Nissan Patrol

Nissan Patrol at a glance

The Patrol has always been Nissan's heavy-duty off-roader, competing directly with the Toyota Land Cruiser. Early generations were sold in Japan as the Safari and, for some years, in the US and Canada through Datsun. From 1983 the Patrol was also built in Spain by Ebro, which made it a familiar sight in Europe, and Ford Australia sold the Y60 as the Ford Maverick from 1988 to 1994.

Today the Patrol is mainly a large luxury SUV for the Middle East, Australia and other markets, while the Y61 survived as a rugged workhorse in some regions. Nissan's own history is told in the history of Nissan, and the brand's range is in the Nissan catalogue.

Nissan Patrol generations

4W60 and 60 series (1951–1980)

The first Patrol, the 4W60 of 1951, was a part-time 4x4 with a four-speed manual and Nissan straight-six engines of 3.7 to 4.0 litres, starting with the 55 kW (75 PS) NAK. The 60 series of 1960 kept the 4.0-litre P engine with 92 kW (125 PS) and offered short, long and extra-long wheelbases. It was sold in North America through Datsun from 1962 to 1969 and built in India as the Jonga.

160 and 260 series (1980–1989)

The 160 added diesel engines, the 3.3-litre SD33 with 95 PS and, in Japan, the 120 PS SD33T turbo-diesel. From 1983 Ebro in Spain built the Patrol for European markets, and Japan sold it as the Safari. The facelifted 260 added the 2.8-litre RD28 diesels.

Y60 (1987–1997)

The Y60 was the first Patrol with coil springs, keeping live axles front and rear for articulation. Engines included the 4.2 TD42 diesel with 85 kW (116 PS), the 2.8 RD28T turbo-diesel with 92 kW (125 PS) and the 4.2 TB42 petrol with up to 135 kW (184 PS). Its strength and simplicity made it a favourite with expedition drivers.

Y61 (1997–2024)

The Y61 kept the separate chassis and live axles but added a more modern body and interior. Petrol versions had 4.5 and 4.8-litre straight-sixes, the TB48DE being a favourite for tuning in the Middle East, while diesels ranged from 2.8 to 3.0 (ZD30) and 4.2 litres. Early ZD30 engines had problems that were solved with the 2005 facelift. Nissan withdrew the Y61 from most markets in 2014, but production for selected regions continued until 2024.

Y62 (2010 onwards)

The Y62 moved upmarket with a 4.0 VQ40DE V6 of 205 kW and the 5.6 VK56VD V8 with direct injection and 298 kW (400 hp), or 319 kW (428 hp) in the NISMO. The V8 drives through a seven-speed automatic, and Hydraulic Body Motion Control was available to reduce body roll. Its twins are the Infiniti QX56, renamed QX80, and the Nissan Armada in North America.

Y63 (2024 onwards)

The seventh-generation Patrol made its global debut on 4 September 2024 in Abu Dhabi. It uses a 3.5-litre VR35DDTT twin-turbo V6 with 313 kW (425 PS) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft), or a 3.8-litre VQ38DD V6 with 232 kW (316 PS), both with a nine-speed automatic; a NISMO version reaches 369 kW. The Y63 is about 5,350 mm (210.6 in) long and 2,030 mm (79.9 in) wide, and Nissan plans to return it to Japan in fiscal year 2027.

Engines, transmissions and four-wheel drive

Every Patrol is a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The early generations and the Y60/Y61 used part-time four-wheel drive with a low-range transfer case and, on many versions, a rear differential lock; the Y62 and Y63 use full-time all-wheel drive with selectable terrain modes and low range.

Diesel buyers in Europe and Australia relied on the TD42 and ZD30. The TD42 is valued for durability, while the ZD30 needs careful maintenance. Petrol V8 and twin-turbo V6 versions are mainly sold in the Gulf states, where fuel is cheap.

Dimensions, interior and boot space

The Y61 five-door offered a large luggage area of about 810 litres (28.6 cu ft) behind the second row, and seven seats were common. The Y62 and Y63 are full-size SUVs with seven or eight seats on a separate ladder frame.

Patrol fuel economy and running costs

The Patrol is not economical. Owners of petrol Y61s report about 15 L/100 km (15.7 mpg US) on the highway and up to 25 L/100 km (9.4 mpg US) in town, while diesels use roughly 9–14 L/100 km. The Y62 V8 typically uses 16 L/100 km or more, and over 20 L/100 km in city traffic.

Patrol safety ratings

The Patrol has not been tested by Euro NCAP. The Y62 and Y63 come with multiple airbags, stability control and, on the Y63, a full set of driver assistance systems; buyers should check the equipment of each market version.

Patrol reliability and known faults

• Y60 and Y61 with TD42: strong engines; check for rust in the chassis and rear body, and worn steering and suspension joints.
• Y61 with ZD30: pre-2005 engines are known for problems with the variable-geometry turbo and cooling; look for a documented history.
• Y62 V8: generally robust; check the Hydraulic Body Motion Control suspension, where fitted, for leaks and warning lights.
• All generations: hard off-road use shows up in bent steering components and worn differentials.

Rivals: how the Patrol compares

The Patrol's main rival is the Toyota Land Cruiser, with the Mitsubishi Pajero and Land Rover models as other classic choices. The Patrol Y61 and Land Cruiser 70/80 were long the expedition benchmarks, while the Y62 and Y63 compete with the Land Cruiser 300 and Lexus LX in the luxury segment.