If you’ve spent more than three seconds on the tracks in the last few years, the name Nissan Patrol will have come up, probably in a heated debate about V8s, independent suspension VS live axles, or how far one made it up Beer O'Clock Hill before breaking something. It's a name that’s earned its stripes in the Aussie off-road scene for decades.
These days, the Patrol’s gone full-size and what Nissan would say is full-luxury, especially in Y62 V8 form, but has it forgotten its roots? Whatever side of the fence you sit on, the Nissan Patrol 2025 remains one of Australia’s most capable touring wagons.
With the arrival of the Premcar-developed Warrior and continued popularity of the Y62 Patrol among caravanners, tourers and weekend adventurers, many buyers are asking the same question: is the Patrol still worth buying in 2025?
At Club 4X4, we’ve seen the Patrol in its element, and occasionally out of it (fuel stops mostly). Whether you're chasing comfort, capability, or sheer V8 grunt, there’s a lot to unpack. So, here’s our no-nonsense, boots-on-the-ground Nissan Patrol review, tested in Aussie conditions by the people who actually use them.
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Overview of the Nissan Patrol
The Nissan Patrol has been in the game for an age, carving its way across Aussie dirt for over 60 years. From its early days as a rugged, go-anywhere workhorse to the high-tech V8 we have now, the Patrol has always had one thing going for it: capability. And lots of it.
What sets the Patrol apart from its competitors is its sheer size and fossil-fuelled power. The Y62’s 5.6-litre V8 isn’t shy, producing a healthy 298kW and 560Nm. It tows, it climbs, and will bulldoze its way through most terrains. Inside, it’s departed from it’s function over form predecessors; it’s all leather, screens, and space.
Whether you’re crawling through the Kimberley, towing a 3.5-tonne van up the Bruce, or just heading to a campsite an hour past where Google Maps gives up, the Patrol has the gear and grunt to do it. It's not perfect, but few rigs this big, this capable, and this well-equipped come without a few trade-offs. Let’s get into it.
nissan patrol 4x4 driving through sand and kicking it up
Nissan Patrol Model Reviews
Nissan Patrol Y62 Review
The Nissan Patrol Y62 is the current flagship. It’s big, loud, and packs a proper V8 under the bonnet. Powered by a 5.6-litre petrol engine, it throws down 298kW and 560Nm, which is more than enough to tow a large van, tackle steep tracks, or overtake just about anything short of a Boeing.
Where the Y62 surprises most other vehicles in its class is in its comfort. The ride is supple, the cabin’s packed with tech, and there’s room for seven blokes, their gear, and probably a dog or two. Off-road, it’s no slouch either. Whilst it’s stepped away from live axles and now sports Independent Front Suspension (IFS), decent low range, and a clever traction control system, it’ll handle rough tracks, sand, and the steep stuff, though serious tourers will still want to add a suspension lift and other mods to sharpen it up.
Pros:
- Serious V8 power and towing grunt
- Comfortable for long-distance touring
- Well-equipped interior
Cons:
- Thirsty, especially when towing
- Interior feels luxurious, but 2011 spec-luxury. Not 2025 six-figure luxury.
- Large footprint makes tight tracks a challenge
This is the Patrol for families and tourers who want muscle without sacrificing creature comforts. If you’re chasing a big petrol-powered 4WD that’s as happy doing the school run as it is dragging a van across the Simmo, the Y62 Patrol won’t disappoint you… until you cop the fuel bill. Three times. In one day.
Nissan Patrol Warrior Review
Take the Y62, give it a bit of lift, better clearance, tougher tyres, underbody protection, a louder exhaust, and a healthy dose of Aussie tuning from the team at Premcar and you get the Nissan Patrol Warrior.
Its upgrades aren’t just cosmetic. The Warrior’s suspension has been re-tuned for our harsh Aussie conditions. You’ll notice it on corrugated outback tracks and rutted access roads where the standard Y62 can start to feel a bit floaty. It’s still running the same V8, same drivetrain, and same fuel economy (or lack thereof), but it feels more planted and ready to cop a hit off-road without you wincing.
Pros:
- Looks tougher, drives sharper
- More off-road ready straight off the showroom floor
Cons:
- Still petrol, still thirsty
- Limited availability
- Can be hard to justify price bump if you’re planning your own mods anyway
The Nissan Patrol Warrior is for people who want to hit the tracks without spending six weeks in the shed first. If you want showroom confidence and a bit of that Aussie-engineered toughness, the Warrior’s worth a look.
Nissan Patrol Y61 Ute Review
The Y61 Patrol ute is no longer in production and that’s part of the reason why so many people want one. This thing is a dinosaur in all the right ways. Live axles. Coil springs. Manual gearbox. None of the fancy driver assists or digital whizz-bangery. Just steel, rubber, and big diesel-powered determination.
You’ll only find them on the second-hand market now, and the good ones aren’t getting any cheaper. Why? Because they work. They’re basic, easy to fix in the bush, and have enough aftermarket support to turn one into just about anything, from a tradie’s trayback to a full-blown touring rig.
Pros:
- Tough, reliable, and proven
- Mod-friendly with massive aftermarket support
- Simple and honest
Cons:
- No longer available new
- Feels like it was built in a different decade (because it was)
- Not built for comfort or refinement
The Y61 Patrol ute isn’t a 4WD you buy for daily comfort. It’s one you buy to beat the crap out of, fix with a hammer, and drive again the next morning. If you can find a clean one, grab it before someone else does.
Nissan Patrol V8 Engine Review
Let’s not pretend here. The Nissan Patrol’s V8 is the whole reason some people buy this thing in the first place. It’s big, lazy (in a good way), torquey, and has that proper V8 growl when you bury your right foot. It’s not a high-revving, euro-tuned engine, it’s a stump-puller. And it doesn’t care what you’ve got hanging off the towbar.
In real-world use, it tows beautifully. Long hills, overtaking, soft sand, it just pulls. But the price you pay for all that pulling power is, of course, paid at the bowser. Fuel figures hover around 12–14L/100km on the highway, but can easily spike well north of 25 litres per hundred when towing or loaded up in soft terrain.
Pros:
- Smooth and effortless torque
- Excellent for towing heavy loads
- One of the last proper V8s still going in a 4WD
Cons:
- Drinks more than John Daly
- Needs premium fuel for best results and has questionable efficiency when run on Opal
If you want an engine with enough grunt to tow your van across the country and back, and you’re not scared of high fuel bills, the Patrol’s V8 is still one of the greats.
Off-Road Capabilities
Nissan Patrol with fishing rods on a beach in Tasmania, Australia
The best way to understand the Y62 Patrol is to get it out of the city and point it towards somewhere that can test a vehicle properly. Whether it's crossing the endless sand dunes of the Simpson Desert, tackling the creek crossings of Cape York, corrugation-hammered stretches of the Gibb River Road, or racking up kilometres along the Birdsville Track, the Y62 Patrol has built its reputation by handling the sort of trips Australians dream about all year.
Despite its size, the Y62 Patrol is surprisingly capable once the bitumen ends. Nissan's Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC) system helps limit body roll on-road while still allowing impressive wheel articulation off-road. The result is a big wagon that feels comfortable on long highway runs but remains composed when the terrain gets rough.
Power is sent through a proven full-time four-wheel-drive system backed by low-range gearing, giving drivers the control needed for steep climbs, soft sand, and technical obstacles. While earlier Patrol generations relied on live axles, the Y62 takes a different approach with independent suspension all round, delivering a smoother ride across corrugated roads and long-distance touring routes.
For travellers chasing even more off-road capability, the Nissan Patrol Warrior takes things a step further. Developed locally by Premcar, the Warrior receives suspension upgrades, a wider track, a rear differential lock, and increased ground clearance of 273mm. Those changes make a noticeable difference when tackling rutted tracks, rocky terrain, and remote touring routes where extra clearance and traction can be the difference between driving through and turning around.
And for many owners, buying the Patrol is just the beginning. From suspension upgrades and larger tyres to long-range fuel tanks and touring accessories, the modification potential is enormous. We'll cover the most worthwhile Patrol upgrades later in this guide.
two nissan patrol 4x4 driving through mud
Towing and Payload: What the V8 Delivers on the Road
With a 3,500kg braked towing capacity, the Nissan Patrol remains one of the most popular tow vehicles for Australian caravanners and camper trailer owners.
The V8's generous torque delivery makes towing feel remarkably effortless. Long highway runs, overtaking manoeuvres, and gradual mountain climbs can all be handled confidently without constantly working the drivetrain. This is particularly valuable for families towing large caravans or fully equipped camper trailers through regional and remote Australia.
The Patrol's long wheelbase and substantial kerb weight also contribute to towing stability. Combined with its comfortable cabin and spacious interior, it's easy to see why so many Patrol owners choose the vehicle as the foundation for extended touring adventures.
Y62 Patrol Range Breakdown: Ti, Ti-L, and the Warrior
The current Y62 Patrol lineup provides three distinct options for Australian buyers: the Ti, the Ti-L, and the Nissan Patrol Warrior. While all three share the same V8 engine and basic platform, each suits a slightly different type of adventurer.
| Feature | Ti | Ti-L | Warrior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5.6L V8 | 5.6L V8 | 5.6L V8 |
| Power | 298kW | 298kW | 298kW |
| Torque | 560Nm | 560Nm | 560Nm |
| 12.3-inch infotainment screen | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather interior | ✓ | Enhanced trim | Enhanced trim |
| Premcar suspension package | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Rear differential lock | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Increased ground clearance | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Best suited for | Family touring | Premium touring | Off-road adventures |
Ti and Ti-L: Feature Differences Worth Knowing
For many buyers, the choice comes down to the Ti or Ti-L. Both variants deliver the same V8 performance, towing capability, and touring credentials, but the Ti-L adds a more premium interior environment.
Features such as the 12.3-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, advanced comfort features, and higher-grade interior appointments help position the Ti-L as the more refined option.
In the context of a Nissan Patrol review, the Ti-L isn't about luxury for the sake of luxury. Instead, it's aimed at buyers who regularly spend long days behind the wheel and appreciate the extra comfort and convenience during extended touring adventures.
The Nissan Patrol Warrior: What Premcar Adds
If the standard Patrol is built for touring, the Y62 Warrior is built for touring, just a little further.
Developed locally by Premcar, the Y62 Warrior receives a comprehensive package of upgrades designed specifically for Australian conditions. These include revised suspension, increased ride height, a wider track, unique front and rear styling, all-terrain tyres, and a rear differential lock.
For buyers planning frequent remote-area travel, outback exploration, or serious off-road adventures, the Warrior represents the most capable factory Patrol currently available.
Modifying Your Patrol: Upgrades Worth Doing for the Track and the Long Haul
Nissan Patrol grille
One of the reasons the Nissan Patrol remains so popular within the touring community is the enormous aftermarket support available.
For most owners, suspension should be the first major upgrade. Improving ride quality, increasing load-carrying ability, and handling additional touring gear often delivers the biggest real-world benefit. If you're considering suspension changes, take a look at our guide to choosing the right 4X4 suspension.
Recovery gear is another high-priority investment. Rated recovery points, quality recovery equipment, and a practical recovery plan can prove far more valuable than cosmetic upgrades when things don't go according to plan.
For extended touring, many Y62 Patrol owners also fit:
- Long-range fuel tanks
- Upgraded all-terrain tyres
- Bull bars and underbody protection
- Dual battery systems
- Roof storage solutions
- Touring communication equipment
When planning modifications, it's worth focusing on the 4WD mods that matter rather than simply bolting on accessories for appearance.
Before investing heavily in modifications, it's worth ensuring those upgrades are covered under a specialist 4WD insurance policy designed for touring and off-road vehicles.
Practical FAQs About the Nissan Patrol
The Nissan Patrol sparks a lot of questions, especially from folks weighing up new VS used, or wondering if it really stacks up against all the 300 Series hype. So, here’s what we hear most, answered without any fluff.
Which Nissan Patrol to avoid?
Most Patrols have a solid reputation, but if there’s one to go in with eyes wide open, it’s the early Y62s (2013–2015). These copped a few teething issues, mainly thirsty fuel habits and soft suspension that didn’t quite gel with Aussie touring conditions. Later models saw improvements, and aftermarket support can fix most of the early quirks.
How much is a (used) Nissan Patrol?
For a Y61 one you'll need to hit the second-hand market. Good examples are getting harder to find, and the prices reflect it. You can expect to pay anywhere from $20,000 - $60,000.
How much does a Nissan Patrol weigh?
The Y62 tips the scales at about 2,812kg, before you load it up with fuel, passengers, or the entire contents of your shed. Loaded for touring, you’ll be over three tonnes. The Y61 ute is lighter (circa 2,155kg’s) which is on par when compared to most modern dual-cabs.
How much is a new Nissan Patrol?
A brand-new Y62 Patrol starts at around $87,000 for the Ti and climbs to roughly $105,000 for the Ti-L, depending on trim, options, and which dealer’s had their morning coffee. The Warrior is more again.
Toyota LandCruiser VS Nissan Patrol: Which is Better?
That depends on what you’re chasing. If you want diesel, resale value, and Toyota’s dealer network, the LandCruiser has you covered. But if you want petrol V8 grunt, a plusher ride, and more bang-for-buck out of the box, the Patrol fights back hard.
Where is the Nissan Patrol made?
Modern Y62 Patrols are built in Japan.
Is the Nissan Patrol a good car?
No. But it’s an excellent 4X4! If you’re using it for the right reasons. It’s not made for narrow Sydney laneways or Wilson’s parking lots, and it’s not going to win any fuel economy awards. But for towing, touring, and getting off the beaten track with a decent load and a sense of adventure, we can’t deny that the Patrol is one of the most capable petrol 4WD wagons out there.
nissan patrol 4x4 on muddy hill
Conclusion
The Y62 Nissan Patrol is one of the last great V8 wagons still doing laps of the nation and it’s not pretending to be anything it’s not. It’s big. It’s capable. And it’s built for people who actually use their 4WDs to go places, tow heavy things, and push beyond the blacktop. Whether you go for the (dated) but plush Y62, the beefed up Warrior, or a second-hand Y61 workhorse, there’s a Patrol for just about every type of adventurer, family hauler, or mod-happy wheeler.
It won’t win any awards for fuel economy, and it’s not what you’d call subtle, but it doesn’t need to be. The Patrol is built to do a job. And it does it bloody well.
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