Nissan Patrol Y62 2010–2024 review: the Land Cruiser’s main rival

Nissan Patrol Y62 is a large body-on-frame SUV that, in versions for many markets, bets not on diesel but on a big petrol V8. That’s exactly what sets it apart from some competitors: it delivers very strong low-end pull, smooth and quiet driving, tows a trailer well, offers a spacious cabin and a serious durability reserve for travel—but you pay for it with high fuel consumption and not the most up-to-date electronics.

If you look at the Patrol Y62 realistically, it’s a vehicle for those who need a big family SUV with genuine towing and touring capability. For city use, short daily trips, and saving on fuel, it’s a much worse fit.

The model and its place in the market

The Patrol Y62 sits in the full-size SUV class and directly overlaps with the Toyota Land Cruiser 300, Lexus LX, and the closely related Infiniti QX80. Its main argument is the combination of a large naturally aspirated 5.6-liter V8, four-wheel drive, high towing capacity, and a very roomy cabin.

In practice, it’s a vehicle for long highway runs, family trips, towing a heavy trailer, boat, or caravan, and for rough roads where you need not only clearance and 4WD, but also a hardy suspension. As a city car, the Patrol is simply too big, heavy, and expensive to run.

Generations and model history

The Y62 generation debuted in 2010 and stayed on the market for a very long time, going through several updates. That long life cycle explains two things: first, the model’s strengths and weaknesses are well known; second, some cabin and multimedia solutions are already perceived as older than those of newer competitors.

Depending on the market, the lineup differed. In some markets in 2024, both the 4.0-liter V6 and the 5.6-liter V8 were still offered, while in Australia the focus was on the 5.6-liter V8. In 2020, the model received an important update with newer safety systems, and mid-cycle it gained individual modern options such as a digital rear-view mirror.

Engines and transmissions

The main engine for the Y62 is the naturally aspirated petrol V8 VK56VD with a displacement of 5552 cm³. In later specifications it produces 298 kW, i.e., 400 hp, and 560 N·m. But it’s important to keep in mind that earlier or certain export versions had lower figures—around 317 hp and 526.6 N·m. So when buying a specific vehicle, it’s better to look not at general reviews but at the exact market version.

The transmission in later versions is a 7-speed automatic with manual mode. Early specifications sometimes had a 5-speed automatic. Drive is full-time 4WD with Auto, 4H, and 4L modes—meaning the Patrol remains a true large SUV, not just a crossover with a clutch pack.

Body, dimensions, and chassis

The Y62 is a big vehicle even by class standards. Length is 5175 mm, width without mirrors is 1995 mm, and wheelbase is 3075 mm. Ground clearance is listed as 273 mm in some specifications, while others show a 272–275 mm range. For the owner, this means good off-road geometry, but also noticeable parking difficulties in the city.

The suspension is independent front and rear, with Nissan’s HBMC hydraulic body motion control system. It strongly shapes the character of the vehicle: the Patrol holds the highway better and rides more comfortably over undulating or broken asphalt than you’d typically expect. At the same time, curb weight exceeds 2.8 t, so its bulk doesn’t disappear on narrow roads or in heavy traffic.

The off-road numbers are not just for show: wading depth is stated up to 700 mm; the approach angle depending on version reaches 34.4°, departure angle is 26.3°, and ramp-over angle is 24.4°. For long-distance touring, sand, dirt roads, and rough tracks, that’s a serious argument.

Interior, comfort, and safety

The Patrol Y62’s strongest point is space. Depending on trim, it’s a 7- or 8-seater, and even the third row doesn’t feel purely nominal here. For a big family or a crew on a long trip, it’s a genuinely convenient format.

On the comfort side, you get the quiet operation of the V8, a soft ride, generous width and headroom, and a large cargo area in different configurations. At the same time, in later years the interior feel and multimedia started to lag behind newer rivals. In other words, the Patrol convinces on space, but not always on modern interfaces.

In later updates, safety improved, but when choosing a used Y62 you need to check the exact model year. Post-update vehicles can differ noticeably in equipment from early cars.

Everyday use

In daily life, the Patrol shines best where you need long distances, highway cruising, lots of passengers, luggage, and pulling power. The large 140 L tank partly compensates for its thirst, so range can be convenient for travel. But the refuelling cost will still be substantial, especially with petrol no lower than 95.

Official combined fuel consumption for some specifications is 14.4 L/100 km, but reality is often closer to 15.7–16.2 L, and in city driving it easily goes over 20 L/100 km. If the vehicle does short routes or often tows a trailer, that won’t be an economical scenario.

Another important point is recalls. For certain years there were campaigns related to fuel system components. It’s not a reason to reject the model, but it is a reason to check the history of the specific vehicle before buying.

Strengths and weaknesses

The Patrol Y62’s main strength is how well it combines capacity, pulling power, ride smoothness, and real off-road reserve. It’s not a narrowly focused mud-only machine: it’s strong on the highway too, especially when loaded with people and gear.

The weaknesses are equally obvious and don’t need sugar-coating: big appetite, weight, size, expensive cost per kilometre, and a cabin that by the end of the cycle already felt noticeably dated. If you need an economical daily driver, the Patrol is simply the wrong tool.

Tuning and accessories

The Patrol Y62 takes to upgrades well, but tuning only makes sense when it solves a specific task. For family use, the most useful accessories are interior and boot protection; for travel—roof and cargo solutions; for daily use—protecting the body from scratches and chips.

If the vehicle often drives on highways, gravel, or in bad weather, wind deflectors are a practical choice. For trips with extra cargo or equipment, it’s worth looking at roof racks and roof bars. And for everyday use with kids, sand, snow, and mud, floor mats are almost always justified.

What to check out for this model

• Tuning for Nissan Patrol Y62 — the main model page if you want to quickly assess available upgrade directions without accidentally incompatible items.
• Roof racks and roof bars — useful for expeditions, carrying long items, and freeing up space in the cabin.
• Rubber boot mats — a practical solution for wet items, tools, jerry cans, and gear after trips.
• Side steps — make it easier to get into the high body and partly take the brunt of dirt and minor impacts from below.

Conclusion

The Nissan Patrol Y62 is a strong choice for those who need a big petrol SUV with a powerful engine, a comfortable chassis, real space, and the ability to tow 3.5 t. It’s well suited to family use, long journeys, trailers, and poor roads, but it’s not for those looking for economy, compactness, and a modern digital interior.

As the main rival to the Land Cruiser, the Patrol doesn’t win by universality at any cost, but by its character: a big naturally aspirated V8, a capacious body, and a good base for upgrades. This material is based on real selection experience, practice, and real-world usage scenarios, so the main takeaway is simple: the Y62 makes sense when you consciously want a big, torquey body-on-frame vehicle, not just a status SUV.