Nissan Patrol vs Subaru XV
What's the difference?

Nissan Patrol

$86,990 - $148,990

2025 price

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Subaru XV

$15,990 - $31,995

2021 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz Eqb250

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA35

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC300

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2025 Nissan Patrol

2021 Subaru XV

By Marcus Craft

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

V8, 5.6L

Flat 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

14.4L/100km (combined)

7.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

That V8
Very comfortable on-road
Very capable off-road

Solid road feel
Relative value
Safety equipment

Dislikes

Fuel bills
Update adds nothing in terms of performance
Exhaust caps may cop damage off-road

Thrashy 2.0L engine
Hybrid not super efficient
Small boot

2025 Nissan Patrol Summary

The entire 2025 Nissan Patrol range – including the Ti-based, Premcar-boosted Warrior – has undergone a cabin update.

Changes include a new bigger touchscreen multimedia system, wireless charging and an off-road monitor.

The same V8 engine remains across the range so there are no changes to power and torque.

So, do these cabin tech updates make any kind of significant difference to the Warrior package?

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2021 Subaru XV Summary

Subaru has always been a good fit for Australia.

Since the '90s, when the brand made a big splash with its rally derived Impreza and Liberty, Subaru’s rugged appeal has suited Australia’s tough conditions and recreationally adventurous buyers.

Cars like the Forester and Outback solidified the brand’s place amongst SUVs before SUVs were really a thing, and the XV is the logical progression of the Impreza range, slotting nicely into the brand's offerings of lifted all-wheel-drive wagons.

It’s been a few years since the XV launched, however, so can its latest 2021 update keep it in the fight in a quickly evolving and notoriously competitive segment against many newer rivals? We’ve taken a look at the whole range to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Nissan Patrol 2021 Subaru XV

Verdict

The Nissan Patrol Warrior is a very capable 4WD, it’s a refined, comfortable all-rounder with plenty of potential as a touring vehicle.

PremCar’s work here – as on the Navara – has made a good 4WD even better.

All of that conversion work, engineering upgrades and fitment of accessories is the kind of sensible work an experienced 4WDer would apply via the aftermarket. The bonus here is that it’s all factory-backed and covered by a 10-year/300,000km warranty, albeit with conditions.

If you can cope with the fuel bills, this big V8 4WD remains a refreshingly old-school style of off-roader – relying more on sheer grunt than touchy tech – and the latest round of cabin updates has added more appeal to what is already a very appealing vehicle.

Verdict

Even years on from its initial launch and with only subtle changes to its main range, it’s really to Subaru’s credit that the XV feels just as capable and modern as any of its rivals.

This is not to say it’s perfect. We can’t recommend the base model, the maths don’t really work out on the hybrids, the only available engine is breathless, and it has a small boot.

But the XV’s excellent safety suite, driving dynamics, all-wheel-drive capability, quality finish and comfortable interior mean it’s hard not to be charmed by this little lifted hatch.

Our pick of the range? While the 2.0i-L is great value, we’d recommend you splurge to the 2.0i-Premium to get the full safety suite and extra garnish.

Nissan Patrol vs Subaru XV What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Nissan Patrol vs Subaru XV
What's the difference?