2025 Nissan Patrol Y62 — still relevant?
Ah, Nissan, you beauty. 5600cc of pure V8 power under the bonnet of a vehicle that I can understand. No bings, no bongs, and no annoying safety features constantly nagging at you. It’s the Nissan Patrol Y62, and Nissan has been making it for over a decade. In true Land Cruiser-type fashion, it’s everything it needs to be and nothing it’s not. Why can’t others follow suit?
You get physical buttons and dials. You get a big-stonking 5600cc V8 engine producing 298kW and 560Nm. You get a spacious interior, the features you need, and nothing you don’t. You get strong aftermarket support and a vehicle factory-fitted with a rear locking differential and low-range transfer case. Should we just finish this story here? If you need more convincing, read on. If you’re already convinced, mention us at the dealer so we get a finder’s fee (kidding).
We’ve never driven a ‘modern’ Patrol. Nissan introduced the Y62 platform in 2010 in Dubai, with Australia and New Zealand receiving it in 2013. Although it’s not a solid-axle front vehicle like the GU Patrol, the Y62 was positioned directly against the 200 Series Land Cruiser. And although there’s no diesel variant, buyers in the markets it was released in don’t seem to care. After living with it for over a week, I can see why.
When you’re shopping in this segment, you’re clearly looking for a few things. Something that can tow, something with a heap of room for the family or work gear, and something genuinely capable off-road. You’re also chasing torque and outright power. Enough to slingshot a caravan up a passing lane, or haul a fully-loaded boat while punching a hole in the air with a roof-top tent acting like a parachute. In New Zealand, that shortlist usually comes down to the Patrol or the 200 Series Land Cruiser. But the Land Cruiser only ever produced around 200–230kW in petrol form — yawn.
Although the Land Cruiser’s interior is basic, it does feel solid and purposeful. The same can be said about the current Y62 Nissan Patrol. If you told me this was a 2016 vehicle, I’d believe you. It feels nice, but dated, with the only real modern touches being the updated infotainment screens. The Y62 on loan features brown leather and marble trim. Brown. Leather. Marble. What in the 1987 is going on here?
The stereo, however, is genuinely impressive, and the centrally mounted 12.3-inch infotainment screen is fast, clear, and easy to use. Whether you’re navigating, streaming music, or just letting the Bose system do its thing, the ICE setup feels premium.
That said, I got comfortable in this cabin quickly. The seats are incredibly plush, with heating and cooling, but they lack adjustability. I like to sit lower than they allow, and I’m not overly tall. The physical buttons and dials are a massive win, and the off-road switches are easy to find and easy to understand. There are no engine modes, no paddle shifters, and in a strange way, it’s more relaxing because of it. With nearly 300kW on tap, you simply press the throttle to overtake, or idle along at 1500rpm, letting the V8 lug its way up hills and obstacles. At 5600cc, the VK56 delivers excellent low-down torque without sacrificing the intoxicating high-rpm howl it’s known for.
On road, the steering feel isn’t where I’d like it to be. It requires a lot of input at low speeds, particularly on tight roads. It feels like hard work until you reach open-road speeds. It’s not heavy, there’s just a lot of steering angle. Off-road, I can imagine that feeling would be amplified. But on the highway, especially while towing, the slower steering ratio makes sense. It’s stable, predictable, and never twitchy.
The transmission is simple but effective. It’s a seven-speed automatic, quick to respond, and tuned well enough that it completely negates the need for driving modes, which are largely a gimmick anyway. Off-road, the Patrol offers Nissan’s All-Mode 4×4 system, with selectable 2WD, Auto, 4H, and 4L, along with terrain modes including Sand, Rock, and Snow. Everything engages seamlessly, including the rear differential lock.
On gravel roads, the Y62 in 2WD felt quite pushy, with a noticeable sense of understeer. Switching into Auto 4WD, where torque is automatically distributed between the front and rear axles, immediately made the vehicle feel more settled and balanced.
Unfortunately, one day vehicle manufacturers might let us test these vehicles properly off-road in New Zealand. Beyond gravel, we can’t comment in detail. But on paper, the Patrol’s full-time capability, low-range gearing, locking rear diff, and independent suspension suggest serious potential.
If you’re in the market for a large SUV to explore New Zealand’s back-country, tow a digger to site, or haul a boat or caravan, the Y62 Patrol deserves a hard look. Especially this year, if you want a V8. This is likely the last of its kind. The upcoming Y63 is expected to run a twin-turbo V6, which will no doubt be faster and more efficient, but at the expense of one of the best naturally aspirated V8 soundtracks still on sale.
At $118,000 plus on-road costs, the Patrol sits above the new Prado, but well below a 300 Series Land Cruiser. And if history is anything to go by, it’ll last forever.
We give the Y62 a solid 8.5/10. To hit that magic 10, I’d like to see more modern interior tech, paddle shifters, and a rear end that doesn’t resemble a Kia Carnival. Would we own one? Absolutely.
