Nissan Patrol: all generations (1951–2026) and their features - from classics to modern versions

Nissan Patrol - a legendary SUV, which for 70+ years has become a symbol of reliability and cross-country ability. This model has survived 8 generations, evolving from a modest army jeep to a luxurious premium SUV. But how to understand the variety of years of manufacture in order to choose the ideal option? In this article we will look at each generation in detail. Patrol, we will highlight key technical innovations and tell you what to look for when buying a used copy.

Interesting fact: Nissan Patrol is one of the few SUVs that has never left the assembly line since its debut in 1951. Even during the oil crisis of the 1970s, when many manufacturers curtailed production of large machines, Patrol continued to be produced, adapting to new realities. Today it is the only full-size frame SUV in the line Nissan, which competes with Toyota Land Cruiser And Lexus LX.

First generation (4W60, 1951–1960): the birth of a legend

Debut Nissan Patrol 4W60 appeared in post-war Japan as a response to the need for inexpensive and durable transport to rebuild the economy. The car was built on the basis of the American Willys Jeep, but with Japanese innovations: for example, they were first used here independent front suspension (a revolutionary solution for that time).

Under the hood was a modest 3.7-liter gasoline engine. Nissan NAK with a power of only 75 hp, but this was enough to overcome off-road conditions thanks to the short wheelbase (2200 mm) and reduction gear. It's interesting that the first Patrol They were even supplied to Australia, where they were used as farm and patrol vehicles.

• 🔧 Engines: 3.7L NAK (gasoline, 75 hp)
• 🚙 Body: 2-door soft top or hard top
• 📏 Wheelbase: 2200 mm
• ⚡ Feature: The first Japanese production SUV with all-wheel drive

⚠️ Attention: First Patrol 4W60 today they are rare copies, and their purchase requires careful checking for originality. Often there are “restored” cars with non-original parts, which reduces the collectible value.

Second generation (4W61/65, 1960–1980): transition to the civilian market

In 1960 Nissan introduced the second generation - Patrol 4W61, which became the company's first mass-produced SUV. The main innovation: the appearance 4-door body and more powerful engines (including diesel SD22). The car was actively exported to Africa and the Middle East, where it gained a reputation as an “indestructible” jeep.

He made his debut in 1963 Patrol 4W65 with an extended base (2500 mm) and a load capacity of up to 1 ton. This modification has become popular among military and rescue services. By the way, exactly 4W65 received for the first time synchronized gearbox - a breakthrough for that time!

Modification	Years of manufacture	Engine	Power	Features
4W61	1960–1963	3.0L H (gasoline)	95 hp	First 4-door Patrol
4W65	1963–1980	3.2L SD22 (diesel)	85 hp	Extended wheelbase, synchronized gearbox
4W66	1970–1980	4.0L P40 (gasoline)	125 hp	Export version for Australia

Important nuance: diesel engines SD22 of that period are extremely sensitive to the quality of fuel - modern diesel fuel can destroy them within 5000 km. If you are planning to buy Patrol 4W65, be prepared to overhaul the fuel system or install additional filters.

Third generation (160, 1980–1989): a revolution in design and technology

1980 was a turning point: Nissan Patrol 160 received a completely new body with angular shapes (in the style Mercedes G-Class) and permanent all-wheel drive with center differential. This generation was the first to be officially sold in the United States under the name Nissan Safari.

Technically Episode 160 offered a choice of 5 engines, including turbodiesel LD28 (95 hp) and gasoline L28 (135 hp). In 1983, a version appeared with automatic transmission - a rarity for SUVs of that time. I wonder what Patrol 160 became the first Japanese SUV equipped with air conditioning as standard for the Gulf markets.

• 🔥 Innovations: Permanent all-wheel drive, angular design, air conditioning
• 🛠️ Weak points: Frame corrosion, transfer case wear after 200 thousand km
• 🌍 Export: Sold as Datsun 160 (until 1984) and Nissan Safari (USA)

Fourth generation (Y60, 1987–1997): golden era of reliability

Nissan Patrol Y60 - the most popular generation, which is still valued for indestructible design and ease of repair. The car received a new frame, more powerful engines (including the legendary diesel TD42) and improved suspension. This generation was the last leaf spring rear suspension — since 1997 Nissan switched to springs.

Main trump cards Y60:

• 💪 Engine TD42: 3.9-liter turbodiesel with a resource of 500+ thousand km
• 🔄 Handout: Mechanical, with reduction 2.0:1
• 🛡️ Body: Galvanized panels (on export versions)

Interesting fact: Y60 became the first Patrol, which was officially supplied to Russia in the 1990s. It is these machines that can still be found in remote regions - they are valued for their maintainability and ability to run on any fuel.

Frame condition (rust in the spring mounting areas)|

Turbine operation (is there any oil smoke from the exhaust) |

Play in the steering (typical problem after 300 thousand km) |

Transfer case condition (noise when lowering the gearbox) -->

Fifth generation (Y61, 1997–2010): transition to comfort

Nissan Patrol Y61 marked a change in philosophy: the car became more comfortable, while maintaining off-road qualities. Main changes:

• 🔄 Suspension: Rear spring instead of spring
• 🖥️ Electronics: ABS, climate control, electric windows appeared
• 🚗 Body: More streamlined shape, reduced drag coefficient

A new diesel engine debuted under the hood ZD30 (160 hp), but the gasoline one became a real legend TB45E (245 hp) - it was installed on the version for the Middle East. By the way, Y61 became the first Patrol, which was offered with 5-speed automatic transmission.

⚠️ Attention: Engines ZD30 sensitive to overheating - if the timing belt breaks, the valve bends in 90% of cases. Check the condition of the belt every 60 thousand km!

In 2004 Y61 was restyled: new headlights, bumpers and improved sound insulation appeared. These cars (2004–2010) are considered the most balanced in terms of price and reliability.

Sixth generation (Y62, 2010–2026): luxury and technology

Modern Nissan Patrol Y62 — this is no longer a modest jeep, but a full-fledged premium SUV. The car was built on a new platform, received independent front and rear suspension, as well as a number of innovations:

• 🤖 Help systems: Surround camera, adaptive cruise control
• 💺 Salon: Leather trim, ventilated seats, 3-zone climate control
• 🔋 Engine: Gasoline only VK56VD (5.6L, 405 hp) with direct injection

Main disadvantage Y62 — abandonment of diesel engines and a full-size frame (in favor of an integrated one). This improved comfort but reduced flotation compared to Y61. But the car has become much quieter and more dynamic: acceleration to 100 km/h takes only 6.5 seconds!

Why is Patrol Y62 not sold in Europe?

The main reason is non-compliance with environmental standards Euro 6 due to the large gasoline engine VK56VD. In addition, high fuel consumption (14–16 l/100 km) makes the car uncompetitive compared to diesel European SUVs. In Russia and the Gulf countries Y62 remains in demand due to its status and comfort.

Parameter	Y61 (1997–2010)	Y62 (2010–2026)
Frame type	Staircase (separate)	Integrated
Suspension	Springs	Independent multi-link
Engines	Petrol/diesel (2.8–4.8L)	Gasoline only (5.6L)
Patency	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Special and limited versions of Patrol

For its history Nissan Patrol released several unique modifications that are now sought after by collectors:

• 🏆 Patrol GR (1997–2000): Sports version with engine RB26DETT (280 hp) from Skyline GT-R. Only 200 copies released!
• 🌵 Patrol Sahara (2000–2010): Middle Eastern version with reinforced suspension and parking air conditioning.
• ⚡ Patrol Nismo (2015–2020): Charged version with modified VK56VD (428 hp) and a sports body kit.

The rarest modification - Patrol Pickup (1980–1997), which was released only for Australia and South Africa. These cars are now valued at 2–3 times more expensive than standard versions.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the Nissan Patrol

Which Patrol is the most reliable off-road?

Unconditional leader - Nissan Patrol Y60 (1987–1997) with diesel TD42. This machine has:

• Stair frame height 220 mm from the ground
• Spring suspension with huge travel
• Mechanical transfer case with differential lock

Also suitable for extreme offroading Y61 until 2004 (before restyling), but with a mandatory check of the condition of the frame.

Is it worth buying a Patrol Y62 for the city?

Yes, if you need:

• Spacious car with premium interior
• High seating position and good visibility
• Reliable gasoline engine (lifetime 350+ thousand km)

But please note:

• Fuel consumption - 14–18 l/100 km in the city
• High maintenance costs (especially suspensions)
• Difficulties with parking (length 5.1 m)

Which Patrol years should you avoid?

Be careful with:

• 1998–2000 (Y61): Problems with electronics (bad contacts in harnesses)
• 2005–2007 (Y61): Engines ZD30 with "oil starvation"
• 2010–2012 (Y62): The first years of production - childhood diseases of automatic transmission

Best years:

• Y60: 1990–1995 (before restyling)
• Y61: 2004–2006 (after restyling, but before ZD30 with problems)
• Y62: 2015–2018 (main shortcomings eliminated)

Is it possible to install a diesel engine on the Patrol Y62?

Technically possible, but:

• Wiring, fuel system and ECU need to be replaced
• The gearbox needs to be re-flashed
• The cost of the swap is from 800 thousand rubles (including the donor)

Much easier to buy Y61 with factory diesel TD42 or ZD30.

Where is Patrol manufactured for Russia?

All Nissan Patrol for the Russian market are assembled in Japan at the plant in Hirakata City (Osaka Prefecture). The exception is models for the Middle East, which are partially assembled in the UAE (plant Nissan Middle East in Dubai).

You can distinguish the Japanese assembly by:

• VIN code (first characters JN1...)
• Inscriptions Made in Japan on the sign in the doorway
• Better galvanization of the body