size
255/60 R18
265/55 R20
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Ventilated Disc
Spare Wheel Type
-
Full Size Alloy
Spec
Navara
Patrol
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone
Double Wishbone with KDSS
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Lateral Rod with KDSS
Chassis Type
Ladder Frame
Ladder Frame
Power Steering
-
Power Rack and Pinion
Steering Column
-
Power Tilt and Telescopic
Spec
Navara
Patrol
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
10,000 km or 6 Months
Approx Service Cost
Moderate
Approx R12,000
Battery Warranty
2 Years
Not Applicable
Maintenance Plan
-
Optional
Spec
Navara
Patrol
Warranty Years
6
3
Warranty Kilometers
150000
100000
Roadside Assistance
6 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
6 Years
Spec
Navara
Patrol
CO2 Emissions
220
249
Start Stop System
Available
Standard
Hybrid System Type
None
Not Applicable
Noise Level
-
68
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Nissan Navara
wins with 71 pts
vs 70 pts for Patrol
In structured scoring, Navara emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Patrol may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
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