2024 Nissan Patrol finally adds Apple CarPlay, Android Auto in Australia

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have finally been added to the 2024 Nissan Patrol in Australia five years after the Middle East, and a year before an all-new model.

Nissan has not developed a right-hand-drive version of the updated dashboard available in overseas Patrols, rather it has partnered with an aftermarket company to retrofit a larger screen with smartphone connectivity on arrival in Australia.

The 10.1-inch touchscreen has been developed in partnership with Directed Technologies, an Australian supplier which – according to its website – works with car makers such as Ford, Suzuki and GWM Haval on parts used in their vehicles.

Most of the Patrol's centre console stack – including the climate controls – is replaced to accommodate the new display, which sits lower than the old 8.0-inch touchscreen.

It is a significant upgrade for the Y62-series Nissan Patrol, which is now 14 years old – and on the verge of an all-new model due to be unveiled within the next 12 months.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have been available for up to five years in overseas markets, where two different dashboard designs are available – one for the Middle East, and one for North America.

Neither dashboard was developed for right-hand-drive markets such as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

It remains to be seen if the fitment of the dashboard upgrade in Australia – rather than on the production line in Japan – adds to any delivery delays.

Accompanied by a $3000 price rise across the range, the new 10.1-inch touchscreen includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, iGo Street navigation, a new HD wide-angle rear-view camera, and DAB+ digital radio.

It also includes a one-month free subscription to Hema 4x4 Navigation, claimed to be Australia's "most comprehensive" off-road mapping service. Customers will be required to pay a subscription after the first month of ownership.

The space previously occupied by the 8.0-inch touchscreen – with a Bluetooth phone connection, AM/FM radio and embedded satellite navigation, but no Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – is now a storage slot.

There is now a wireless smartphone charging 'pocket' – with a 15-watt output – as well as one USB-A and one USB-C port up front, replacing a pair of USB-A ports.

Also new for the Patrol Ti and Warrior in 2024 is a front centre-console cool box and digital rear-view mirror.

However the Ti-L flagship's 13-speaker Bose premium sound system has been replaced by a six-speaker Infinity system – still an upgrade over the Ti's six-speaker unbranded stereo – and it appears the Ti-L's dual 8.0-inch rear entertainment screens have been deleted.

There are no other changes for 2024 – including the 5.6-litre petrol V8, which is retained with outputs of 298kW and 560Nm matched with a seven-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.

Standard in the Ti and Ti-L is a limited-slip rear differential and Hydraulic Body Motion Control suspension.

"Directed Technologies is proud to be delivering Nissan the only multimedia device designed in Australia," Directed Technologies Executive Director Brent Stafford said in a media statement.

The updated 2024 Nissan Patrol is in showrooms later this month.

An all-new Patrol is planned to be unveiled by the end of March next year, with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 replacing the V8 – and likely a new interior with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from the factory.

Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs.

New features listed in bold.