The long-awaited return to Japan! Nissan’s new “Patrol (Safari)” undergoes a full model change and will be released in 2025. This premium SUV will challenge the Land Cruiser.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.’s flagship Patrol (known as the Safari in Japan), which inherits the lineage of its proud off-road SUVs, is undergoing a full model change and is scheduled for release in Japan in December 2025. Formerly known as the Safari in the Japanese market, it captivated many fans with its robustness and outstanding off-road capabilities. Even after domestic sales ceased in 2007, the Patrol continued to evolve in overseas markets such as the Middle East and North America (as the Armada), reigning as an important model supporting Nissan’s global strategy. Now, with the Japanese SUV market booming, plans are underway to reintroduce the fully redesigned, latest Patrol to the Japanese market in December 2025.

This is good news for fans who have been waiting for its revival for many years, and it is also noteworthy news that has the potential to reshape the Japanese large SUV market. We will thoroughly explain the details of the new Patrol, which is packed with the latest technology and has significantly improved its appeal, including specs, design, equipment, price, and the background to its introduction in Japan.

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Summary of Nissan’s new Patrol (formerly known as Safari) Japan launch plan

Will it be a trump card for business restructuring? The significance of introducing Patrol Japan

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is currently facing a critical period in its management restructuring, including the announcement (later retracted) of President Makoto Uchida’s retirement and plans for a management shakeup. At a recent press conference announcing its new product and technology launch plans, the company unveiled several new vehicles that will be central to its future growth strategy. Particularly noteworthy among these were the models scheduled for introduction to the Japanese market between fiscal 2025 and 2026. Specifically, the company mentioned a fully redesigned third-generation Leaf, a new minicar (likely a successor to the Dayz or Roox), and a new large minivan (likely a successor to the Elgrand) to compete with the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire. In addition to these, a surprise announcement emerged: the company is considering introducing a new Patrol to the Japanese market.

The primary objective of the Patrol’s introduction is to improve profitability through its high vehicle price. Large, high-priced SUVs tend to have high profit margins, and this likely reinforces a segment that has been thin in Nissan’s lineup in recent years. Of course, its imposing body size—5,350mm in length and 2,030mm in width—surpasses even the Toyota Land Cruiser 300, raising concerns about Japan’s road and parking conditions. However, given the recent popularity of large SUVs such as the Land Cruiser, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and Jeep Wrangler in the Japanese market, the new Patrol is likely to capture a certain level of demand. In fact, with its overwhelming presence and luxury not found in the current domestic lineup, it is no exaggeration to say that the Patrol has the potential to drive Nissan’s brand image and spark a revival for the company. While it has been suggested that the Patrol may not have been developed with Japan in mind, and it may take some time before it is introduced, its arrival is generating much anticipation.

Overwhelming presence: the exterior design of the new Patrol

The all-new Patrol (7th generation), which had its world premiere in the Middle East in September 2024, features Nissan’s latest design language and an exterior that combines strength and refinement at a high level. Based on the design concept of “unbreakable,” its imposing physique overwhelms onlookers. The front mask’s defining feature is the enlarged V-motion grille flanked by distinctive C-shaped headlights. The headlights are arranged in two sections, one above the other, emphasizing a sense of width and strength. The car also features advanced Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) technology, which detects oncoming and preceding vehicles and automatically adjusts the illumination range to ensure optimal nighttime visibility.

The side view is characterized by flowing horizontal lines and square, powerful fender arches. Combined with the long wheelbase, these create majestic and stable proportions. Large-diameter alloy wheels ranging from 18 inches to a maximum of 22 inches are available for the feet, combining off-road performance with on-road stylishness, further enhancing the car’s presence.

The rear section features a steep, nearly vertically angled back door to ensure a spacious interior and luggage space. The taillights are designed to echo the design of the front, with the left and right sides connected to create a unified form. The rear bumper also has a powerful design that evokes tough off-road driving. Overall, the exterior of the new Patrol inherits the robust image cultivated by previous models while skillfully incorporating modern refinement and advanced technology, achieving a majestic appearance befitting a flagship SUV.

Largest in class: body size and off-road performance

The new Patrol boasts body dimensions of 5,350mm in length, 2,030mm in width, 1,945mm-1,955mm in height, and a 3,075mm wheelbase, making it one of the largest domestically produced SUVs. Compared to its direct rival, the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 (4,950mm in length, 1,980mm in width, 1,925mm in height, and 2,850mm in wheelbase), it is a whopping 400mm longer and 50mm wider. This generous body size contributes significantly to the spacious interior, particularly the improved comfort of the third-row seats. While the third row seats tend to be treated as auxiliary seats in many three-row SUVs, the new Patrol offers ample space for adults, significantly improving comfort when carrying multiple passengers. The vehicle can accommodate up to eight passengers, meeting diverse needs, from family use to transporting guests.

Of course, the Patrol’s true strength—off-road performance—is also outstanding. Ground clearance ranges from 244mm to 253mm (depending on the model), achieving excellent obstacle clearance angles of 32 degrees, 25.5 degrees, and 24.5 degrees. These figures are roughly equivalent to those of the Land Cruiser 300, demonstrating its true off-road capabilities. Furthermore, the new Patrol features adaptive air suspension, allowing the vehicle height to be adjusted according to driving conditions. The vehicle height can be raised for off-road driving to enhance maneuverability, and lowered for city driving and passenger entry/exit, improving ride comfort and convenience. While the vehicle weighs approximately 2,680kg, its robust ladder frame structure and cutting-edge suspension technology combine a comfortable on-road ride with outstanding off-road performance.

Fusion of advanced technology and high-quality space: interior design and equipment

Just like the exterior, the interior of the new Patrol is generously equipped with the latest design and technology, elevating it to a high-quality space that combines functionality and luxury. The driver is greeted by an advanced digital cockpit. The meter panel and center display each use a large, 14.3-inch high-definition LCD panel. Not only does it offer excellent visibility, it also displays a variety of information in an easy-to-understand manner, creating a futuristic atmosphere.

The infotainment system is equipped with the latest “NissanConnect 2.0,” the most notable feature of which is the inclusion of “Google Built-in.” This means that navigation with Google Maps, voice control with the Google Assistant, and downloading apps from the Google Play Store are all seamlessly available on the in-car system, even without connecting a smartphone. This makes integration with digital devices smoother, dramatically improving convenience while driving.

The seats are equipped with Nissan’s unique “Zero Gravity Seats.” These were developed based on the human posture in zero gravity, providing a comfortable seating experience that reduces fatigue even during long drives. The Zero Gravity seats in the new Patrol in particular have been improved with improved side support and cushion structure to hold the body firmly in place. Even in situations where the vehicle body shakes a lot, such as when driving off-road, the occupant’s posture is stabilized and comfort is maintained. It has also been suggested that a design incorporating unique Japanese design elements may be adopted for the Japanese market.

Comfort is also top-notch in the rear seats. An optional 12.8-inch dual rear seat entertainment system provides individual entertainment for rear seat passengers. The panoramic sunroof, with its expansive glass area, creates a sense of openness inside the cabin, making the drive even more enjoyable. Furthermore, the 12-speaker Klipsch® premium audio system delivers immersive sound. Numerous comfort-enhancing features are available, including eight-way power-adjustable massage seats (front seats), innovative Biometric Cooling Technology that uses infrared sensors to scan occupant body temperature and automatically optimizes the climate control, and an ambient lighting system with a choice of 64 colors.

The second-row seats feature a slide-and-walk-in function, making it easy to access the third-row seats. When the third-row seats are not in use, the second-row seats can be slid far back to create ample legroom, similar to that of a limousine. With its spacious interior and comprehensive equipment, the interior of the new Patrol truly deserves to be called a mobile luxury suite.

Powerful and efficient: powertrain and driving performance

The new Patrol is equipped with a powerful powertrain to move its massive body with ease. The Middle East model offers two main gasoline engines. One is a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V8 engine that produces a maximum output of 316 PS and a maximum torque of 39.4 kgm. The other, noteworthy, is a downsized turbo engine, a newly developed 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine. With a maximum output of 425 PS and a maximum torque of 700 Nm (71.4 kgm), it delivers overwhelming performance that surpasses the previous V8 engine (the 5.6-liter V8 that was installed in the previous model in the Middle East and elsewhere). Specifically, despite a 7% increase in power and a 25% increase in torque, fuel economy has also been improved.

This V6 twin-turbo engine surpasses the rival Land Cruiser 300’s 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine (maximum output 415 PS/maximum torque 66.3 kgm) and the Lexus LX600 (same specifications) in both power and torque. The new Infiniti QX80, its sister car, is equipped with an even more powerful version of the same engine (maximum output 456 PS/maximum torque approximately 71 kgm), demonstrating the high level of Nissan’s latest engine technology. These powerful engines are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission for smooth and efficient power transfer.

The vehicle employs a full-time 4WD system, and is also equipped with a rear differential lock for improved off-road performance. It also features a drive mode selector that allows the driver to select the optimum drive mode for the driving situation. Six modes are available: “STANDARD,” “ECO,” “SPORT,” “SAND,” “MUD,” and “ROCK,” providing optimal driving performance in any situation, from urban areas to off-road. Nissan’s first “4WD Transfer Mode Interlock System” allows seamless switching between modes. Despite its large body, the powerful engine, sophisticated chassis, and cutting-edge electronic control system deliver powerful acceleration and stable driving on-road, as well as excellent off-road performance.

Fuel efficiency and economy

Despite its size and power, the new Patrol has also focused on improving its fuel economy. The fuel economy of the model equipped with the V6 3.5L twin-turbo engine, which is particularly noteworthy, is announced as 18MPG (miles per gallon) in the combined mode of the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). If this is converted into a similar figure to the WLTC mode commonly used in Japan, it is equivalent to about 7.7km/L. Considering the high output of 425ps, this is a very respectable figure.

For reference, the fuel economy (WLTC mode) of the rival Toyota Land Cruiser 300 is 7.9-8.0 km/L for the 3.5L V6 twin-turbo gasoline model, and 9.7 km/L for the 3.3L V6 turbo diesel model. This means that the Patrol’s V6 twin-turbo achieves the same level of fuel efficiency as the Land Cruiser’s gasoline model. Of course, it cannot be said to be fuel-efficient in absolute terms, but the adoption of the latest engine technology and a 9-speed automatic transmission has achieved a balance of power and fuel economy that is comparable to previous models and rivals in the same class, which is a point that deserves praise.

ProPilot, an advanced safe driving support system

Nissan’s latest technology has also been incorporated into safety performance. The new Patrol is equipped with the advanced driver assistance system “ProPilot” (first in the Middle East). This is a function that assists with acceleration, braking, and steering on expressways and other roads. By maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and assisting with steering to keep the vehicle in the center of the lane, the system significantly reduces the driver’s workload and improves comfort and safety on long-distance drives.

Furthermore, the new Patrol’s ProPilot system also has the ability to link with the navigation system. Using map information, it automatically slows down to an appropriate speed when approaching curves, junctions, interchange exits, and other areas on the highway, providing smoother, more reassuring driving assistance. This allows the driver to stay alert to their surroundings and concentrate more on driving in a more relaxed manner. Of course, the car is also equipped with a full range of basic safety features, such as collision mitigation braking and various warning systems, providing the high level of safety performance befitting a flagship SUV.

The price and release date in Japan

The sales price of the new Patrol in Japan has not yet been officially announced, but the price in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where sales have already begun, serves as a guide. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price in the UAE ranges from 239,900 UAE dirhams to 322,900 UAE dirhams. Converted to Japanese yen, this equates to approximately 9.8 million to 13.2 million yen (varying depending on the exchange rate).

This is a fairly expensive price compared to the Land Cruiser 300 (approximately 5.1 million to 8 million yen), but considering the Patrol’s body size, installed equipment, and engine specifications, it can be said to be within a reasonable range. In fact, it may be priced competitively compared to European luxury SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Range Rover. When it is introduced to the Japanese market, the equipment and specifications may be adjusted, but as a flagship model, it is natural to expect it to start in the 10 million yen price range.

As for the long-awaited release date in Japan, current information indicates that it is scheduled for December 2025. There is still some time left, but considering the long wait times for deliveries of the Land Cruiser 300, it is sure to attract a lot of attention as a new option.

Summary: A breath of fresh air for the Japanese SUV market

The new Nissan Patrol will evoke nostalgia for those who remember the old Safari, while offering fresh appeal to a new generation. Its overwhelming presence, spacious and luxurious interior, powerful driving, and cutting-edge technology will give it a unique character in Japan’s large SUV market. Its distinctive appeal compared to its rival, the Land Cruiser 300, is that it is larger, more powerful, and more advancedly equipped, and it has the potential to attract a new customer base.

For Nissan, the introduction of this flagship SUV will be an important step in improving its brand image and profitability. The arrival of a strong rival in the domestic large off-road SUV market, which is dominated by the Land Cruiser, is sure to revitalize the entire market. We can’t wait for the official announcement in Japan and the day when its majestic form will appear in dealer showrooms. Anticipation is building for the sight of the new Patrol hitting Japanese roads in the winter of 2025.

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Nissan’s new Patrol, a fully redesigned 2025 model, debuts in the Middle East as the ultimate SUV that combines tradition and innovation. On September 3, 2024 (local time), Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (Nissan Middle East) officially unveiled the new Nissan Patrol in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Nissan

https://www.nissan.co.jp