2013 Discovery 4 HSE SDV6 versus 2013 Patrol Ti: Off-Road Comparison Review
COMPARO: LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 4 versus NISSAN PATROL
Photography: Jan Glovac
Nissan Patrol Vehicle Style: Upper Large SUV | Land Rover Discovery 4 Vehicle Style: Large SUV |
OVERVIEW
Despite what you might see outside school gates, four-wheel-drives actually do have purposes other than shuffling kids around. Of course, we’re talking proper 4WDs here.
You know, good ground clearance, low-range gearing, masses of torque – the real work units.
For buyers looking for a real off-roader, one you can take into the bush every other weekend, or even for the round-Australia trip, we’ve pitted two evenly-priced vehicles against each other to determine where you’re best to place your dosh.
In one corner is the new Nissan Patrol. In the other, the Land Rover Discovery 4.
With each priced similarly at just under $100K, and each with seven seats and matched at 550Nm of torque, they’re perfect sparring partners. Of course, one is a diesel V6 - the Disco - the other has a thumping petrol V8 under the bonnet.
It's 'a given' the Discovery will win on fuel economy, but that's just one part of the heavy-duty equation. So don't discount the Patrol just yet.
The ring for this match-up was a private farm which had narrow tracks, mud, rocks, dirt, scrub, hills and gravel. Plus a long highway drive to get there.
Let the battle begin.
INTERIOR
Quality: Depending on whether you prefer a modern-industrial look or a more-traditional leather and wood presentation will guide your choice on which wins here.
For some, the Discovery can look a little plasticky, though the plastics are high grade. The leather is coarse but it’s more resistant to scratching. The metal accents also look very smart.
The Patrol’s leather is definitely smoother and the woodgrain is of a high standard, but the ruched door trims look out-of-place.
Also, some of the chrome trimming around the All-Mode 4x4 dial creaks when the surrounding buttons are pressed, cheapening the feel somewhat.