Let's dive deep into the Nissan Patrol Super Safari 2018, a vehicle that has carved a niche for itself in the hearts of off-road enthusiasts and adventure seekers. This isn't just another SUV; it's a testament to Nissan's commitment to building robust, reliable, and capable machines. In this comprehensive review, we'll explore everything that makes the Super Safari a standout model, from its legendary performance to its comfortable interiors and distinctive styling. So, buckle up, guys, as we embark on this exciting journey!

    A Legacy of Off-Road Prowess

    The Nissan Patrol has a long and storied history, tracing back to the 1950s when it was first introduced as a rugged, go-anywhere vehicle. Over the decades, it has evolved while retaining its core DNA: exceptional off-road capabilities. The Super Safari variant takes this legacy a step further, building on the Patrol's strengths to create a vehicle that's equally at home tackling sand dunes or cruising on the highway. The 2018 model continues this tradition, offering a blend of old-school charm and modern technology that appeals to a wide range of drivers. The heart of the Super Safari lies in its robust mechanicals. It typically features a powerful engine, often a 4.8-liter inline-six, known for its reliability and torque. This engine is mated to a durable transmission, usually a five-speed automatic or manual, that provides smooth and responsive power delivery. The four-wheel-drive system is a critical component, allowing drivers to confidently navigate challenging terrain. With features like low-range gearing and locking differentials, the Super Safari can overcome obstacles that would leave other SUVs stranded. The suspension system is designed to provide both comfort and articulation. It soaks up bumps and dips while allowing the wheels to maintain contact with the ground, maximizing traction. The high ground clearance is another essential feature, enabling the Super Safari to clear obstacles without damaging the undercarriage. All these elements combined create a vehicle that's truly capable off-road. But it's not just about raw capability; the Super Safari also offers a sense of adventure and freedom. It's a vehicle that encourages you to explore, to get off the beaten path, and to experience the thrill of conquering challenging terrain. This is what sets it apart from more modern, technology-laden SUVs that may offer similar performance figures but lack the Super Safari's soul. The Nissan Patrol Super Safari 2018 represents a blend of heritage and capability that continues to resonate with off-road enthusiasts around the world.

    Under the Hood: Engine and Performance

    The engine is the heart of any vehicle, and the Nissan Patrol Super Safari 2018 boasts a powerplant that's both powerful and reliable. Typically, you'll find a 4.8-liter inline-six engine under the hood, a legendary unit known for its robustness and ample torque. This engine delivers a smooth and consistent power band, making it ideal for both on-road and off-road driving. The engine's design prioritizes reliability, with a simple yet effective construction that minimizes the risk of mechanical issues. It's not the most technologically advanced engine on the market, but it's proven its worth over decades of use in various Patrol models. The performance of the Super Safari is directly tied to this engine's characteristics. The abundant torque allows the vehicle to easily climb steep inclines and navigate challenging terrain. Whether you're tackling sand dunes, rocky trails, or muddy tracks, the engine provides the necessary grunt to keep you moving forward. On the road, the engine delivers adequate acceleration and cruising speed. While it's not a sports car, the Super Safari can comfortably maintain highway speeds and overtake other vehicles when needed. The five-speed automatic transmission (or manual, depending on the configuration) complements the engine's performance. It provides smooth and responsive gear changes, ensuring that the engine is always operating in its optimal range. The transmission is also built to withstand the rigors of off-road driving, with durable components and robust construction. Fuel economy is an area where the Super Safari lags behind more modern SUVs. The large engine and traditional design mean that it's not the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the market. However, for many owners, the trade-off is worth it, given the engine's reliability and performance. The driving experience is also enhanced by the Super Safari's four-wheel-drive system. This system allows drivers to select different modes depending on the terrain, optimizing traction and control. Low-range gearing provides even more torque for extreme off-road situations, while locking differentials ensure that power is distributed evenly to all wheels. Overall, the Nissan Patrol Super Safari 2018 offers a compelling blend of power, reliability, and performance. Its engine and drivetrain are designed to tackle the toughest challenges, making it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts.

    Interior Comfort and Features

    Stepping inside the Nissan Patrol Super Safari 2018, you'll find an interior that prioritizes functionality and durability over outright luxury. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more modern SUVs, it offers a comfortable and practical space for both driver and passengers. The design is simple and straightforward, with easy-to-use controls and a logical layout. The focus is on providing essential features without unnecessary complexity. The materials used are durable and hard-wearing, designed to withstand the rigors of off-road adventures. You won't find a lot of soft-touch surfaces or premium materials, but the interior is built to last. The seats are comfortable and supportive, providing ample cushioning for long journeys. They're typically upholstered in durable fabric, which is easy to clean and maintain. Some models may offer leather upholstery as an option. The driving position is commanding, offering excellent visibility of the road ahead. The high seating position also provides a sense of security and control, which is especially important when off-roading. The features in the Super Safari are geared towards practicality and convenience. You'll typically find air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, and a basic audio system. Some models may also include features like a sunroof, navigation system, and rear-view camera. The space is another strong point of the Super Safari. It offers ample room for passengers in both the front and rear seats. The cargo area is also generous, providing plenty of space for luggage, camping gear, or other equipment. The rear seats can be folded down to create even more cargo space. One of the unique features of the Super Safari is its heritage-inspired design elements. These elements, such as the classic gauges and switches, give the interior a distinctive character and remind you of the Patrol's rich history. While the interior may not be the most luxurious or technologically advanced, it offers a comfortable and practical space that's well-suited for both on-road and off-road adventures. It's a testament to Nissan's focus on building a vehicle that's both capable and reliable. The Nissan Patrol Super Safari 2018 provides a functional and comfortable interior that caters to the needs of adventure-seeking drivers.

    Exterior Styling and Design

    The Nissan Patrol Super Safari 2018 boasts an exterior design that's both rugged and iconic. It's a vehicle that stands out from the crowd with its boxy silhouette, bold lines, and distinctive styling cues. The overall design is a blend of classic and modern elements, creating a look that's both timeless and contemporary. The upright stance and high ground clearance give it a commanding presence on the road, while the large windows provide excellent visibility. The front fascia is characterized by a prominent grille, flanked by large headlights. The grille typically features a chrome finish, adding a touch of sophistication to the rugged design. The headlights are designed to provide excellent illumination, ensuring safe driving in all conditions. The side profile is defined by its boxy shape and muscular wheel arches. The large windows provide ample natural light to the interior, while the blacked-out pillars create a modern and sporty look. The side steps make it easier to get in and out of the vehicle, especially for shorter passengers. The rear design is simple and functional, with large taillights and a prominent Nissan badge. The spare tire is typically mounted on the rear door, adding to the vehicle's rugged appearance. The high-mounted brake light ensures that the vehicle is easily visible to other drivers. One of the distinctive styling cues of the Super Safari is its heritage-inspired graphics. These graphics, which typically include stripes and logos, pay homage to the Patrol's rich history and add a touch of nostalgia to the design. The wheels and tires are another important element of the exterior design. The Super Safari typically comes with large alloy wheels and all-terrain tires, which provide excellent grip and traction on a variety of surfaces. The wheels are designed to withstand the rigors of off-road driving, while the tires offer a comfortable ride on the road. The paint options for the Super Safari are typically bold and vibrant, reflecting the vehicle's adventurous spirit. You'll find a range of colors to choose from, including classic shades like white and black, as well as more adventurous hues like red and blue. The Nissan Patrol Super Safari 2018 offers a compelling exterior design that combines ruggedness, style, and heritage. It's a vehicle that's sure to turn heads wherever you go.

    Off-Road Capabilities

    When it comes to off-road capabilities, the Nissan Patrol Super Safari 2018 truly shines. It's a vehicle that's designed to tackle the toughest terrain, with a range of features and technologies that enhance its performance in challenging conditions. The four-wheel-drive system is the foundation of its off-road prowess. This system allows drivers to select different modes depending on the terrain, optimizing traction and control. In normal driving conditions, the vehicle operates in two-wheel-drive, which improves fuel economy. When the going gets tough, drivers can switch to four-wheel-drive high range, which provides increased traction for slippery surfaces. For extreme off-road situations, drivers can select four-wheel-drive low range, which provides even more torque and control. The locking differentials are another key component of the off-road system. These differentials ensure that power is distributed evenly to all wheels, even if one or more wheels lose traction. This is especially important when navigating rocky or uneven terrain, where one wheel may be lifted off the ground. The high ground clearance is another essential feature. This allows the Super Safari to clear obstacles without damaging the undercarriage. The approach and departure angles are also optimized for off-road driving, allowing the vehicle to climb steep inclines and descend steep declines without scraping the bumpers. The suspension system is designed to provide both comfort and articulation. It soaks up bumps and dips while allowing the wheels to maintain contact with the ground, maximizing traction. The long-travel suspension also helps to keep the vehicle stable on uneven surfaces. The tires are another important factor in off-road performance. The Super Safari typically comes with all-terrain tires, which provide excellent grip and traction on a variety of surfaces. These tires are also designed to be durable and puncture-resistant, ensuring that you can tackle the toughest terrain without worrying about getting a flat. The electronic aids such as hill descent control and hill start assist helps the driver to keep control of the car without major complications. These systems automatically control the brakes and throttle to maintain a constant speed when descending a hill or to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting on an incline. The Nissan Patrol Super Safari 2018 is a truly capable off-road vehicle, with a range of features and technologies that enhance its performance in challenging conditions. It's a vehicle that's designed to take you anywhere you want to go, regardless of the terrain.

    Pros and Cons

    Like any vehicle, the Nissan Patrol Super Safari 2018 has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these pros and cons can help you make an informed decision about whether it's the right vehicle for you. Let's start with the pros:

    • Exceptional off-road capabilities: This is the Super Safari's biggest strength. Its four-wheel-drive system, locking differentials, high ground clearance, and rugged suspension make it a formidable off-road machine.
    • Reliable engine: The 4.8-liter inline-six engine is known for its reliability and durability. It's a proven powerplant that can withstand the rigors of off-road driving.
    • Spacious interior: The Super Safari offers ample room for passengers and cargo, making it a comfortable vehicle for long journeys.
    • Iconic styling: The Super Safari's boxy silhouette and heritage-inspired graphics give it a distinctive and recognizable look.
    • Simple and functional design: The interior is designed for practicality and ease of use, with simple controls and a logical layout.

    Now, let's move on to the cons:

    • Poor fuel economy: The large engine and traditional design mean that the Super Safari is not very fuel-efficient.
    • Outdated interior: The interior lacks the modern features and technology found in more contemporary SUVs.
    • Basic safety features: The Super Safari may not have all the advanced safety features that are available in newer vehicles.
    • Ride quality: The ride can be a bit rough on paved roads, especially compared to more modern SUVs.
    • Handling: The Super Safari's high center of gravity and body-on-frame construction can make it feel a bit cumbersome on the road.

    Overall, the Nissan Patrol Super Safari 2018 is a capable and reliable vehicle that's well-suited for off-road enthusiasts. However, its poor fuel economy, outdated interior, and basic safety features may be drawbacks for some buyers. Weighing these pros and cons carefully can help you decide if it's the right vehicle for your needs.

    Is the Nissan Patrol Super Safari 2018 Right for You?

    Deciding whether the Nissan Patrol Super Safari 2018 is the right vehicle for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you're an off-road enthusiast who values capability and reliability above all else, then the Super Safari is definitely worth considering. Its exceptional off-road prowess, rugged construction, and proven engine make it a formidable machine in challenging terrain. However, if you're primarily concerned with fuel economy, modern features, and on-road comfort, then you may want to look at other options. The Super Safari's large engine, outdated interior, and basic safety features may not be the best fit for your needs. Consider your typical driving conditions. If you spend most of your time on paved roads, then the Super Safari's rough ride and cumbersome handling may become tiresome. However, if you frequently venture off-road, then its exceptional capabilities will more than make up for its shortcomings. Think about your budget. The Super Safari can be relatively expensive to purchase and maintain, especially considering its poor fuel economy. Be sure to factor in the cost of fuel, maintenance, and repairs when making your decision. Consider your lifestyle. If you're an adventurer who enjoys exploring the great outdoors, then the Super Safari is a great choice. Its spacious interior and rugged construction make it ideal for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy a Nissan Patrol Super Safari 2018 is a personal one. Weigh your needs and priorities carefully, and be sure to test drive the vehicle before making a final decision. If you value off-road capability, reliability, and iconic styling, then the Super Safari may be the perfect vehicle for you. If not, then there are plenty of other SUVs on the market to choose from. So, do your research, weigh your options, and make an informed decision. Happy driving, guys! The Nissan Patrol Super Safari 2018 serves a specific niche, so align its strengths with your personal needs.