Choosing between legendary frame SUVs Nissan Patrol And Mitsubishi Pajero is not just a comparison of technical characteristics, but a confrontation between two philosophies. Both vehicles have a rich history, proven over decades of operation in the most extreme conditions, but are suitable for different tasks. Patrol is power, luxury and unconditional leadership off-road, while Pajero combines practicality with a unique all-wheel drive system Super Select 4WD, which makes it universal for both asphalt and dirt.

In this article, we'll look at the key aspects, from engines and transmissions to comfort and cost of ownership. You will find out which of these giants is better suited for family trips, and which will become a reliable partner on expeditions to the Urals or Siberia. Spoiler alert: if you want maximum off-road performance with minimal compromises, the answer may surprise you - the Pajero outperforms the Patrol in some scenarios thanks to its more flexible all-wheel drive system. But first things first.

1. History and generations: the evolution of legends

And Nissan Patrol, and Mitsubishi Pajero debuted in the late 1960s and early 1970s, but their paths diverged radically. Patrol was originally created as a military and civilian SUV for the Middle East, where it is valued for its reliability in the desert. The modern sixth generation (since 2010) is a luxury frame with a turbodiesel YD25DDTi or petrol VK56VDoriented towards the premium segment.

Pajero, in turn, has gone from a compact Pajero Mini to the fourth generation full-size flagship (2006–2021). The latest version, despite the cessation of sales in Europe, remains in demand in the secondary market thanks to its legendary reliability and system Super Select 4WD, which allows you to switch between drives on the go. I wonder what Pajero Sport (aka Montero Sport) is a separate model built on the platform Mitsubishi Triton, and comparing it with Patrol is incorrect.

  • 📅 Nissan Patrol: 1st generation (1951), 6th generation (since 2010) - current model.
  • 📅 Mitsubishi Pajero: 1st generation (1982), 4th generation (2006–2021) - the latest "classic" version.
  • 🏆 Achievements: Pajero won Dakar 12 times (1985–2007), Patrol is a top seller in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
📊 Which SUV is closer to your spirit?
  • Nissan Patrol - power and luxury
  • Mitsubishi Pajero - versatility and legendary cross-country ability
  • Both are good, but I'll choose the other one
  • I need a modern alternative (eg Toyota Land Cruiser)

2. Technical characteristics: engines, transmissions, suspension

This is where the fundamental differences begin. Nissan Patrol the current generation offers two engines:

  • 🔥 Gasoline VK56VD 5.6 l V8 (405 hp, 560 Nm): atmospheric engine with variable valve lift, ideal for off-road and towing (up to 3.5 tons). Fuel consumption - from 14 l/100 km on the highway to 22 l/100 km in the city.
  • ☁️ Diesel YD25DDTi 2.5 l (190–250 hp, 450 Nm): turbodiesel with system Common Rail, more economical (10–12 l/100 km), but less dynamic. Available in a twin-turbo version in some countries.

Mitsubishi Pajero the fourth generation was equipped with:

  • 🔥 Gasoline 6G75 3.8 l V6 (250 hp, 329 Nm): a time-tested engine with a timing chain drive, known for its durability. Consumption - 13–18 l/100 km.
  • ☁️ Diesel 4M41 3.2 l (200 hp, 441 Nm): turbodiesel with system Common Rail and a particulate filter, popular in Europe. Consumption - 9–11 l/100 km.
Parameter Nissan Patrol (V8 5.6) Mitsubishi Pajero (V6 3.8)
Max. power 405 hp 250 hp
Max. torque 560 Nm 329 Nm
Transmission 7-st. automatic JR710E 5-st. automatic INVECS-II
All-wheel drive system All-Mode 4x4 (lowering + differential lock) Super Select 4WD (4 modes + rear differential lock)
Clearance 273 mm 225 mm (with 205 mm protection)

⚠️ Attention: B Patrol with diesel YD25DDTi It is critically important to monitor the condition of the turbine and intercooler - if overheated, cracks in the cylinder head are possible. B Pajero the weak point is the machine gun INVECS-II, which, with a mileage of 200 thousand km, may require major repairs.

3. Passability: who will win in mud, sand and rocks?

On paper Nissan Patrol looks like an undisputed leader: higher ground clearance (273 mm versus 225 mm for Pajero), crankcase protection, downshift and center differential lock. However, in practice Pajero often turns out to be more flexible thanks to the system Super Select 4WD, which allows:

  • 🔄 Switch between 2WD, 4H (four-wheel drive high) and 4HLc (with central locking) at speeds up to 100 km/h.
  • 🔒 Use 4LLc (lowering + blocking) to overcome difficult areas.
  • 🌍 Automatically distribute torque between axles in AWC (Active Stability Control).

Patrol in response he offers a system All-Mode 4x4 with manual mode selection (2WD, 4H, 4LO), but without the ability to lock on the move. But his Hydraulic Body Motion Control stabilizes the body on uneven surfaces, and Hill Descent Control makes it easier to descend from the mountains. The Patrol is more confident in the sand thanks to wide tires and a powerful V8, but on rocky trails Pajero may be more maneuverable due to the smaller wheelbase.

What's better for muddy off-road conditions?

In mud and swampy areas Pajero has an advantage thanks to the system ASTC (Active Stability and Traction Control), which specifically brakes slipping wheels. Patrol in such conditions, it requires mandatory differential locking and an experienced driver, since its large mass (2.6–2.8 tons) can play a cruel joke.

4. Comfort and interior: luxury vs practicality

Here Nissan Patrol definitely takes the lead. The sixth generation interior is a premium level with leather seats (ventilation + heating), wooden inserts, Bose-acoustics and an 8-inch touch screen (in top versions - 12.3"). Rear passengers receive separate multimedia screens and seat adjustments. Trunk volume - 460 liters (up to 2623 liters with seats folded).

Mitsubishi Pajero the fourth generation looks more modest, but no less functional. The interior is dominated by durable plastics, ergonomic controls and classic “Japanese” assembly. The seats are comfortable, but without ventilation, and the multimedia (even in the top) is inferior to the Patrol. But the trunk with a volume of 617 liters (up to 1842 liters) is more practical for family trips. An important plus - Pajero offers the option of a third row of seats (7 seats), while in Patrol this is the standard.

  • 🛋️ Patrol: premium materials, better sound insulation, but a bit cramped in the third row.
  • 🧳 Pajero: more spacious trunk, but the interior is obsolete by 2026.
  • 🎵 Multimedia: In Patrol - Apple CarPlay/Android Auto from 2018, in Pajero - only in restyled versions after 2015.
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If you often travel with children, pay attention to Pajero with option Rear Seat Entertainment — two screens in the headrests of the front seats with wireless headphones.

5. Reliability and cost of ownership: which is cheaper to maintain?

Both cars are famous for their reliability, but there are nuances. Nissan Patrol with petrol V8 VK56VD requires high-quality fuel (AI-95+) and regular oil changes (every 10 thousand km). Main problems:

  • 🔧 Suspension: The stabilizer struts and bushings wear out by 100 thousand km.
  • 🔥 Engine: If it overheats, problems with the aluminum block may occur.
  • 💰 Maintenance cost: from 30 thousand rubles. for scheduled maintenance (excluding spare parts).

Mitsubishi Pajero easier to maintain, but has its weaknesses:

  • 🔧 Automatic INVECS-II: requires an oil change every 60 thousand km, otherwise there is a risk of breakdown after 200 thousand km.
  • ☁️ Diesel 4M41: sensitive to the quality of diesel fuel, may require replacement of injectors by 150 thousand km.
  • 💰 Maintenance cost: from 20 thousand rubles, but original spare parts (for example, racks Kayaba) more expensive than Patrol.

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Pajero on the secondary market, be sure to check the condition of the frame - in models before 2010, corrosion occurs at the rear suspension mounting points. B Patrol Pay attention to the operating history in hot climates: engine overheating can lead to deformation of the cylinder head.

Original paint on the frame and sills|Condition of the automatic transmission oil (color, smell)|All-wheel drive operation (checking all modes)|Presence of errors in the ECU (diagnosis with a scanner)|Service history (receipts, service book)-->

6. Prices and options: what is more profitable in 2026?

New Nissan Patrol It is not officially sold in Russia, but is available through parallel imports. Prices start from 8 million rub. for the basic version with diesel and go up to 12 million rub. for top V8 Ti-L with a full package of options. On the secondary market, Patrol 2018–2020 can be found for 5–7 million rubles., but the risks of “gray” supply schemes are high.

Mitsubishi Pajero the fourth generation in new trim levels is also not official, but is widely represented on the secondary market:

  • 💰 2015–2017: 2.5–3.5 million rub. (diesel, mileage 80–120 thousand km).
  • 💰 2018–2021: 3.8–5 million rub. (V6 gasoline, mileage up to 60 thousand km).

Important: Pajero cheaper to maintain (insurance, taxes, spare parts), but inferior in equipment. Patrol more expensive, but offers modern security systems (Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Prevention) and better sound insulation.

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If the budget is limited to 4 million rubles, Pajero in good configuration - a more rational choice. For premium comfort and status, it’s better to dig to the side Patrol, but be prepared for high fuel and maintenance costs.

7. Alternatives: what else to look at?

If not Patrol, nor Pajero not satisfied, consider:

  • 🚙 Toyota Land Cruiser 200: A premium frame similar in class, but with better reliability and a higher price.
  • 🚙 Lexus LX 570: luxury version of the LC200 with a level interior Mercedes, but expensive to maintain.
  • 🚙 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport: more modern and compact, but with less cross-country ability.
  • 🚙 Ford Everest: budget alternative with diesel 3.2 Power Stroke, but weaker off-road.

Each of these models has its advantages, but only Patrol And Pajero offer a unique combination of legendary status, frame construction and time-tested off-road ability.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

❓ Which SUV is better for a family with three children?

Mitsubishi Pajero more practical thanks to a third row of seats (optional) and a larger trunk. Nissan Patrol more comfortable, but the third row is a bit cramped for adult passengers. If the children are small - Patrol, if teenagers - Pajero.

❓ Is it possible to bet on Patrol or Pajero gas equipment?

Technically yes, but:

  • B Patrol with V8 VK56VD HBO will reduce power and increase the risk of overheating.
  • B Pajero with V6 6G75 4th generation LPG is often installed, but the ECU requires tuning.

In both cases, the warranty expires and the engine life may be reduced.

❓ Which SUV is better for towing a trailer?

Nissan Patrol with V8 VK56VD - undisputed leader: maximum trailer weight - 3.5 tons (with brakes). Pajero pulls up to 3 tons, but off-road with a trailer its system Super Select 4WD works more efficiently.

❓ Is it worth buying Pajero 2006–2010?

Only if you are ready for:

  • Frame repair (corrosion).
  • Replacing the machine INVECS-II (mileage over 200 thousand km).
  • Lack of modern security systems.

But the engines (6G74, 4M40) are tenacious, and the price starts from 800 thousand rubles.

❓ Which SUV is better for the desert?

Nissan Patrol - an absolute favorite in the sands of the Middle East thanks to:

  • Greater ground clearance (273 mm).
  • A powerful V8 that doesn’t “suffocate” in the heat.
  • System Sand Mode in new versions.

Pajero is also not bad, but requires a mandatory differential lock and an experienced driver.