Nissan Patrol: 70+ years of history of the most legendary Nissan SUV

Nissan Patrol is not just a car, but a real legend among SUVs. Since its debut in 1951, it has gone from a modest army all-terrain vehicle to a luxurious premium SUV that has conquered the Middle East, Australia and Russia. This model has become a symbol of reliability, endurance and status, rivaling Toyota Land Cruiser And Mercedes G-Class.

Unlike many competitors, Patrol has never been a mass-produced car for city roads. It was created for extreme conditions: deserts, mountain passes and off-road conditions, where maximum strength is required from the equipment. Today, more than 70 years later, Nissan Patrol remains one of the most popular SUVs in the world, especially in regions with harsh climates. Let's look at how this car has evolved and why it still has no analogues.

1951–1959: First generation (4W60) - the birth of a legend

Debut Nissan Patrol took place in August 1951, six years after the end of World War II. Japan was in dire need of reliable transportation to rebuild its economy, and the answer was Nissan's first production SUV. Model 4W60 developed under the influence of American jeeps Willys MB And Ford GPW, but taking into account Japanese realities.

The car was equipped with a 3.7-liter gasoline engine Nissan NAK 75 hp, a pair of transfer cases and rigidly connected all-wheel drive. The body was all-metal, but without frills: no interior heating, no amenities - only functionality. I wonder what Patrol 4W60 became the first Japanese car to be officially exported outside the country: already in 1952 it began to be delivered to Australia.

• 🚙 Engine: 3.7L NAK (75 hp), gasoline
• 🔧 Transmission: 4-speed manual transmission + transfer case
• 🌍 Export: Australia, Southeast Asia, Middle East
• 💰 Price (1951): equivalent to ~$2,500 (today ~$30,000 taking into account inflation)

⚠️ Attention: First Nissan Patrol 4W60 did not have synchronizers in the gearbox. This meant that changing gears required pressing the clutch twice, a skill that is lost even among experienced drivers today.

1960–1980: Second and third generations (60/160) - transition to the civilian market

In 1960 it appeared second generation (Episode 60), which received a more modern design and improved suspension. The main innovation is the appearance of a version with an extended wheelbase (LWB), which made it possible to increase the carrying capacity to 1 ton. He made his debut in 1963 Patrol 160 - the first model with independent front suspension, which significantly improved road handling.

Key changes of this period:

• 🔥 Engines: added diesel options (eg 3.0L SD22), as well as petrol 4.0L P40 (150 hp)
• 🛠️ Transmission: automatic transmission appeared (optional for the US market)
• 🏜️ Off-road abilities: Differential lock has become standard

In the 1970s Patrol It was actively used in wars and conflicts in the Middle East, where it established itself as a reliable and repairable vehicle. For example, in Lebanon they called him "Arabian horse" ("Arabian horse") for its ability to overcome sand dunes without preparation.

1980–1997: Fourth generation (Y60) - the golden age of Patrol

Generation Y60, released in 1980, became the first Patrol with a monocoque body - a revolutionary solution for that time. The car received a completely new platform, a more comfortable interior and an expanded range of engines. But the main thing is Y60 became the first Patrol, which was officially supplied to the USSR (under technical cooperation agreements).

Technical features Y60:

Parameter	Gasoline engines	Diesel engines
Volume	2.8L–4.2L	2.8L–4.2L
Power	110–170 hp	85–115 hp
Gearbox	5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic transmission	5-speed manual
Drive	Full (part-time)	Full (part-time)
Features	Injector (since 1988)	Turbodiesel (since 1985)

In 1988 it appeared upper equipment Patrol GR — with air conditioning, power accessories and even leather interior. This was the first step towards transformation Patrol into a premium car. Interestingly, in Australia Y60 sold under the name Nissan Safari - to avoid confusion with a local brand Patrol (fuel manufacturer).

1997–2010: Fifth generation (Y61) - peak of popularity in Russia

Nissan Patrol Y61 became a real icon of the 2000s, especially in post-Soviet countries. This car combined indestructible mechanics, spacious interior and relatively affordable price (compared to Land Cruiser 100). In Russia Y61 often called "tank"for the ability to drive a diesel engine even at -40°C without a pre-heater.

Key modifications:

• 🛢️ Diesel 4.2L TD42T: turbocharged engine with mechanical injection pump, resource - 500,000+ km
• ⛽ Gasoline 4.5L TB45E: 200 hp, popular in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
• 🔄 Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission or 4-automatic transmission (since 2004 - 5-automatic transmission)

In 2004 Y61 was restyled: new bumpers, optical blocks and improved sound insulation appeared. However, the main innovation is the system Super Select 4WD, allowing you to engage all-wheel drive on the go (up to 100 km/h). It did Patrol even more versatile.

⚠️ Attention: Diesel Patrol Y61 with engine TD42T sensitive to fuel quality. The use of modern diesel engines with low cetane numbers can lead to destruction of fuel injection pump — It is recommended to add additives or install an additional filter.

Why is Patrol Y61 so popular in Chechnya?

In the 1990s–2000s Nissan Patrol Y61 became an unofficial symbol of the Chechen Republic. Reasons for popularity:

- High maintainability (can be repaired “on the knee”).

- Cross-country ability in the mountainous conditions of the North Caucasus.

- Status - in those years Patrol was one of the most expensive cars on the secondary market.

- Use in law enforcement agencies (Ministry of Internal Affairs, FSB) as an armored base for special forces.

2010–present: Sixth generation (Y62) - luxury and technology

He debuted in 2010 Nissan Patrol Y62 - a completely new car created on the platform Nissan F-Alpha (with Infiniti QX80). This was a radical departure from utilitarianism: independent front and rear suspension, 7-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive with system All-Mode 4x4 and even hydropneumatic suspension in top versions.

Specifications Y62 (2023):

• 🔥 Engine: 5.6L VK56VD V8 (405 hp, 560 Nm)
• 🔄 Transmission: 7-automatic transmission with manual mode
• 🛡️ Security: 6 pillows, system ProPILOT Assist (since 2020)
• 💰 Price (UAE, 2023): from $70,000 (basic version)

However, the transition to a “soft” suspension caused criticism among fans of the classic Patrol. In response to this, Nissan released special version Patrol Super Safari — with differential locks, reinforced bumpers and increased ground clearance. This model has become a hit in the UAE, where it is used for... dune-bashing (racing on sand dunes).

Oil level in transfer case and axles|Condition of hydropneumatic suspension (if any)|System operation All-Mode 4x4 in different modes|Presence of errors in electronic systems (OBD-II scanner)|Turbine condition (for diesel versions)-->

Nissan Patrol in Russia: why is it still in demand?

Despite the fact that official deliveries Nissan Patrol sales to Russia ceased in 2022, this car remains one of the most desirable on the secondary market. Reasons:

1. Patency: even basic versions Y61 overcome off-road conditions better than many modern crossovers.
2. Maintainability: spare parts for TD42T And TB45E cheaper than for Toyota 1HD-FTE.
3. Status: in some regions (for example, in the Caucasus) Patrol associated with success and reliability.
4. Climate adaptation: diesel versions start at -30°C without problems.

Average prices on the secondary market (2023):

• 🚗 Y60 (1980–1997): RUB 300,000–800,000 (project status)
• 🚘 Y61 (1997–2010): RUB 1,200,000–3,500,000 (good condition)
• 🚖 Y62 (2010–2022): 4,000,000–10,000,000 RUR (depending on mileage)

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Nissan Patrol Y61 with mileage >300,000 km, be sure to check the condition frames — it is prone to corrosion in the places where the springs are attached. The repair will cost 150,000–300,000 rubles.

- like a luxury family car (Y62),

- like an off-road workhorse (Y61),

- as a collector's rarity (Y60).-->

The future of Nissan Patrol: what awaits the legend?

In 2023, rumors of development appeared seventh generation Patrol (codename Z63). It is expected that the new model will receive:

• 🔋 Hybrid power plant (based on 3.0L VR30DDTT + electric motor)
• 🤖 Autonomous systems level ProPILOT 2.0
• 🌿 Eco-friendly materials in the interior (following the example Nissan Ariya)

However, the main intrigue is whether the new one will retain Patrol frame structure and true all-wheel drive, or switch to a crossover platform, like Ford Explorer. If this happens, the model risks losing its uniqueness.

However, even if Patrol will become “softer”, its legendary status can no longer be taken away. This car has gone through wars, deserts and decades of operation in the most extreme conditions - and still remains the standard of reliability.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Patrol

❓Which Patrol is better to choose for off-road: Y61 or Y62?

Y61 definitely preferable for serious offroading thanks to:

• Hard-wired all-wheel drive (part-time 4WD).
• Spring rear suspension (withstands heavy loads).
• Differential locks (optional).

Y62 more comfortable on asphalt, but its independent suspension and electronic systems are less suitable for extreme off-road conditions.

❓ Is it possible to install a Patrol diesel on a Navara?

Technically yes, but some improvements will be required:

• Engine TD42T physically gets into Navara D40, but you need to adapt the mounts and exhaust.
• Electronics Navara not compatible with mechanical injection pump Patrol - Re-flashing or replacement with an electronic pump will be required.
• Gearbox from Patrol (For example, FS5R30A) fits without modification.

Swap cost: ~500,000–800,000 RUR (including modifications).

❓ Why is Patrol Y62 so popular in the UAE?

In the UAE Nissan Patrol Y62 - one of the best-selling cars thanks to:

• 🏜️ Passability in the desert: system Hydraulic Body Motion Control allows you to “swim” on the sand.
• 👨👩👧👦 Spacious interior: 8 seats per version Long Wheelbase.
• 💎 Status: in the Emirates Patrol considered more prestigious than Toyota Land Cruiser.
• 🛡️ Reliability: engine VK56VD withstands extreme heat (+50°C).

❓ What oil to pour into the TD42T engine?

For diesel TD42T recommended:

• 15W-40 (mineral or semi-synthetic) for temperate climates.
• 5W-40 (synthetics) for cold regions (below -20°C).
• Specification: API CF-4 or ACEA B3.

⚠️ Important: Do not use oils with a low base number (TBN < 10) - this will lead to accelerated wear of the turbine.

❓ Where is Nissan Patrol manufactured today?

For 2023 Nissan Patrol Y62 assembled at three factories:

• 🇯🇵 Japan (plant in Yokohama) - main production.
• 🇺🇸 USA (plant in Canton, Mississippi) - for the North American market (Nissan Armada).
• 🇪🇬 Egypt (factory GB Auto) - local assembly for the Middle East.

Models for Russia were previously supplied from Japan, but from 2022 official imports have ceased.