Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Executive Summary
Both EcoSport and Patrol are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
Patrol
+12 pts
Efficiency
EcoSport
+4 pts
Safety
Patrol
+2 pts
Practicality
Patrol
+1 pts
Ownership
EcoSport
+4 pts
Category Score Breakdown
🏆 Overall Winner
Patrol
Performance
20/20
Efficiency
5/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
13/20
Ownership
12/20
EcoSport
Performance
8/20
Efficiency
9/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
16/20
Pros & Cons
EcoSport
Pros
Better fuel efficiency
Better long-term ownership value
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best For:Fuel Efficiency
🏆 Overall Winner
Patrol
Pros
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Cons
Lower fuel efficiency
Shorter warranty coverage
Best For:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Who Should Buy Which?
EcoSport
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Patrol
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
EcoSport
Patrol
Ground Clearance
200
235
Wheelbase
2519
2850
Length
4325
4985
Width
1765
1980
Height
1653
1910
Kerb Weight
1290
2430
Gross Vehicle Weight
1740
3300
Seating Capacity
5
7
Boot Space
352
309
Towing Capacity
950
3500
Front Track Width
-
1675
Rear Track Width
-
1675
Turning Radius
-
6.0
Specification
EcoSport
Patrol
Engine
1.0L EcoBoost Turbo Petrol
3.3L Twin-Turbo V6 Diesel
Engine Type
Inline 3 Turbocharged
V6 Twin-Turbocharged DOHC
Displacement
998
3346
Cylinders
3
6
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
92
227
Torque
170
700
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Top Speed
185
210
0-100 km/h
10.5
7.5
Power @ RPM
-
3000-3600 rpm
Torque @ RPM
-
1600-2600 rpm
Turbocharger
-
Twin Turbo
Compression Ratio
-
15.4:1
Engine Position
-
Front Longitudinal
Specification
EcoSport
Patrol
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
10-Speed Automatic
Drive Type
Front Wheel Drive
4WD
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Full-Time 4WD with Crawl Control
LSD Available
None
Torsen LSD
Transfer Case
None
Multi-Terrain Select
Paddle Shifters
-
Standard
Differential Lock
-
Centre + Rear Lock
Specification
EcoSport
Patrol
Claimed Mileage
17.2
9.4
City Mileage
12
7
Highway Mileage
17
10
Fuel Tank Capacity
52
110
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
Not Available
Auto Start Stop
-
Standard
Specification
EcoSport
Patrol
Airbags
6
10
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard with KDSS
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
None
Crawl Control
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Alarm System
-
Standard
Central Locking
-
Standard
Side Impact Beams
-
Standard
Specification
EcoSport
Patrol
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
None
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
None
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
None
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
None
Standard
Parking Sensors
Rear
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
None
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
None
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
-
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
Standard
Specification
EcoSport
Patrol
Seat Material
Premium Leatherette
Premium Leather
Seat Adjustment
Manual Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Electric 12-Way
Heated Seats
None
Front and Second Row
Ventilated Seats
None
Front
Steering Type
Electric Power Steering
Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Power Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Ambient Footwell Lighting
Multi-colour
Folding Rear Seats
-
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Rear Armrest
-
Standard
Specification
EcoSport
Patrol
Climate Control
Automatic Climate Control
Quad-Zone Automatic
Power Windows
Front and Rear
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Smart Key
Smart Entry
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
None
Standard
Sunroof
None
Standard
Electric Tailgate
None
Power
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
Standard
Specification
EcoSport
Patrol
Infotainment Screen
8-inch SYNC Touchscreen
12.3-inch Premium Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wired
Wireless
Android Auto
Wired
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
15
Navigation System
Integrated
Standard
Digital Instrument Cluster
-
12.3-inch Full Digital
USB Ports
-
4
Wireless Apple CarPlay
-
Standard
Specification
EcoSport
Patrol
LED Headlamps
Projector Halogen
Full LED Adaptive
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
Front
LED
Roof Rails
Silver
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Alloy
21-inch Premium Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish
-
Not Available
Body Cladding
-
Standard
Rear Spoiler
-
Not Available
Specification
EcoSport
Patrol
Approach Angle
23
32
Departure Angle
32
24
Wading Depth
550
700
Terrain Modes
None
Mud, Sand, Rock, Dirt, Snow
Locking Differential
None
Centre and Rear
Underbody Protection
-
Full Steel Plates
Specification
EcoSport
Patrol
Tyre Size
205/50 R17
265/55 R20
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Ventilated Disc
Spare Wheel Type
-
Full Size Alloy
Specification
EcoSport
Patrol
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
Double Wishbone with KDSS
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Lateral Rod with KDSS
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Ladder Frame
Power Steering
-
Power Rack and Pinion
Steering Column
-
Power Tilt and Telescopic
Specification
EcoSport
Patrol
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
10,000 km or 6 Months
Approx Service Cost
Moderate
Approx R12,000
Battery Warranty
24 Months
Not Applicable
Maintenance Plan
-
Optional
Specification
EcoSport
Patrol
Warranty Years
4
3
Warranty Kilometers
120000
100000
Roadside Assistance
4 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
6 Years
Specification
EcoSport
Patrol
CO2 Emissions
150
249
Start Stop System
Standard
Standard
Hybrid System Type
None
Not Applicable
Noise Level
-
68
Final Verdict
🏆Nissan Patrol
wins with 70 pts
vs 63 pts for EcoSport
In structured scoring, Patrol emerges as the stronger overall package. However, EcoSport may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.