If you're considering to purchase an upmarket off-road SUV, the Nissan Patrol Royale is easily one of your ideal choices in the Philippine market. It’s less pricey than most of the options here, but still manages to be well-equipped. It also boasts over half a century of existence, and with a nameplate that has lasted that long, you are assured of a build that relies upon years of all-terrain prowess and luxury.
Inside, the Nissan Patrol Royale radiates upscale elegance with its soft leather seats complemented by tastefully selected chrome and wood trims. A 3075mm wheelbase ensures all occupants of this 8-seater SUV have plenty of legroom to enjoy. And let’s not forget the renowned coolness of Nissan’s air conditioning systems, with the ultra-comfy coolness spread throughout the cabin via a Triple Zone Automatic Climate Control System. Other noteworthy features include vehicle dynamic control, a 13-speaker Bose audio player, and rear entertainment system that helps keep young passengers at the back plenty occupied during travel.
Driving the Nissan Patrol Royale is a 5.6-liter V8 gasoline engine that produces a powerful 400hp of power and 560Nm of torque, mated to a 7-Speed AT with Manual Shift Mode. A Variable 4X4 mode allows drivers to effortlessly switch between four drive modes to better suit road conditions. Supported by an independent double wishbone suspension with hydraulic body motion control, the Nissan Patrol Royale is very much capable of exceptional off-road performance as any of its peers.
Adding to the Patrol Royale’s selling points is the Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) suite of driver assistance systems that further enhance the vehicle’s safety and convenience. Part of the NIM suite includes hill start assist, hill descent control, vehicle dynamic control, and intelligent around view monitor with moving object detection.
Of course, even with every good thing that the Nissan Patrol Royale possesses, Nissan’s PHP4 million SUV offering isn’t going to be everybody’s cup of tea. So for those looking for another full-size SUV to purchase, here are your other options.
The Toyota Land Cruiser 200 commands your utmost respect—and it's not just because of its imposing immense size on the road. With the Land Cruiser nameplate now 69 years old and still going strong, it goes without saying that a lot of serious thought and consideration goes into the construction of Toyota’s premium SUV.
The Toyota Land Cruiser 200's 4.5-liter V8 turbodiesel engine, mated to a 6-speed automatic sequential transmission, can dish out around 232hp and push out a beefy 615Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the Land Cruiser’s suspension is ably supported by a double wishbone independent at the front and a 4-link type at the back. These are enhanced by kinetic dynamic suspension system stabilizers.
Inside, plush accoutrements such as powered leather seats, 4-zone auto climate control, multiple accessory power outlets, and 6-speaker audio give occupants plenty of reasons to simply sit back and enjoy the smooth ride, which is significantly enhanced by multiple drive-improving technologies such as cruise control, active traction, vehicle stability, multi-terrain select, and an immensely impressive CRAWL off-road control system that automatically adjusts the throttle and brakes on five low-speed settings so the driver can focus on steering.
If you’re looking for the most spacious SUV in the Philippine auto market, look no further than the Ford Expedition. With its manufacturer claiming it’s the largest SUV available to date, the Expedition has got plenty of room for passengers and cargo alike. The generous space combined with excellent luxury amenities makes it easy to see why many Filipino celebrities rely on it to take them to distant photo and movie shoots.
Ford launched the fourth generation Expedition in 2018, and the model carries over to this year. Despite being two years old, the SUV’s numerous amenities remain relevant and contemporary, especially where tech and electronics as concerned. Advanced features such as blind spot indicators, customizable pedal settings, automatic climate control for all rows, wireless charging pad, and the technically advanced Ford Sync 3 infotainment system ensure the 2020 Ford Expedition won’t be outdated anytime soon. Furthermore, multiple 4x4 modes, a terrain management system, and an off-road gear setup ensure this beefy SUV can take you, your extended family, and all your travel gear to any destination you want to go to.
With a reliable 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine powering the latest Chevrolet Suburban to 355hp and 516Nm of torque, this popular American SUV can be depended upon for hauling, towing, and other workhorse excursions, especially with the 6-speed automatic w/ Electronic Overdrive aiding it.
Inside, the Suburban's high-fidelity Bose sound system provide excellent audio quality, adding to the pleasantness of the entire driving experience. For convenience, the Suburban infotainment system lets you make calls and perform a number of tasks totally hands-free. Chevy's MyLink system, with 5 USB ports, Auxiliary jack, and Bluetooth provides a high level of connectivity choices, too. Want more convenience? The on-board power-release second-row and power fold-flat third-row seats—which are reportedly the fastest of any competitor according to Chevrolet, gives the Suburban an ultra-versatile seating arrangement that suits a wide range of people- and cargo-hauling purposes.
As for safety, the Suburban offers a host of available advanced safety features to help prevent a potential collision and technology to help protect you in the event of one. These include side blind zone alert, lane keep assist, front park assist, and surround airbags.
In the SUV realm, Mitsubishi Pajero should never be dismissed. The recent version remains powered by a 3.2-liter in-line 16-valve turbocharged and intercooled VGT Di-diesel engine that dishes out 189hp and 441Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a an INVECS-II 5-speed automatic with Sports Mode, aided by a Super Select four-wheel drive system that delivers the spectacular off-road prowess that this classic SUV is known for.
Despite being the most affordable option on this list, the latest Mitsubishi Pajero is still as good a challenger as any. Its cabin welcomes driver and passengers to a new 6.9-inch touchscreen interface that links to a multi-media entertainment system with GPS navigation functions. Interior comfort is enhanced by the addition of power-adjustable seats (10-way for driver, 4-way for front passenger), rear air conditioner vents, audio/video jack, USB port, and genuine leather upholstery.
As for safety, the Pajero comes with Mitsubishi’s signature Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC) system that utilizes a network of control units and intelligent sensors to monitor vehicle status as well as the driver’s steering. This is complemented by a stronger built, more protective monocoque body that provides greater sturdiness in the face of collision without increasing the vehicle’s overall weight.
The latest Jeep Wrangler is an all-new version, but it still manages to retain the classic design elements the model is known for like the round headlamps, square rear combination lamps, and the much-imitated keystone seven-slot grille. And while it may not look the part, it also has improved aerodynamics while the fold-down windshield is a nod to its classic heritage.
For off-road purists, the all-new Jeep Wrangler offers more open-air freedom and can be customized with numerous door, top, and windshield combinations. The locally available version comes in two trims: the Jeep Wrangler Sport and the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Both are powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC DI turbo engine that’s good for 268hp and 400Nm of torque, and mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Driving convenience is enhanced by a number of driver assist features including rear park assist, hill start assist, hill descent control, headlamp leveling, and remote keyless entry, among many others.
Inside, the, Jeep Wrangler’s got a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls, 3.5-inch TFT black and white instrument cluster for easy visibility, 8-speaker audio system, cloth low-back bucket seats, and 12V auxiliary power outlet.
For safety, the Jeep Wrangler adds a theft deterrent system, next-gen front airbags, and rear stabilizer bar to the basics.
Photos from Nissan, Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, Jeep, Mitsubishi
Also read:
2020 Nissan Almera vs. the competition: Your other subcompact sedan options
Old against new: 2020 vs. 2015 Nissan X-Trail
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