Nissan Patrol is one of the longest-lived and respected four-wheel drive vehicles in the world. Since its debut in 1951, it has gone from a modest army SUV to a premium flagship SUV, competing with Toyota Land Cruiser And Mercedes G-Class. In this article we will look at all generations Patrol, their technical features, weaknesses and how the model adapted to the requirements of different eras.
Over 73 years of existence Nissan Patrol changed 7 generations, received diesel and gasoline engines with a volume of 2.5 to 8.0 liters, and also transformed from a utilitarian all-terrain vehicle into a comfortable car for family trips and off-road use. But how exactly did the model change? Which generations became cult and which were failures? And is it worth buying a used one today? Patrol? The answers are below.
1951–1959: First generation (4W60) - the birth of a legend
Debut Nissan Patrol 4W60 appeared in 1951 as a response to the growing demand for reliable SUVs after World War II. The car was developed taking into account experience Willys Jeep And Land Rover Series I, but had unique features: for example, continuous axle at the front and dependent suspension on leaf springs. The body was offered in three versions: soft-top, hardtop and a pickup truck.
Under the hood of the first Patrol there was a gasoline engine Nissan NAK volume 3.7 l (85 hp), later replaced by 4.0 liter Nissan P (105 hp). Transmission: 4-speed manual, transfer case with reduction gear. The maximum speed was a modest 100 km/h, but the main advantage of the car was different: it could overcome ford up to 60 cm deep without preparation - a record figure for that time.
- 🔧 Engines: 3.7 l (85 hp), 4.0 l (105 hp)
- 🚙 Body: 3-door soft top, hard top, pickup
- 🛠️ Features: continuous front axle, dependent suspension, hand brake on transmission
⚠️ Attention: First Patrol 4W60 suffered from frame corrosion and a weak braking system. When purchasing a restored copy, be sure to check the condition of the side members and the functionality of the drum brakes - replacing them today costs 30–50% of the cost of the car.
1960–1980: Second generation (4W70, 60) - expansion into the world market
In 1960 Nissan introduced the second generation Patrol under the index 4W70, and later - its modernized version 60. The car became larger, received more powerful engines and an improved suspension. The main innovation is the appearance full 5-door body, which made the model attractive for family use.
The diesel engine debuted in 1963 SD33 (3.3 l, 96 hp), which became the first diesel engine in history Patrol. Gasoline versions were equipped with engines P (4.0 l, 125 hp) and H (4.2 l, 135 hp). In the 1970s, the model was actively exported to Australia, Africa and the Middle East, where it gained a reputation indestructible all-terrain vehicle.
| Modification | Engine | Power | Transmission | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4W70 (1960–1963) | Gasoline 4.0 l P | 125 hp | Manual transmission-4 | First appearance of the 5-door body style |
| 60 (1963–1980) | Diesel 3.3 l SD33 | 96 hp | Manual transmission-4 | First diesel Patrol |
| 60 (1970–1980) | Gasoline 4.2 l H | 135 hp | Manual transmission-4 | Reinforced frame for tough conditions |
Interesting fact: Patrol 60 became the first Japanese car to officially delivered to the USSR as part of technical assistance. Several hundred machines were used in geological expeditions and construction sites in Siberia.
- First (4W60, 1951–1959)
- Second (4W70/60, 1960–1980)
- Third (160, 1980–1989)
- Fourth (Y60, 1989–1997)
- Fifth (Y61, 1997–2010)
- Sixth (Y62, 2010–present)
1980–1989: Third generation (160) - a revolution in design and technology
Third generation Nissan Patrol 160 was a real breakthrough. The car received modern body with angular shapes, independent front suspension (on some versions) and a wide choice of engines, including turbodiesel LD28 (2.8 l, 115 hp). But the main innovation is the appearance automatic transmission (3-speed) in 1983.
A version debuted in 1986 Patrol Cabstar is a long-wheelbase pickup truck that has become popular in Australia and South Africa. Also appeared for the first time complete electrical system (instead of mixed 6/12V), which simplified maintenance. However, the weak point of the generation 160 remained body corrosion, especially in welding areas.
- ⚡ Innovations: independent front suspension (optional), automatic transmission, turbodiesel
- 🌍 Markets: Australia, Middle East, Europe (limited)
- ⚠️ Problems: rusty sills, weak brake hoses
Why did the Patrol 160 fail in the USA?
In the 1980s, Nissan tried to bring the Patrol 160 to the American market, but the model could not compete with the Ford Bronco and Chevrolet Blazer. The main reasons are weak engines by local standards (maximum 150 hp), lack of a V8 and high price. As a result, Patrol left the USA after 3 years.
1989–1997: Fourth generation (Y60) - iconic all-terrain vehicle
Nissan Patrol Y60 - the most legendary generation, which is still valued by off-road enthusiasts. The car received round headlights (inspired by Mercedes G-Wagen), reinforced frame and new diesel engine TD42 (4.2 l, 116–130 hp), which is famous for its indestructibility. Gasoline versions were equipped with engines TB42 (4.2 l, 165 hp) and TB45 (4.5 l, 200 hp).
Features Y60:
- 🔄 Four-wheel drive: rigidly connected front axle with manual hubs
- 🛡️ Protection: standard crankcase and fuel tank protection
- 🚗 Body: 3-door (SWB) and 5-door (LWB)
In 1992 a version appeared Patrol GR (Grand Raid) with self-locking rear differential and reinforced suspension. This modification became the basis for rally victories Paris-Dakar in the 1990s.
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Y60 with diesel TD42 Check the condition of the high pressure fuel pump (HPF). Its repair costs 150–200 thousand rubles, and original spare parts are no longer produced. Also note wear of steering rods — their replacement is required every 80–100 thousand km.
☑️ What to check before buying Patrol Y60?
1997–2010: Fifth generation (Y61) - transition to comfort
Nissan Patrol Y61 became the first generation where the emphasis shifted from off-road to comfort. The car received independent front suspension (on all versions), a new line of engines and a luxurious interior with leather trim. The design has become more streamlined, but retains recognizable features Patrol.
Main engines:
- 🔥 TB48DE (4.8 l, 245 hp) - gasoline, V8
- ☁️ ZD30DDTi (3.0 l, 160 hp) - turbodiesel, known for problems with cylinder head gasket
- ⚡ VQ40DE (4.0 l, 240 hp) - gasoline, V6 (only for the Middle East)
In 2004, it was restyled: new headlights, bumpers and a multimedia system with navigation appeared. However Y61 criticized for poor reliability of electronics (especially in versions for the Middle East) and high fuel consumption (petrol V8 consumed 20–25 l/100 km).
When purchasing a Patrol Y61 with a ZD30DDTi diesel engine, be sure to check the cylinder head gasket replacement history. If it has not been changed after 150 thousand km, be prepared for repairs costing 200–300 thousand rubles.
2010–2026: Sixth generation (Y62) - premium flagship
Nissan Patrol Y62 (known in some countries as Nissan Armada) is no longer an all-terrain vehicle, but luxury SUV with all-wheel drive. The car is built on a platform Nissan F-Alpha (joint with Infiniti QX80) and is equipped with a single engine - gasoline VK56VD (5.6 l, 405 hp) with direct injection and variable valve timing system.
Key Features Y62:
- 🛋️ Salon: 7- or 8-seat layout, leather trim, ventilated seats
- 💻 Technologies: cruise control, all-round cameras, adaptive suspension
- 🚜 Off-road: reduction gear, rear differential lock (optional)
However, Y62 there are also disadvantages: no diesel versions (which is critical for Europe), high fuel consumption (18–22 l/100 km) and expensive maintenance. In 2020, it was restyled with a new front design and updated multimedia.
| Parameter | Y61 (1997–2010) | Y62 (2010–present) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4.8 l V8 (245 hp), 3.0 l diesel | 5.6 L V8 (405 hp) |
| Suspension | Dependent front and rear | Independent front, multi-link rear |
| Fuel consumption | 14–18 l/100 km | 18–22 l/100 km |
| Price (used, Russia) | 800 thousand – 2.5 million ₽ | 3–8 million ₽ |
Nissan Patrol Y62 is an ideal choice for those who value comfort and status, but do not plan serious off-roading. For offroad, it is better to consider the Y60 or Y61 with a diesel engine.
Comparison of generations: which one to choose?
Generation choice Nissan Patrol depends on your goals:
- 🏆 For collectors: 4W60 or 4W70 - rare specimens with historical value.
- 🚙 Off-road: Y60 with diesel TD42 or Y61 with TB48DE.
- 💼 For family: Y62 with a full range of options, but high maintenance costs.
- 💰 Budget option: 160s generation (1980–1989) - inexpensive, but requires investment in repairs.
If you need real all-terrain vehicle, pay attention to Y60 with manual transmission and locks. Suitable for the city and highway Y62, but be prepared for gas and maintenance costs. Y61 - the golden mean, but with reservations: diesel versions require careful attention to the injection pump and cylinder head gasket.
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Patrol from the UAE or other GCC countries, check your mileage history. Many cars have twisted odometer (mileage can be underestimated by 2-3 times) and traces of use in sand, which leads to accelerated wear of the suspension and transmission.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Patrol
🔧 Which engine does the Nissan Patrol have the most reliable?
Diesel is considered the most reliable TD42 (4.2 l) from generation Y60. It is known for its “indestructibility” and ability to travel 500+ thousand km without major repairs. Among gasoline engines, the best choice is TB48DE (4.8 L, V8) from Y61.
💰 How much does it cost to restore a Patrol frame?
The cost of restoring the frame depends on the degree of corrosion. Partial repairs (replacement of sections) cost 100–200 thousand rubles. A complete replacement of the frame with re-welding of the body can cost 300–500 thousand rubles. For Y60 And Y61 frames from the Australian versions are often used - they are thicker and better protected from rust.
🛢️ What is the real fuel consumption of the Patrol Y62?
Official expense Patrol Y62 with engine VK56VD (5.6 l) is 14.6 l/100 km combined. However, in real conditions:
- 🏙️ City: 20–24 l/100 km
- 🛣️ Highway (90–110 km/h): 14–16 l/100 km
- 🏜️ Off-road: 25–30 l/100 km
To reduce consumption, it is recommended to disable all-wheel drive on asphalt and use high-quality fuel (AI-95 or AI-98).
🔄 Is it possible to install diesel on Patrol Y62?
Technically possible, but this complex and expensive swap. In some countries (for example, Australia) there are companies that install diesel engines Cummins or Duramax on Y62, but the cost of such tuning starts from 1.5 million rubles. In addition, you will need to reflash the ECU, change the transmission and register changes with the traffic police.
🚗 Which Patrol is better for Russia: short or long wheelbase?
The choice depends on the operating conditions:
- 🟢 Short Base (SWB): better for off-road use - smaller turning radius, higher cross-country ability. Cons: cramped interior and small trunk.
- 🔴 Long Wheelbase (LWB): more comfortable for families and long trips, but performs worse off-road due to the larger overhang and turning radius.
Optimal for Russia Y60 LWB or Y61 — they combine decent cross-country ability and acceptable comfort.