Nissan’s flagship SUV, the Safari, which disappeared from the Japanese market in 2007, will make a comeback in Japan in 2027 under the name Patrol. This news, officially announced at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, has generated a lot of buzz among SUV enthusiasts. This article provides a detailed review of the new Patrol, providing a thorough explanation of its interior and exterior appeal, its strengths, and any concerns that may be of concern.
Exterior: Impressive presence and sophisticated design
Advantages: More powerful than the Land Cruiser 300
The first impression of the new Patrol is its overwhelming size. Its impressive size is recognized even by buyers of the Land Cruiser 300, with body dimensions of 5,350mm long, 2,030mm wide, and 1,945-1,955mm high, which is approximately 400mm longer, 50mm wider, and 30mm taller than the Land Cruiser 300.
Design Features:
- Square, linear form : A simple design that eliminates unnecessary character lines and runs in a straight line from front to back
- Huge C-shaped ADB headlights : a powerful look with LED technology
- Hood length : Emphasizes the masculinity of the V6 engine mounted vertically
- Large 22-inch wheels : Enhance the vehicle’s presence as an off-road SUV
- Proof of heritage : The “1951” engraved on the rear represents the year the Patrol was born, and speaks to its 75-year history, the same as the Land Cruiser.
The flat lines and simple surface structure are particularly striking when viewed from the side. The front window is also upright compared to the 300, giving the car an overall stylish impression.
Disappointing aspects of the design
Due to its large body size, parking in Japan can be a concern. Its overall length is likely to extend beyond a typical parking space, making it difficult to find a parking spot in Tokyo. While the 300 barely fits in a parking space, the Patrol is even larger, making it difficult to maneuver for everyday use.
Body size and off-road performance: A true off-road vehicle
Advantages: Best-in-class off-road capability
- Approach angle : 32 degrees
- Departure angle : 25.5 degrees
- Ramp breakover angle : 24.5 degrees
- Minimum ground clearance : 244mm to 253mm
- Wheelbase : 3,075mm (225mm larger than the Land Cruiser 300)
These figures indicate rough road performance that is roughly equal to or better than that of the Land Cruiser 300. Equipped with adaptive air suspension, the vehicle height can be raised off-road to clear obstacles, and lowered in urban areas to improve accessibility.
The 4WD system offers six drive modes (STANDARD, ECO, SPORT, SAND, MUD, ROCK) and is equipped with a rear locking differential, providing full-fledged off-road performance that can handle any terrain, from desert to rocky terrain.
Interior: a fusion of modern technology and comfort
Superior point 1: Spacious interior space and comfort in the third row
The biggest appeal of the new Patrol is its overwhelming comfort with its three-row, eight-seat layout. Let’s take a look at the reviews from people who actually drove it.
Second-row seat features:
- Leg space : More than 3.5 fists’ worth of space (significantly more than the Land Cruiser 300)
- Seat height : High enough from the floor to provide firm support to the back of the knees
- Theater layout : The seating position in the second row is higher than in the first row, providing good forward visibility.
- Slide mechanism : Allows for wide sliding, making access to the third row easy
With the 300, I felt like the back of my knees were floating, but with the Patrol, I felt like I was sitting firmly in the chair.
Third-row comfort:
- Leg space : Even with the second row seated at the rearmost position, there is enough room for one fist.
- Reclining function : Fully reclining possible even in the third row
- Head clearance : Enough headroom for a small child to stand up
- Seat back angle : Designed so that adults can sit comfortably for more than 30 minutes without having to sit cross-legged.
This is a design concept unique to the Patrol, which primarily targets the North American and Middle Eastern markets.While the Land Cruiser 300 is designed with the third row as an emergency seat, the Patrol is designed to be able to accommodate adults all the way up to the third row.
Superior point 2: Latest infotainment system
2025-nissan-patrol
Google built-in:
- 14.3-inch dual display : Large displays for both the meter and infotainment
- Integration : Supports Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play apps
- Dual 12.8-inch rear display : Rear seat passengers can enjoy independent entertainment
Premium Equipment:
- Klipsch premium audio : 12-speaker system (38 speakers in higher grade models)
- 64-color ambient light : customize the interior atmosphere
- 8-way massage seat : Reduces fatigue even on long drives
- Biometric Cooling : Infrared sensors detect passenger body temperature and optimize air conditioning
- Panoramic sunroof : A spacious interior
Superior point 3: Nissan’s unique zero gravity seat
Nissan’s “Zero Gravity Seat” technology, inspired by NASA’s research into weightlessness, reduces fatigue even on long drives. Tuned specifically for the Patrol, this seat incorporates side support and cushioned seating technology to firmly support the body and also handles bumps on off-road surfaces.
It feels a little more sunk than the Land Cruiser 300, but it’s softer and has a good balance of support and comfort. The seat can be raised to its maximum position, and even with the seat raised, there is still more than 1.5 fists’ worth of space in a car with a sunroof.
Disappointing aspects of the interior
Control placement:
After checking the interior, it was pointed out that the distance to the passenger seat was too great. The center console is wide, and the distance between the left and right sides is large. This is a structural constraint to accommodate the transmission and transfer case, but it may be a little inconvenient in everyday use.
Digital preference:
The fact that the meter is completely digital may be disappointing for those who prefer analog meters.
Visibility concerns:
The large 14.3-inch monitor is easy to see indoors, but there are concerns about whether it will be ok in strong sunlight. However, it was relatively easy to see even under bright lighting, so it will be necessary to check it in the actual usage environment.
Powertrain: Overwhelming power of V6 twin turbo
Advantages: Engine that inherits GTR technology
The new Patrol is available with a 3.8L V8 engine (316ps/39.4kgm) and a 3.5L V6 twin-turbo engine (425ps/71.4kgm), but the one that stands out is the V6 twin-turbo.
The appeal of the V6 twin-turbo:
- Maximum torque of over 700Nm : This torque is the highest in its class for a gasoline engine
- Inheriting GTR technology : Nissan sports car technology applied to large SUVs
- 9-speed automatic transmission : Smooth acceleration and fuel economy
- Fuel economy : Approximately 7.7km/L (EPA value, 425ps model)
The Land Cruiser 300’s diesel engine produces 700Nm of torque, but what’s notable about the Patrol is that it achieves this with a gasoline engine.
Patrol NISMO: Reaching new heights
The high-performance Patrol NISMO model increases the output of its V6 twin-turbo to 502ps (495hp) and features a special exhaust system that produces an even more impressive sound.
NISMO exclusive equipment:
- Sports Suspension
- Specially tuned electric power steering
- 22-inch forged aluminum wheels
- Red brake calipers
- Exclusive exterior design
- Exclusive NISMO Stealth Gray color
However, the NISMO’s ground clearance is reduced to 195 mm, so it can be said that the specifications are more suited to on-road sporty driving than serious off-road driving.
Safety equipment: ProPilot equipped
The new Patrol will be the first to feature Nissan’s ProPilot driver assistance system, which assists with acceleration, braking and steering on highways to reduce driver fatigue.
Other advanced safety features:
- Invisible Hood View : Displays the area under the vehicle transparently, supporting off-road driving
- 170-degree ultra-wide view : Ensures a wide field of view
- Various airbags
- Lane Departure Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
Price and value for money
Estimated price: from approximately 9.8 million yen
Prices in the UAE range from 239,900 to 322,900 UAE dirhams (approximately 9.8 million to 13.2 million yen). Prices in the Japanese market have not yet been officially announced, but are expected to be around the same price or slightly higher.
Reference: Land Cruiser 300 price
- 5.1 million yen to 8 million yen
The Patrol is positioned higher than the Land Cruiser 300, so the price difference is reasonable. However, it is also true that a price range of over 10 million yen is a high hurdle for the average user.
Comparison with the Land Cruiser 300: The differences are clear
Character differences:
Land Cruiser 300:
- Focusing on driving performance with a golden ratio of wheelbase and tread
- The second and third rows are slightly auxiliary
- Size suited to Japanese road conditions
- A balance between off-road capability and everyday use
Patrol:
- Comfort for larger people is the top priority
- Fully usable space up to the third row
- Main target markets are North America and the Middle East
- Absolute spaciousness of the interior
“The wheelbase has been lengthened, so there is plenty of room for the second-row seats, and the third-row seats are large enough for adults to sit in.The design means you won’t have to sit cross-legged,” he said, emphasizing the difference in livability.
Challenges and prospects for the Japanese market
Disappointments and concerns
1. Large size
- The overall length of 5,350mm and width of 2,030mm are difficult for Japanese parking lots and roads.
- May be difficult to handle in urban areas
- It cannot fit into a standard multi-story parking lot.
2. Fuel efficiency
- Approximately 7.7km/L (EPA value) is not good at all.
- It is slightly inferior to the Land Cruiser 300 diesel (9.7km/L).
- Vulnerable to rising gasoline prices
3. High price
- Price range over 10 million yen
- Maintenance costs are expected to be high
- The target audience is limited
4. Development of service network
- You need a repair shop that specializes in large SUVs
- Establishing a parts supply system
- Vehicles based on Middle Eastern specifications adapted to the Japanese market
Advantages and potential for success
1. A market without competitors
- The market for a luxurious three-row SUV that is larger than the Land Cruiser 300 is a blank spot
- Appealing to users seeking the comfort of an Alphard and the off-road capabilities of an SUV
- “Just as there are people who want a Land Cruiser, there are options for people who want a larger car even if it’s inconvenient.”
2. Strengthening brand power
- Improved brand image as Nissan’s flagship SUV
- Revival of the 75-year-old Patrol
- NISMO version’s performance appeal
3. Unique charm
- A character different from Rankle
- Introducing the latest technologies such as Google Built-in
- High-quality interior and comfortable equipment
Summary: Is the Patrol worth buying?
Recommended for:
✓ For those who are not satisfied with the Land Cruiser 300
- They want a bigger, more luxurious SUV.
- I want to use the third row fully.
- Emphasis on livability due to the length of the wheelbase
✓ People who like American full-size SUVs
- Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator-like presence
- Overwhelming size and power
- The appeal of the V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine
✓ Those who seek a fusion of modern technology and tradition
- Latest infotainment including Google built-in
- 75 Years of Patrol Heritage
- Advanced safety features such as ProPilot
This is not suitable for people like this
✗ People who care about the road conditions in Japan
- Emphasis on maneuverability in urban areas
- Parking is severely restricted
- Emphasis on fuel efficiency
✗ People who prioritize cost performance
- Initial investment of over 10 million yen
- High maintenance costs
- Those who think that the Land Cruiser 300 is enough
Final evaluation
The new Patrol is Nissan’s serious flagship SUV, with a character that is clearly different from the Land Cruiser 300. It has received very positive reviews from those who have seen it in person, with notable features being the comfort of the second and third rows, the latest infotainment system, and the appeal of the V6 twin-turbo engine.
While its large size and high price are issues, there is certainly a market for a “full-fledged three-row SUV that’s different from the Land Cruiser.” Further information is expected to be released until its release in Japan in 2027. It’s a car that will bring a new option to the Japanese SUV market, so keep an eye on its future developments.
