Nissan Patrol 2021: full review of the legendary SUV

Nissan Patrol The 2021 is not just any car, but a true legend among full-size SUVs. Since its debut in 1951, the model has come a long way of evolution, while maintaining its main feature: the ability to overcome any obstacles. In 2021, engineers Nissan presented an updated version that combines time-tested reliability with modern technology. This SUV is ideal for both urban environments and extreme off-road adventures.

In Russia and CIS countries Patrol traditionally in demand among those who value space, power and status. The 2021 model receives an updated design, improved engines and an expanded list of options. But is it worth overpaying for a new product or is it better to pay attention to previous generations? In this review we will look at all the key aspects: from technical characteristics to real reviews from owners.

Technical characteristics and engines

Heart Nissan Patrol 2021 is a time-tested 5.6 liter petrol V8 (VK56VD), which develops 405 hp And 560 Nm torque. This motor is paired with 7-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system All-Mode 4×4, which allows you to choose between modes 2WD, 4H And 4LO. This combination guarantees excellent dynamics both on highway and off-road.

Despite the considerable age of the engine (its history began back in 2004), engineers Nissan They regularly modernize it, improving environmental standards and reliability. In 2021, the engine complies with the standard Euro 5, and fuel consumption in the combined cycle is about 14–16 l/100 km. For comparison: competitors like Toyota Land Cruiser 200 or Lexus LX 570 consume approximately the same amount, but are often inferior Patrol in acceleration dynamics.

• 🔧 Engine capacity: 5.6 l (V8)
• ⚡ Power: 405 hp at 5800 rpm
• 🌀 Torque: 560 Nm at 4000 rpm
• ⛽ Fuel consumption (combined cycle): 14–16 l/100 km
• 🔄 Gearbox: 7-speed automatic

The suspension deserves special attention Patrol. An independent spring design is installed at the front, and a dependent spring design at the rear, which ensures excellent cross-country ability and comfort on any surface. Clearance in 273 mm allows you to overcome serious obstacles, and the approach and departure angles (30.5° and 26.3° accordingly) make the car one of the best in its class.

Options and prices on the market in 2026

In 2021 Nissan Patrol was officially supplied to the Russian market in three main configurations: LE, SE And Platinum. However, after leaving Nissan New cars stopped being supplied from Russia in 2022, and today you can buy Patrol 2021 only available on the secondary market. Prices vary depending on mileage, condition and region:

Equipment	Price (2026), ₽	Features
LE	5 500 000 – 6 500 000	Basic version with leather interior, 18-inch wheels, rear-wheel drive (all-wheel drive optional), multimedia system with 8-inch screen.
SE	6 800 000 – 7 800 000	All-wheel drive, 20-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, all-round visibility system, and heated seats are added.
Platinum	8 000 000 – 9 500 000	Top version with premium trim, 21-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, system ProPILOT Assist, audio system Bose with 13 speakers.

When purchasing on the secondary market, special attention should be paid to the service history. More than 30% of the 2021 Patrol on the market have a mileage of over 100,000 km, and many of them have been used in severe off-road conditions. This can lead to wear on the suspension, transmission, and even the engine. We recommend that you check:

• 🔍 Condition of springs and shock absorbers (a common problem with mileage >80,000 km)
• 🛢️ Level and quality of oil in the engine and gearbox (replacement interval - every 10,000 km)
• 🔗 Condition of driveshafts and constant velocity joints (CV joints)
• 📄 Availability of all maintenance records (especially important for the engine VK56VD)

⚠️ Attention: Found on the market Patrol with “gray” import schemes (imported from the UAE or Saudi Arabia). Such cars may have problems with customs clearance and warranty. Before purchasing, check the VIN through the service VINformer.

Pros and cons of the 2021 Nissan Patrol

Nissan Patrol 2021 is a car with a strong character. It is ideal for those who value reliability, space and off-road capabilities, but it also has a number of features that should be considered before purchasing.

Benefits

• 💪 Legendary reliability: Engine VK56VD known for its service life (with proper maintenance, the mileage to capital can reach 400,000+ km).
• 🏜️ Off-road abilities: All-wheel drive with reduction gear and rear differential lock allows you to overcome serious off-road conditions.
• 🛋️ Spacious interior: 7 or 8 seats (depending on configuration), comfortable seats with good lateral support.
• 🛡️ High level of security: 6 airbags, stability control system, all-round camera (in top versions).
• 💰 Status: In the Gulf countries Patrol is considered a symbol of success, which adds prestige to it.

Disadvantages

• ⛽ High fuel consumption: In the city it can reach 20–22 l/100 km, which makes operation expensive.
• 💸 Expensive service: Spare parts and consumables (for example, brake pads or shock absorbers) are much more expensive than those of mass-produced crossovers.
• 🚗 Poor handling at high speeds: Due to its large dimensions and weight (more than 2.5 tons), the car “floats” on the highway at speeds above 120 km/h.
• 🔧 Legacy platform: The body and chassis are based on the platform F-Alpha, which has been in use since 2010.
• 🌍 Limited parts availability: After leaving Nissan From Russia, some parts have to be ordered from abroad.

Comparison with competitors: which is better?

In the full-size SUV class, Nissan Patrol there are several direct competitors. Let's see how it looks against their background:

Parameter	Nissan Patrol 2021	Toyota Land Cruiser 200 2021	Lexus LX 570 2021	Ford Expedition 2021
Engine	5.6 V8 (405 hp)	5.7 V8 (381 hp)	5.7 V8 (383 hp)	3.5 EcoBoost V6 (400 hp)
Fuel consumption (combined)	14–16 l/100 km	13–15 l/100 km	14–16 l/100 km	12–14 l/100 km
Price (secondary market, 2026)	5.5–9.5 million RUB	7–12 million RUR	8–14 million ₽	5–7.5 million ₽
Benefits	Better dynamics, spacious interior, more affordable price	Legendary reliability, best cross-country ability	Premium finish, comfort	More modern platform, more economical

If we compare Patrol with Land Cruiser 200, then the Japanese competitor wins in reliability and maneuverability, but loses in dynamics and price. Lexus LX 570, essentially the same Land Cruiser, but with luxurious finishes and a higher cost. American Ford Expedition cheaper and more economical, but inferior in status and reliability.

The choice depends on priorities:

• 🏆 For status and dynamics: Nissan Patrol or Lexus LX 570.
• 🏔️ For extreme off-road: Toyota Land Cruiser 200.
• 💰 To save: Ford Expedition or Patrol as standard.

Real reviews from owners: pros and cons of operation

To form an objective opinion about Nissan Patrol 2021, we analyzed reviews from owners on the forums (Drive2, Drom.ru) and on social networks. Here's what they say:

Positive Feedback

• 👍 «The engine is just a bomb! Accelerates quickly, even with a full load. On the highway it overtakes easily, despite the weight.” (Alexey, Moscow)
• 👍 «The space is like on an airplane. The cabin can accommodate a family of 5 + luggage. The seats are comfortable, even on long distances you don’t get tired.” (Igor, Ekaterinburg)
• 👍 «Off-road there is no equal. I drove through the sands of the UAE and the mountain paths of the Caucasus and never got stuck.” (Dmitry, Sochi)

Negative reviews

• 👎 «Fuel consumption kills. In the city I get 20–22 liters. With a gasoline price of 50+ rubles per liter, this is very expensive.” (Sergey, Novosibirsk)
• 👎 «The suspension requires attention. After 80,000 km we had to change the shock absorbers and springs - it cost a pretty penny.” (Anton, Kazan)
• 👎 «Electronics are glitchy. My multimedia system periodically crashes, especially after updates.” (Maxim, Krasnodar)

Many owners note that Patrol requires attentive attitude to service. For example, the oil in the engine and gearbox must be changed strictly according to regulations (every 10,000 km), otherwise the risk of breakdowns increases sharply. Also often mentioned is the problem with body corrosion, especially if the car was operated in regions with salty roads.

⚠️ Attention: Owners Patrol with mileage over 150,000 km often encounter wear and tear automatic transmission torque converter. Replacing it costs 200 000–300 000 ₽, so when purchasing, be sure to check the smoothness of gear shifting.

How to choose a 2021 Nissan Patrol: buyer's checklist

If you decide to buy Nissan Patrol 2021, here you go step by step instructions, which will help avoid errors:

1. Check the car's history. Use services like Autocode or CarVerticalto find out about accidents, mileage and number of owners.
2. Inspect the body for corrosion. Pay special attention to the sills, wheel arches and underbody.
3. Carry out engine and transmission diagnostics. It is better to do this at a service station with a good reputation.
4. Make sure the spare parts are original. Often on the secondary market there are cars with non-original parts (for example, Chinese shock absorbers).
5. Test the electronics. Check the operation of all systems: climate control, multimedia, parking sensors.

Mileage (check with the service book)|Engine condition (compression, oil)|Automatic transmission operation (smooth shifts)|Body for corrosion|Documents (PTS, sales agreement)-->

If you are buying a car with more than 100,000 km, be prepared for additional costs for:

• 🔧 Replacement of shock absorbers and springs (~150,000 ₽)
• 🛢️ Flushing the fuel system (~20,000 ₽)
• 🔗 Replacement of cardan shafts (~100,000 ₽)
• 🎵 Audio system repair (if there are problems with Bose) (~50 000 ₽)

If your budget allows, consider purchasing Patrol with mileage up to 50,000 km - such cars usually do not yet have time to “accrue” serious problems.

Tuning and modernization: how to improve the Nissan Patrol 2021

Many owners Nissan Patrol seek to modify their car to improve its performance. Here are the most popular tuning areas:

1. Off-road tuning

• 🏔️ Lift kit: Increase in ground clearance by 2-3 inches due to spacers or new springs (~100,000 ₽).
• 🛡️ Crankcase and fuel tank protection: Necessary for serious off-roading (~50,000 ₽).
• 🔗 Differential locks: Front and rear blocking will significantly improve cross-country ability (~200,000 ₽).
• 🎯 Off-road tires: For example, BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 or Nitto Trail Grappler (~80,000 ₽ per set).

2. Engine tuning

• ⚡ Chip tuning: Increase power to 430–450 hp (~60 000 ₽).
• 🔥 Installation of an exhaust system without catalysts: Improves sound and adds a little power (~80,000 ₽).
• ⛽ Installing an additional fuel pump: Helps when driving at high speeds (~30,000 ₽).

3. Interior tuning

• 🛋️ Replacing seats with sports ones: For example, from Recaro (~200 000 ₽).
• 🎶 Audio system improvements: Replacing the standard one Bose to a more powerful one (~150,000 ₽).
• 💡 LED interior lighting: Makes the interior more modern (~20,000 ₽).

Before you start tuning, keep in mind that any changes in the design of the car may affect its reliability. For example, lift kit increases the load on the transmission, and chip tuning may shorten engine life.

⚠️ Attention: Installation of non-certified parts (for example, Chinese lift kits) may lead to insurance denial in case of an accident. All changes must be approved by the traffic police.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the 2021 Nissan Patrol

❓ How much does it cost to service a Nissan Patrol 2021 per year?

Average cost of service is 80,000–120,000 ₽ per year. This includes:

• Oil and filter change (~15,000 ₽)
• Maintenance (replacement of spark plugs, brake pads, etc.) (~30,000–50,000 ₽)
• Unforeseen repairs (~20,000–50,000 RUR)

If the car is under warranty, some of the costs can be reduced through dealer service.

❓ Is it possible to install gas equipment on Nissan Patrol 2021?

Technically yes, but this not recommended. Engine VK56VD is not designed to run on gas and may result in:

• Increased valve wear
• Reducing engine life
• Problems with the ignition system

If you still decide, choose equipment 4th generation and have it installed by certified technicians.

❓ What is the real resource of the VK56VD engine?

When proper maintenance (regular oil changes, use of high-quality fuel) the engine may go through 400,000–500,000 km without major repairs. However, there are nuances:

• After 200,000 km The timing chain may need to be replaced (~50,000 ₽).
• After 250,000 km Hydraulic compensators often wear out (~30,000 ₽ per replacement).

Important: avoid overheating And long periods of idling - this reduces the life of the motor.

❓ What are the most common breakdowns of the Nissan Patrol 2021?

According to service centers, the most common breakdowns are:

• 🔋 Battery (average service life - 3–4 years)
• 🔗 Cardan shafts (wear of crosspieces after 100,000 km)
• 🎛️ Parking sensors (often fail due to dirt)
• 🔊 Bose audio system (amplifier problems)

Most of these problems can be solved by replacing parts, but the cost of repair can be high.

❓ Is it worth buying Nissan Patrol 2021 today?

It depends on your goals:

• ✅ Worth it if: You need a reliable, spacious and high-status SUV for the family or off-road.
• ❌ Not worth it if: Are you looking for an economical car for the city or are you not ready to spend a lot on maintenance?

Alternatives: If budget is limited, consider Nissan Armada (American version Patrol) or Toyota Sequoia.