Nissan Patrol on video test drive: what the reviews hide and how to choose the best package

In the world of full-size SUVs Nissan Patrol For decades now it has remained a legend - a car that combines luxurious comfort with impeccable cross-country ability. But how does this giant behave on real roads and off-road? Video test drives often show only the tip of the iceberg, keeping silent about the nuances of control, fuel consumption in the urban cycle or maintenance features. In this article we will look at key points, which you should pay attention to when viewing reviews, and we will also give tips on how not to fall for marketing ploys.

Have you ever wondered why some owners are delighted with Patrol, and others complain about its “gluttony” or bulkiness? It's not just a matter of subjective preferences - a lot depends on specific modification (diesel vs gasoline), year of manufacture and even driving style. We analyzed dozens of video tests, reviews from forums and technical data to identify real strengths and weaknesses of the Nissan Patrol, which are rarely discussed in glossy reviews.

Why Nissan Patrol video test drives are often misleading

Most videos on YouTube show Patrol in ideal conditions: smooth asphalt, dry soil or prepared tracks. But what happens when an SUV collides with deep mud, steep climbs or city traffic jams? The authors of the video rarely show:

• 🔥 Real fuel consumption when driving off-road (diesel versions can surprise you with an appetite of up to 25 l/100 km!).
• 🚗 Maneuverability issues in tight yards or parking lots (body length exceeds 5 meters!).
• 💰 Maintenance cost — for example, changing the oil in the transfer case costs 2–3 times more than for crossovers.
• 🔧 Typical "diseases" specific generations (for example, problems with the turbine in diesel Y62s before 2017).

One more point - comparative tests. Often Patrol placed next to Toyota Land Cruiser 200 or Lexus LX, but they rarely mention that the Japanese SUV has unique features. For example, the system Hydraulic Body Motion Control (instead of traditional stabilizers) or adaptive suspension, which automatically adjusts to the load. These details can dramatically change the driving experience.

⚠️ Attention: If in a video test the author praises Patrol for “soft ride”, but does not specify which suspension is installed (pneumatic or spring) - this is a reason to be wary. Pneumatics behave differently off-road than classic springs!

Nissan Patrol Y62 vs Y61: which is better for video tests and real use

Most often seen on video Nissan Patrol Y62 (2010–present), but many forget about its predecessor - Y61 (1997–2016), which is still in demand among off-road enthusiasts. Let's compare them based on key parameters:

Parameter	Nissan Patrol Y61	Nissan Patrol Y62
Engines	Gasoline 4.5–4.8 l, diesel 3.0–4.2 l (TD42, ZD30)	Petrol 5.6 l (VK56VD), diesel 5.6 l (VK56VD) or 3.0 l (V9X) for the Middle East
Patency	Better due to a short wheelbase, manual differential lock, simple design	Worse due to the long wheelbase, but there are electronic assistants (All-Mode 4×4)
Comfort	Spartan interior, stiff suspension, noisy diesel engine	Luxurious interior, quiet cabin, air suspension (in top versions)
Service price	Cheaper (simpler design, cheaper parts)	More expensive (complex electronics, imported parts)
Video popularity	Rarely gets into reviews (inferior to “glamor”)	Frequent guest of test drives (modern design, premium image)

If you are looking for video tests Y61, pay attention to channels specializing in off-road tourism. For example, in Australia and the UAE they still hold rallies in these cars, and there you can see the real capabilities of an SUV. But Y62 They are more often tested in an “urban” format - with an emphasis on comfort and technology.

What engine reviews hide: gasoline vs diesel using video tests as an example

One of the most controversial moments in test drives Nissan Patrol - choice between petrol VK56VD (5.6 l) and diesel units. The authors of the video often praise the gasoline version for its “responsiveness,” but are silent about its gluttony (up to 20–22 l/100 km in the city!) and high fuel costs. Diesel, on the contrary, is positioned as “economical”, although in reality:

• 🛢️ Diesel consumption in the combined cycle it rarely drops below 12–14 l/100 km (especially with a full load).
• 🔧 Turbine repair or injectors costs a tidy sum (from 200,000 rubles and above).
• ❄️ Winter operation requires the mandatory use of anti-gel - otherwise there is a risk of “waxing” the fuel.

Rarely shown in video tests acceleration dynamics with a trailer or on a lift. But this is critical for an SUV! For example, gasoline Patrol with 405 hp on paper it looks more powerful than a diesel engine (275-310 hp), but on off-road the latter often lacks “lower end” - you have to actively work with the gearbox to maintain traction.

Top 5 Nissan Patrol video tests that are worth watching before purchasing

Not all reviews are created equal. We have selected videos where the authors are not afraid of criticism and show the car in real conditions:

1. “Nissan Patrol Y62 vs Toyota Land Cruiser 200: who is better in the desert?” (channel Off-Road UAE). Here we compare cross-country ability on sand and fuel consumption at a temperature of +45°C.
2. “Patrol Y61 in Kamchatka: 10 days without roads” (channel 4x4 Russia). An honest report on diesel reliability TD42 in extreme conditions.
3. "Tow test: Patrol Y62 pulls a 3-ton trailer" (channel Towing Tests). It is shown how an automatic transmission behaves under load.
4. "Nissan Patrol 2023: review of new technologies" (channel AutoExpert). Analysis of the system Intelligent 4WD and all-round cameras.
5. “Patrol Y62 vs Mercedes G-Class: who is more luxurious?” (channel Luxury Cars Review). Comparison of interiors and sound insulation levels.

Pay attention to the comments under these videos - owners often share there real experience, which was not included in the editing. For example, many people complain about poor sound insulation in basic versions Y62 or problems with electronics after 100,000 km.

How to recognize a “custom” test drive?

Typically, such videos lack critical moments (for example, they don’t show how the Patrol behaves on a steep descent without blocking), and the author constantly repeats marketing slogans like “unsurpassed cross-country ability” or “perfect balance.”

Checklist: what to look for when watching a test drive of Nissan Patrol

To avoid becoming a victim of a beautiful picture, use this list when watching any video review:

If the answer to at least one of the points is “no,” you should look for another source. It is especially important to pay attention to control details. For example, in some reviews the author praises Patrol for “light steering”, but does not specify what this is the result of electric booster with variable force, which may seem “empty” off-road.

Real reviews from owners: what you won’t see in video tests

Video reviews are rarely shown long term problemsproblems that owners face. We have collected the most common complaints from the forums:

• 🔋 Battery on Y62 sits down after 2–3 days of inactivity due to “gluttonous” electronics (especially if the system is installed Intelligent Key).
• 🛑 Brake discs They often become deformed during active off-road use - they have to be replaced every 30–40 thousand km.
• 💺 Seats with lateral support in top versions Y62 inconvenient for people with a wide build.
• 📡 Navigation system in basic configurations it works with errors (for example, it does not recognize new roads).

Interesting fact: many owners Patrol Y61 with diesel TD42 note that the engine is “indestructible”, but at the same time complain about vibrations at idle and noise. In video tests this point is almost never voiced, although it is critical for daily use.

⚠️ Attention: If in a review the author states that “Patrol does not require any maintenance for the first 100,000 km,” this is a clear sign of incompetence. Even the manufacturer’s manual states changing the oil in the transfer case every 60,000 km!

FAQ: answers to questions that are not covered in video tests

Is it possible to install gas equipment on the Nissan Patrol Y62?

Technically yes, but this not recommended for several reasons:

1. Engine VK56VD has a high compression ratio, which increases the risk of detonation on gas.
2. Gas equipment takes up space in the trunk, which is not very spacious anyway.
3. At service centers Nissan They may refuse warranty repairs if they discover gas.

An alternative is a diesel version with tuning for efficiency.

Why does the Patrol Y62 “jump” on bumps in some videos?

This is a feature air suspension in mode Comfort. The system tries to smooth out unevenness, but with sudden changes in height (for example, on a washboard), swaying may occur. In manual mode (Off-Road) the suspension becomes stiffer, and the “jumps” disappear.

What oil should be poured into the Patrol Y61 engine with a TD42 diesel engine?

The manufacturer recommends oil class API CF-4 or CG-4 with viscosity 15W-40 for most climate conditions. However, owners with mileage over 300,000 km are advised to switch to 20W-50 for better protection of worn parts. The main thing is to avoid synthetics with low ash content (for example, Low SAPS), as it can cause leaks through the seals.

How much does a compulsory motor liability insurance policy cost for a Nissan Patrol?

Cost depends on engine power and region. For Y62 with a 5.6 l (405 hp) engine in Moscow, the policy price in 2026 is about 25–30 thousand rubles. per year. For Y61 with a 3.0 l diesel engine (160 hp) - approximately 12–15 thousand rubles. Advice: apply for a policy online through aggregators (for example, Compare.ru) to save 10–15%.