Choosing Nissan Patrol - a legendary frame SUV with a half-century history - many buyers are faced with the question: how many seats are there in the cabin? The answer depends on the generation, market and modification. In this article we will analyze all the interior layout options, from classic 5-seat versions to rare 8-seat versions for the Middle East.

Feature Patrol — its versatility: it is both a family car for city trips and a serious SUV for off-road use. The number of seats directly affects comfort, carrying capacity and even price. For example, 7-seater versions with a third row of seats are popular in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, while 5-seat versions are more common in Europe. We analyzed technical data, owner reviews and official catalogs to give a comprehensive answer.

Evolution of the number of seats: from Y60 to Y62

History Nissan Patrol has six generations, but the last three are relevant for the CIS and European markets: Y60 (1987–1997), Y61 (1997–2010) and Y62 (2010 to present). Each generation offered different interior layout options, and the changes affected not only the number of seats, but also their location, as well as the level of comfort.

For example, Patrol Y60 in the basic configuration it had 5 seats, but for the Middle East markets, versions with a third row were produced - up to 8 seats! B Y61 more comfortable 7-seater modifications with separate second-row seats appeared, and Y62 offered a premium interior with an electric drive option for the third row. Below is a comparison table by generation.

Generation Years of production Basic equipment (seats) Maximum configuration (seats) Features
Y60 1987–1997 5 8 (for the Middle East) Third row - bench without adjustments, rigid suspension
Y61 1997–2010 5 7–8 There are separate seats in the second row, improved sound insulation
Y62 2010–present time 5 7 (optional 8 for some markets) Power third row, premium materials, climate control for all rows

It's interesting that in Y62 The third row of seats has become truly comfortable: it now has its own climate control ducts, heating and even multimedia screens in the ceiling (an option for top versions). However in Russia and Europe, 7-seater versions were not officially supplied - they had to be imported “gray” or purchased on the secondary market.

📊 Which generation of Nissan Patrol are you most interested in?
  • Y60 (1987–1997)
  • Y61 (1997–2010)
  • Y62 (2010–present)
  • I haven't decided yet

5-seater version: pros and cons

Basic 5-seat layout - the most common option Nissan Patrol in most markets. It involves two rows of seats: front (driver + passenger) and second row (three seats). This scheme has several key advantages:

  • 🚗 Large trunk: volume up to 1,613 liters (in Y62) versus 468 liters in the 7-seater version.
  • 💺 Improved comfort: The second row is often made in the form of three separate seats with adjustments and heating.
  • 💰 Lower price: 5-seater versions are 10–15% cheaper compared to 7-seater counterparts.
  • 🔧 Easier to maintain: fewer mechanisms (no electric drive for the third row), easier to clean the interior.

However, this arrangement also has disadvantages. For example, if you often have to carry more than three passengers, the second row may feel cramped—especially for tall people. In addition, in Patrol Y61 and older, the second row does not fold completely flat, which limits the ability to transport long cargo.

⚠️ Attention: In 5-seater versions Nissan Patrol Y62 The second row of seats is often mounted on rails, which allows it to be moved back and forth. However, in the rearmost position, the trunk is reduced to 800 liters - take this into account when planning your trips.

For families with 1-2 children or for those who value carrying capacity, the 5-seater version is the best choice. But for large companies or frequent trips with friends, it’s worth considering 7-seater modifications.

7-seater versions: comfort or compromise?

7-seater Nissan Patrol is a compromise between passenger capacity and practicality. The third row here is usually represented by two separate seats (less often - a bench), which can be folded or retracted into the floor. B Y62 the third row received an electric drive, which greatly simplified the transformation of the interior.

Main features of 7-seater versions:

  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Capacity: Ideal for families with 3+ children or for taxi drivers (in some countries).
  • 🔄 Flexibility: The third row can be folded down to create more space for luggage.
  • 🌍 Regional differences: In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, 7-seat versions are equipped with additional options (for example, individual screens for passengers).
  • ⚠️ Limitations: With the third row raised, the trunk is reduced to 200–300 liters.

It is important to understand that comfort in the third row is relative. Even in Y62 With its premium trim, adult passengers will feel cramped on long hauls. But for children or teenagers this is a completely acceptable option. By the way, in some countries there are 7-seater Patrol used as school buses - they are so popular!

How to check if a 7-seater Patrol is right for you?

Be sure to sit in the third row with the front seats up before purchasing. Please note:

- Backrest angle (in Y62 it is adjustable, in Y61 it is not).

- Distance to the ceiling (Y62 is 3 cm higher than Y61).

- Availability of climate control ducts (basic versions may not have them).

Parameter 5-seater version 7-seater version
Trunk volume (max.) 1,613 l 468 l (with 3rd row raised)
Comfort for adults in the 3rd row No third row Limited (suitable for trips up to 1 hour)
Vehicle weight From 2,500 kg From 2,650 kg (+150 kg due to the third row)
Price (secondary market, 2020 onwards) From 3.2 million rubles. From 3.8 million rubles.

8-seater Patrol: myth or reality?

8-seater versions Nissan Patrol is a rarity found almost exclusively in the Middle East. Such cars are equipped with a third row in the form three-seater bench, which allows you to accommodate up to 8 passengers (2+3+3). However, comfort here is minimal: the third row is very cramped, and there is practically no trunk.

Key facts about 8-seaters Patrol:

  • 🌏 Sales markets: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait. In Europe and Russia, such versions are not certified.
  • 📅 Generations: Mainly Y60 and Y61. There were no 8-seater versions available in the Y62.
  • 💰 Cost: On the secondary market in the Middle East, prices start at $15,000 for a Y60 in good condition.
  • ⚠️ Legal nuances: In Russia, converting a 5-seater Patrol into an 8-seater requires making changes to the PTS - the process is long and expensive.

If you come across an 8-seater for sale Patrol in Russia, most likely it is:

  1. Car with redesigned interior (a third row was added in a makeshift manner).
  2. car, imported from the UAE with original layout, but without certification for the Russian Federation.
⚠️ Attention: Purchasing an 8-seater Nissan Patrol in Russia is fraught with problems with the traffic police. Even if the car has an original layout, it may not be registered due to the lack of a certificate of conformity. Before purchasing, check the car’s history and the possibility of registration!
💡

If you want a Patrol with maximum passenger capacity, consider the 7-passenger Y62 with a power third row. It is certified for Russia (for “gray” import) and offers much greater comfort than 8-seater modifications.

How to choose the number of seats to suit your needs?

Choice between 5, 7 or 8 seats Nissan Patrol depends on your priorities. To avoid mistakes, answer a few questions:

- How many passengers do you carry regularly?|Do you need to transport large cargo (for example, bicycles)?|Are you ready to sacrifice comfort for the sake of additional seats?|Do you plan to use the car off-road (in this case, the extra weight of the third row worsens the cross-country ability)?|Do you have the opportunity to register a 7/8-seater version with the traffic police?-->

If you travel more often alone or with a couple of passengers, the 5-seater version is the best choice. It is cheaper, more practical and easier to maintain. For families with 2–3 children, a 7-seater is suitable Y62 with electric drive of the third row. But 8-seater modifications should only be considered if you:

  • 🚖 You work in the transportation industry (taxi, transfers).
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦‍👦 You have a large family and are ready to sacrifice comfort.
  • 🌍 You live in a country where such versions are certified (for example, the UAE).

Don't forget about car weight: Each additional row of seats adds 100–150 kg, which affects fuel consumption and dynamics. For example, 7-seater Patrol Y62 when fully loaded, it consumes 1–1.5 liters more per 100 km compared to the 5-seater version.

Regional features: why are there different Patrols in the UAE and Europe?

Number of places in Nissan Patrol strongly depends on the sales market. The manufacturer adapts the car to local needs, which leads to interesting differences:

  • 🌎 Middle East: Here the Patrol is positioned as a family car for large families. Therefore, 7- and 8-seater versions are in great demand. In addition, the top trim levels offer:

    - Individual multimedia screens for the second and third rows.

    - Refrigerators in the central tunnel.

    - Climate control systems for each row.

  • 🇪🇺 Europe: Here the Patrol is seen as a premium SUV for outdoor activities. Therefore, 5-seater versions with an emphasis on comfort and safety predominate. 7-seater modifications are extremely rare.
  • 🇷🇺 Russia and CIS: Only 5-seater versions are officially available. 7-seater cars are brought in “gray”, which creates problems with registration and maintenance.

Interestingly, even within one generation (for example, Y62) salons for different regions may differ radically. For example, in versions for the UAE they often install:

  • 🪑 Leather seats with perforations (for better ventilation in hot weather).
  • ☀️ Sun blinds on all windows.
  • 🔌 220V sockets for connecting laptops or medical equipment.

In Europe, the emphasis is on security And environmental friendliness: Here the Patrol is equipped with Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which may not be available on Middle East versions.

💡

If you buy a Nissan Patrol imported from the UAE, pay attention to the equipment. Many options (for example, multimedia screens or refrigerators) may not be adapted for Russia - their repair or replacement will be expensive.

Interior modifications: what can be changed?

If the standard interior layout does not suit you, you can change it. Here are the most popular modification options:

  • 🪑 Replacing the second row to more comfortable seats (for example, from Mercedes-Benz S-Class with heating and ventilation).
  • ➕ Adding a third row to a 5-seater version (requires re-registration with the traffic police).
  • 🔄 Bench transformation on the second row with separate seats (popular for Y60 and Y61).
  • 🛋️ Installation of swivel seats (to create a “salon-living room”).

However, any changes have their own nuances:

⚠️ Attention: Installing a third row in a 5-seater Patrol requires not only remodeling the interior, but also making changes to the PTS. Without this, the car will not pass inspection. The cost of re-registration can reach 100,000 rubles, and the process takes up to 2 months.

If you are planning to modify the interior, pay attention to the following points:

  1. Weight: Additional seats will increase the vehicle's weight, which will affect fuel consumption and dynamics.
  2. Safety: The third row must be equipped with seat belts and head restraints.
  3. Comfort: In older generations (Y60, Y61), adding a third row often results in the trunk virtually disappearing.

For owners Patrol Y62 The good news is that you can find original power third-row seats on the aftermarket. Their installation will cost less than remodeling the interior from scratch, and will maintain the factory level of comfort.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to officially import a 7-seater Nissan Patrol into Russia?

Officially 7-seater versions Nissan Patrol are not supplied to Russia. They can be imported “gray” (through the customs union), but to register with the traffic police you will need a certificate of conformity. Obtaining such a certificate is a complex and expensive procedure that does not always end successfully. An alternative is to buy a car that is already registered in Russia (for example, through dealers specializing in “gray” cars).

What is the trunk volume in the 7-seater Patrol Y62 with the third row raised?

In 7-seater version Nissan Patrol Y62 The trunk volume with the third row raised is only 200–300 liters (depending on the position of the second row). If you fold the third row, the volume increases to 468 liters. For comparison: in the 5-seater version the trunk holds up to 1,613 liters.

Is the third row in the Patrol suitable for adult passengers?

Comfort in the third row depends on the vehicle generation:

  • Y60: very cramped, suitable only for children or short trips.
  • Y61: a little better, but the back is not adjustable, there is not enough room for the legs.
  • Y62: the most comfortable option - adjustable backrest, heating, climate ducts. However, even here, an adult passenger taller than 175 cm will find it uncomfortable over long distances.
Is it possible to remove the third row in a 7-seater Patrol to increase the trunk space?

Yes, in most 7-seat versions the third row is removable or folds into the floor. B Patrol Y62 The third row is removed electrically (button in the trunk). B Y61 And Y60 The third row seats are usually bolted on and can be removed completely, but this requires removing the trim.

What are the Patrol alternatives with more seats?

If you need an SUV with 7+ seats, consider the following models:

  • Toyota Land Cruiser 200 (7–8 seats, similar level of comfort).
  • Lexus LX 570 (7 seats, premium finish).
  • Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (7 seats, best sound insulation).
  • Ford Expedition (8 seats, more affordable price).

However, in terms of price, reliability and maneuverability Nissan Patrol remains one of the leaders.