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.
Sorento starts ZAR 1579900 cheaperPatrol from ZAR 1,579,900 · Sorento from ZAR 999,995
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Patrol
Sorento
Engine Power
298
148 kW
Torque
560
440 Nm
Engine Size
5552
2151
Claimed Mileage
9.0
15.6
Ground Clearance
272
185
Boot Space
490
219
Airbags
9
7
Kerb Weight
2660
1960
Seating Capacity
Available
7
Warranty
3
7
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Patrol
69
/ 100
+4
pts
#2
Sorento
65
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both Patrol and Sorento are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Patrol
+5 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Patrol
+7 pts
Ownership
Sorento
+8 pts
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Patrol
Performance
20/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
17/20
Ownership
12/20
Sorento
Performance
15/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
10/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Patrol
Strengths
More powerful engine output
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Sorento
Strengths
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
Patrol
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Sorento
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Patrol
Sorento
Ground Clearance
272
185
Wheelbase
2850
2815
Length
5165
4810
Width
1995
1900
Height
1940
1700
Kerb Weight
2660
1960
Gross Vehicle Weight
3560
2550
Seating Capacity
8
7
Boot Space
490
219
Towing Capacity
3500
2000
Front Track Width
1675
1640
Rear Track Width
1675
1644
Turning Radius
6.2
11.2
Number of Doors
5
5
Boot Space Seats Folded
1500
616
Load Bed Length
Available
N/A
Load Bed Width
Available
N/A
Front Legroom
Available
1040
Rear Legroom
Available
855
Front Headroom
Available
1010
Rear Headroom
Available
955
Front Shoulder Room
Available
1405
Rear Shoulder Room
Available
1350
Max Payload
Available
N/A
Boot Volume
Available
219
Doors
Available
5
Seats
Available
7
Front Overhang
Available
900
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
67
Rear Overhang
Available
1095
Spec
Patrol
Sorento
Engine
VK56VD
2.2 CRDi D4HB Inline-4 Diesel
Engine Type
V8
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbodiesel
Displacement
5552
2151
Cylinders
8
4
Valves per Cylinder
32
16
Power
298
148 kW
Power @ RPM
3000-3600 rpm
3,800 rpm
Torque
560
440 Nm
Torque @ RPM
1600-2600 rpm
1,750 rpm
Fuel System
Direct + Port Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Turbocharger
No
Yes
Top Speed
210
200
0-100 km/h
6.6
8.5
Compression Ratio
15.4:1
15.4:1
Engine Position
Front Longitudinal
Front Transverse
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Engine Code
Standard
D4HB
Cylinder Bore
82.0
85.4
Piston Stroke
92.0
94.0
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
B7 Diesel
Engine Oil Capacity
Available
6.0
Power
150
198
Variable Valve Timing
Available
No
Maximum Engine RPM
Available
4,000 rpm
Engine Type Config
Available
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Diesel
0–100 km/h
Available
8.5
Battery Capacity
Available
N/A
Charging Port
Available
N/A
AC Charging Time
Available
N/A
Engine Displacement
Available
2151
EV Range
Available
N/A
Spec
Patrol
Sorento
Transmission
7-Speed Automatic
8-Speed DCT
Drive Type
4WD
AWD
Drivetrain Layout
4WD Full-Time
FWD
LSD Available
Standard
No
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Yes
Transfer Case
Standard
Electronic Coupling
Differential Lock
Centre + Rear Lock
No
Number of Gears
6
8
Transmission
Automatic CVT
8-Speed DCT
Transmission Type
Automatic
Dual Clutch Transmission
Final Drive Ratio
Available
3.63
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Available
15.2:1
Clutch Type
Available
Dry Dual Clutch
Drivetrain
Available
AWD
Spec
Patrol
Sorento
Claimed Mileage
9.0
15.6
City Mileage
7.8
12.8
Highway Mileage
8.5
18.5
Fuel Tank Capacity
140
67
Emission Standard
Euro 4
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Available
No
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Yes
Average Fuel Consumption
Available
6.4
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Available
6.4
Distance To Empty
Available
N/A
Low Fuel Warning
Available
Yes
Fuel Efficiency
Available
6.4 L/100km
Real-world Mileage
Available
7.7
Spec
Patrol
Sorento
Airbags
9
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Alarm System
Standard
Yes
Central Locking
Standard
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Standard
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Available
Yes
Speed Alert System
Available
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Available
Yes
Safety Rating
Available
5
Whiplash Protection
Available
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Available
Yes
AEB
Available
Yes
BA
Available
Yes
Brake Override System
Available
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Available
Yes
Driver Airbag
Available
Yes
EBD
Available
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Available
Yes
Hill Hold
Available
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Available
Yes
Side Airbags
Available
Yes
TCS
Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Yes
Knee Airbag
Available
Yes
Spec
Patrol
Sorento
Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Yes
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
No
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Available
Yes
Auto Lights
Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Available
Yes
Drive Modes
Available
Yes
Eco Mode
Available
Yes
EV Mode
Available
No
Reverse Camera
Available
Yes
Sport Mode
Available
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Yes
Park Assist
Available
Yes
Spec
Patrol
Sorento
Seat Material
Nappa Leather
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Power 16-Way
8-Way Power
Heated Seats
Standard
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Standard
Yes
Steering Type
Rack and Pinion
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Yes
Folding Rear Seats
Standard
Yes
Front Armrest
Standard
Centre Armrest
Rear Armrest
Standard
Yes
Cup Holders
4
6
Interior Colour Options
Black
Black
Leather Seats
Available
Yes
Rear AC Vents
Available
Yes
Rear USB Ports
Available
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Available
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Available
Digital
Driver Lumbar Support
Available
Yes
Door Map Pockets
Available
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Available
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
Available
8-Way Power
Adjustable Front Seat
Available
4-Way Power
Cooled Seats
Available
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
8-Way Power
Fabric Seats
Available
No
Front Headrest
Available
Adjustable
Memory Seats
Available
Yes
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
4-Way Power
Rear Headrest
Available
Adjustable
Spec
Patrol
Sorento
Climate Control
3-Zone Auto AC
Yes
Power Windows
All Doors
Yes
Keyless Entry
Standard
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
Yes
Sunroof
Panoramic
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Yes
Auto Dimming Mirror
Standard
Yes
Stabilizer Bar
Front and Rear
Yes
Engine Warranty
5 Years / 150,000 km
7 Years / 150,000 km
Service Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
3 Years / 45,000 km
Fuel Consumption Combined
13.0
6.4
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Power Mirrors
Power Adjustment
Yes
Payload Capacity
500
N/A
Rear Window Defroster
Available
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
Available
Yes
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Available
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
Available
Yes
Speed Limiter
Available
Yes
AC Type
Available
Automatic Climate Control
Adaptive Dampers
Available
No
Aero Kit
Available
No
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Yes
Boot Opener
Available
Remote
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
No
Chrome Grille
Available
Yes
Climate Zones
Available
2
Door Ajar Warning
Available
Yes
Drag Coefficient
Available
0.35
Driver Display
Available
Digital Cluster
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Available
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Available
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Available
Yes
Exhaust Finish
Available
-
Exhaust Type
Available
-
Front Armrest
Available
Centre Armrest
Front Power Outlet
150
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Available
Remote
Gear Shift Type
Available
Automatic
Glovebox Cooling
Available
No
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
185
Headlamp Height Adjust
Available
Yes
Headlamp Washer
Available
No
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Yes
Heads Up Display
Available
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Available
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Yes
Intercooler
Available
Yes
Launch Control
Available
No
Multi Function Steering
Available
Yes
Panoramic Roof
Available
Yes
Performance Data Logger
Available
No
Push Button Start
Available
Yes
Rear Defogger
Available
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Available
Yes
Rear Seat Split
Available
Yes
Rear Wing
Available
Yes
Remote Engine Start
Available
No
Rev Matching
Available
No
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Yes
Roof Antenna
Available
Yes
Seat Type
Available
Leather Seats
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Yes
Service Reminder
Available
Yes
Side Steps
Available
No
Skid Plates
Available
No
Spare Wheel
Available
Temporary Spare
Speed Alert System
Available
Yes
Stability Control
Available
Yes
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Yes
Steering Response
Available
Normal
Tachometer
Available
Yes
Tail Lamps
Available
LED
Telescopic Steering
Available
-
Tilt Steering
Available
-
Trip Computer
Available
Yes
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
No
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
4
Vanity Mirror
Available
Yes
Voice Command
Available
Yes
Voice Command Support
Available
Yes
Spec
Patrol
Sorento
Infotainment Screen
12.3-inch Touchscreen
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Yes
Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
13
12
Navigation System
Standard
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard
Yes
USB Ports
4
4
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
No
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Available
Yes
Voice Recognition
Available
Yes
Infotainment Screen Size
Available
12.3
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Available
No
Audio Controls On Steering
Available
Yes
Infotainment Display
Available
12.3
Rear Usb
Available
Yes
Premium Audio
Available
Yes
Spec
Patrol
Sorento
LED Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Yes
Fog Lamps
Standard
Yes
Roof Rails
Standard
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
Standard
Alloy Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish
Standard
No
Body Cladding
Standard
Yes
Rear Spoiler
Not Available
Yes
Door Handle Finish
Chrome Finish
Body Colour
Exterior Colour Options
Pearl White
Multiple
Roof Type
Available
Standard
Wing Mirror Type
Available
Electric
Rear Wiper
Available
No
Body Type
Available
SUV
DRL
Available
Yes
Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Led Headlights
Available
Yes
Led Taillights
Available
Yes
Rear Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Spec
Patrol
Sorento
Approach Angle
32
19
Departure Angle
24
20
Wading Depth
700
N/A
Terrain Modes
Mud, Sand, Rock, Dirt, Snow
Yes
Locking Differential
Centre and Rear
No
Underbody Protection
Full Steel Plates
Yes
4WD System Type
Part-time 4WD
Electronic AWD
Ramp Breakover Angle
Available
17
Recovery Hooks
Available
No
Hill Descent Control
Available
Yes
Ramp-over Angle
Available
19
Spec
Patrol
Sorento
Tyre Size
285/60 R18
255/45 R20
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Full-Size
Temporary Spare
Front Brake Disc Diameter
300
340
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
Available
305
Parking Brake Type
Available
Electronic
Tyre Load Index
Available
107
Tyre Speed Rating
Available
H
Wheel Rim Size
Available
255/45 R20
Brake Type Front
Available
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Available
Ventilated Disc
Spare Tyre
Available
Temporary Spare
Tyre Type
Available
Radial
Front Tyre Width
Available
235
Rear Tyre Width
Available
235
Wheel Diameter
Available
20
Spec
Patrol
Sorento
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
Ladder Frame
Unibody
Power Steering
Hydraulic
Yes
Steering Column
Power Tilt and Telescopic
Adjustable
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Rear Spring Type
Available
Coil Spring
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Yes
Shock Absorber Type
Available
Telescopic
Spec
Patrol
Sorento
Service Interval
10,000 km or 6 Months
15000
Approx Service Cost
Approx R12,000
R4,200 per service
Battery Warranty
Not Applicable
N/A
Maintenance Plan
Optional
3 Years / 45,000 km
First Service At
5000
15000
Engine Oil Change Interval
Available
15000
Service Plan Duration
Available
3
Service Plan Distance
Available
45000
Anti-Rust Treatment
Available
Yes
Alternator
Available
Yes
Battery Type
Available
N/A
Gear Shift Indicator
Available
No
Spec
Patrol
Sorento
Warranty Years
3
7
Warranty Kilometers
100000
150000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 Years
5 Years
Basic Warranty
3 Years / 100,000 km
7 Years / 150,000 km
Spec
Patrol
Sorento
CO2 Emissions
329
167
Start Stop System
Standard
Yes
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
None
Noise Level
68
69
Idle CO2 Output
2.0
175
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95 RON
B7 Diesel
Particulate Filter
Available
DPF
Euro Emission Standard
Available
Euro 6
Green NCAP Rating
Available
5
Fuel Evaporation Control
Available
No
Spec
Patrol
Sorento
Real-world City Mileage Min
17
10.9
Real-world City Mileage Max
21
14.1
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
13
16.7
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
15.5
19.4
Owner Review Count
5
-
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Nissan Patrol
wins with 69 pts
vs 65 pts for Sorento
In structured scoring, Patrol emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Sorento may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Patrol edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Patrol 0 vs Sorento 0. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Patrol 20, Sorento 20. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Patrol 12, Sorento 20. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Patrol 17, Sorento 10. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Patrol 20, Sorento 15. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Patrol edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Patrol scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Patrol and Sorento in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Patrol scores 20 vs 15.
Efficiency: Patrol scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: Patrol scores 20 vs 20.
Practicality: Patrol scores 17 vs 10.
Ownership: Patrol scores 12 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Patrol
the advantage in this comparison.
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