Background

In Europe, the model has faded into the background a bit in recent years and at one point was even removed from the new offerings, but worldwide the Nissan Patrol has been a success number almost from the beginning. You could even call it, at least as a model line, iconic.

The beginning: inspired by the Willys Jeep

The story of the Nissan Patrol begins in 1951. The model will then be delivered only in Japan and is a compact jeep, heavily inspired by the famous Willys Jeep. The Nissan is basically rear-wheel drive, but with engageable all-wheel drive. For propulsion, a 3.7-liter six-in-line comes from a compact bus model.

In subsequent years, that engine is replaced by a more modern 4.0-liter six-in-line. Some modifications are also made to grille and windshield, among others, and the number of versions continues to increase. For example, at one point there is even an eight-passenger “station wagon. The internal designation of the first Nissan Patrol is 4W60. Also appearing on the technical basis of the Patrol is the 4W70, an Army truck otherwise based primarily on the Dodge M37.

Second generation: an evolution

In 1960, the second generation Nissan Patrol, the 60, entered the market. Mostly evolved, the model is now more of a cross between the Land Rover Series and Toyota Land Cruiser in appearance. The Patrol is available with soft top and hard top and in three length variants. That longest can again carry up to eight people. For the first time, the Patrol will be delivered outside Japan. In other Asian countries, as well as in Australia and even North America.

Not much changes to the drive train. That remains the 4.0-liter six-in-line combined with engageable all-wheel drive. Remarkably, the transmission is initially a three-speed manual transmission, one less than before. Later, another four-speed transmission is still available, replacing the earlier one. There is another army version in the form of the Jonga, now more closely related to the street version. The second-generation Nissan Patrol has a particularly long career. It was not until 1980 that the succeeding generation entered the market.

Nissan Patrol becomes completely different

The new 1980 model is completely different. The emphasis is still on off-road driving, but otherwise the car is much more focused on everyday use. If desired, the Patrol can even be equipped relatively luxuriously, for example with floor covering or a beautiful exterior trim. Depending on engine choice, a three-speed automatic is also among the options; a four-speed manual transmission is again standard. Later, a fifth gear is also available for most versions. The 4.0-liter six-cylinder is still there, but in advanced form and complemented by a number of other four- and six-cylinder engines. For the first time, that includes diesels.

Starting with this model generation, the Nissan Patrol will also have a European career. It is even produced here a few years after its introduction, in Spain. Because the average European driver does not drive off-road as often, the European version gets a slightly “lighter” suspension than the international Patrol. Starting in 1986, a slightly upgraded version of the Nissan Patrol was also supplied specifically for Europe. The international Patrol carries the internal designation 160, the European 260. That one even remained in production after a facelift through 2002.

The fourth generation will be a Ford

In parallel, the next-generation Nissan Patrol, the Y60, entered the market in 1987. Again an evolution, but clearly recognizable by the flared wheel arches. Mechanically, the new Patrol does differ greatly from its predecessor. For example, the leaf springs are exchanged for modern coil springs, which greatly improves ride comfort. Only the commercial vehicle variants are still available with leaf springs. Braking, steering and transmission are also improved for greater driving comfort. In the interior, luxury also continues to increase. The engine lineup now consists only of six-cylinder engines, both gasoline and diesel.

Interim facelifts provide necessary improvements, but really significant changes are not there. Interestingly, the Nissan Patrol is also available in Australia as a Ford Maverick. Indeed, Ford Australia and Nissan entered into a partnership as the Australian car market became more open to non-Australian manufacturers. Other than the logos and some things in the equipment, the Ford Maverick and Nissan Patrol are identical.

Patrol generation five: completed evolution

In late 1997, generation Nissan Patrol Y61 enters the market. Again, the model is evolving, but the design is a lot more rounded according to the latest car fashion. In terms of ride comfort, another step forward was taken. Engine offerings again consist of six-in-line gasoline or diesel engines. Diesel drivers can additionally opt for a 3.0-liter four-cylinder again.

A facelift followed for model year 2005, recognizable among other things by the larger light units. The biggest changes, however, are at the technical level. The variable turbogeometry of the ZD30 diesel engine was not always reliable, but those problems were fortunately fixed with the facelift. Still this generation Nissan Patrol is very popular. As occasion, but even new. Indeed, for a number of countries, the Patrol Y61 is still produced in certain versions. These are particularly aimed at off-road enthusiasts and others who still use the car as a workhorse. The United Nations is also among the clientele.

Nissan Patrol Y62 once again completely different

Another reason to keep the previous model in production is that Nissan is once again changing tack for the new Patrol Y62. The Patrol remains an SUV with excellent off-road capability, but beyond that, the focus is more than ever on luxury. Moreover, the car succeeds not only the previous Patrol, but also the luxury Armada, a larger SUV model. Markets such as North America and the Middle East are now the most important. In fact, the Nissan Patrol Y62 is no longer delivered in Europe.

The Patrol’s new slant and outlets are evident not only in the on-board luxury, but also in the engine lineup. All previous engines have been replaced by a 4.0-liter V6 and for the first time there is also a V8, with a capacity of 5.6 liters. A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard these days. Those who do go off-road are aided by assistance systems and driving modes for different surfaces in keeping with modern times. There is also a hydraulic suspension system that prevents unwanted body movement. The Patrol will be facelifted in 2014 and 2019. The latter is the most far-reaching. In addition to the greatly modified light units, there are especially many more safety and assistance systems.

Infiniti QX56/QX80 and Nissan Patrol Nismo

For even more luxury, there is now also an Infiniti version: the QX56, later renamed QX80 in the first facelift. Remarkably, a Nismo version of the Nissan Patrol also appears for the 2015 model year, that is, the large SUV gets a sport version. The brand’s motorsports department has boosted the V8’s power output to 319 kW (428 hp). The Nissan Patrol Nismo is intended primarily for the Middle East, but it also comes in some other countries.