Nissan Patrol vs Land Rover Defender vs Jeep Grand Cherokee L: Which one is the best value?

The Nissan Patrol is a bit long in the tooth despite an updated version having been introduced locally back in 2022. Its massive V8 engine and reputation for overland ability and absolute comfort mean that it occupies its own micro-niche. This does not mean that it has its price segment to itself with both the Land Rover Defender and Jeep Grand Cherokee L making for tempting propositions within the local market.  For today's comparison, we will be comparing the Patrol with the Land Rover Defender 110 HSE and the Jeep Grand Cherokee L in Summit Reserve specification to determine which offers the best value for money.

 

Related: Everything you need to know about the Nissan Qashqai

Practicality

In terms of dimensions, the three products are rather large, however, the Nissan offers seating for seven, an optional extra on the Land Rover, while the Jeep's six-seat configuration is less impressive, but it has the largest boot.

 

 

Performance

In terms of performance, the Land Rover has an advantage, sporting similar power and torque to the Nissan, but coming in at nearly 500kg lighter. The superior power-to-weight ratio offered by the Land Rover gives it an advantage in the fuel consumption stakes too. 

	Nissan Patrol 5.6 V8 LE 4WD	Land Rover Defender 110 P400 X-Dynamic HSE	Jeep Grand Cherokee L 3.6 4x4 Summit Reserve
Engine	5.8-litre, 8-cylinder petrol	3.0-litre, 6-cylinder turbo petrol	3.6-litre, 6-cylinder petrol
Transmission	7-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Power	298 kW	294 kW	210 kW
Torque	560 Nm	550 Nm	344 Nm
Kerb weight	2 746kg	2 286kg	2 270kg
Boot space	550-litres	857-litres	1 328-litres
0-100 km/h*	6.6 seconds	6.1 seconds	8.6 seconds
Seats	7	5	6
Fuel consumption	14.4 L/100km	9.9 L/100km	10.6 L/100km
Price	R1 658 900	R1 642 700	R1 679 900

*This table was compiled with information sourced from www.duoporta.co.za as well as the official press releases of each model.

Specification

All three models feature ABS, traction and stability control, air suspension (coil on the Nissan), multiple airbags (five, seven and six respectively), ISOFIX child seat anchor points, LED headlights, roof rails, electrically adjustable front seats, sunroofs, alloy wheels, multifunction steering wheels, leather seats (partial on the Land Rover), climate control, adaptive cruise control, multifunction steering wheels, keyless entry/start, touchscreen infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, park assist systems with surroudview cameras and various semi-autonomous driver aids.

 

 

Safety

The Patrol range was crash tested by the NHTSA in the USA in 2019 and received 4-Stars with its 6 airbags and host of semi-autonomous driver aids. The Defender was tested by Euro NCAP  in 2020 and received 5-Stars, with 85% for adult occupant safety, 85% for child occupant safety, 71% for vulnerable road users and 79% for its safety assistance systems. The Grand Cherokee L is yet to be tested by an independent safety programme, but comes with 6 airbags and a host of active and passive safety systems, making it reasonable to assume that it will be safe in the event of a colission.

 

Warranty and maintenance

In the warranty and service department, the Nissan gets a 6-year/150 000km warranty and a 3-year/90 000km service plan while the both the Volkswagen and Jeep get 5-year/100 000 maintenance plans.

 

Verdict

While all three of the products assembled here are competitive, there can only be one winner, and that is the Land Rover Defender, which offers the best performance, the lowest price tag and features that match its rivals.