The Toyota Land Cruiser 300, which has reigned as the absolute king of the Japanese luxury SUV market, is likely to have a strong rival. Nissan is seriously considering introducing the Nissan Patrol to Japan, and the top-of-the-line Patrol NISMO is particularly poised to be a worthy rival to the Land Cruiser 300 GR SPORT.
Nissan’s full-scale off-road 4WD, previously sold in Japan under the name “Safari,” may be returning with significant improvements. In this article, we’ll compare the detailed specifications of the two vehicles, as well as their design, performance, and equipment.
Body size comparison: The powerful Patrol
Detailed comparison of external dimensions
Patrol NISMO
New Patrol NISMO
- Total length: 5,295mm
- Overall width: 2,070mm
- Overall height: 1,945mm
- Wheelbase: 3,075mm
Land Cruiser 300 GR SPORT
- Total length: 4,965mm (4,990mm)
- Overall width: 1,980mm (1,990mm)
- Overall height: 1,925mm (1,880mm)
- Wheelbase: 2,850mm
The Patrol boasts a larger body than the Land Cruiser 300. It is 330mm longer in length, 80mm wider , and has a wheelbase that is 225mm longer, giving it a more imposing presence.
Ground clearance and off-road capability
Patrol NISMO
- Minimum ground clearance: 195mm
- Tire size: 275/50R22
Land Cruiser 300
- Minimum ground clearance: 244-253mm
- Tire size: 275/55R20 (varies depending on grade)
Surprisingly, the Land Cruiser 300 has a higher ground clearance, making it an advantage when it comes to pure off-road driving.
Powertrain Comparison: Patrol NISMO’s Overwhelming Power
Engine spec details
Patrol NISMO
- Engine: 3.5L V6 twin turbo (VR35DDTT)
- Maximum power output: 495 HP (369 kW) @ 5,600 rpm
- Max torque: 700Nm @ 3,600rpm
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Land Cruiser 300
- Engine 1: 3.5L V6 twin turbo
- Maximum power output: 415 PS (305 kW) @ 5,200 rpm
- Max torque: 650Nm @ 2,000-3,600rpm
- Engine 2: 3.3L V6 twin-turbo diesel
- Maximum power output: 309 PS (227 kW) @ 4,000 rpm
- Max torque: 700Nm @ 1,600-2,600rpm
- Transmission: Direct Shift-10AT
The Patrol NISMO boasts an impressive 495 HP, 80 HP more than the petrol engine of the Land Cruiser 300. This is the result of NISMO tuning based on the Nissan GT-R’s VR35DDTT engine.
Fuel efficiency comparison
Patrol (standard model)
- Fuel economy: 7.7km/L (estimated)
Land Cruiser 300
- 3.5L V6: 9.7km/L (WLTC)
- 3.3L V6 Diesel: 7.9-8.0km/L (WLTC)
In terms of fuel economy, the Land Cruiser 300’s gasoline engine delivers excellent figures.
Design and exterior comparison
Front design features
Patrol NISMO
- Large V-motion grille
- LED headlights
- NISMO aero parts
- Modern and fresh design
Land Cruiser 300
Land Cruiser 300
- Traditional vertical grill
- LED headlights
- GR SPORT aero parts
- A dignified and heavy design
It has been said that “the Patrol NISMO has a fresher feel at first glance,” and there is a view that the Patrol has the advantage in terms of its modern design.
Interior and equipment comparison
Patrol’s advanced equipment
Patrol (2025 model)
2025-nissan-patrol
- 12.3-inch digital meter
- 14.3-inch infotainment display
- NissanConnect 2.0 (Google integration)
- Klipsch Premium Audio System (864W)
- Seating: 8-seater
Land Cruiser 300 equipment (2025 improved version)
Land Cruiser 300
- 12.3-inch TFT display
- Wi-Fi enabled
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
- JBL Premium Sound System
- Seats: 5-seater/7-seater/8-seater
Both vehicles are equipped with the latest infotainment systems, but the Patrol’s 14.3-inch display is one of the largest in its class.
Safety equipment and driving assistance systems
Patrol safety equipment
- Nissan Safety Shield 360
- Professional pilot (estimated)
- Intelligent 4WD
Land Cruiser 300 safety features
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
- Toyota Teammate (Advanced Drive)
- Pre-crash Safety
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
- SEA (Seat Ejection Alert)
The Land Cruiser 300 is better equipped with safety features, and the Toyota Teammate’s advanced driver assistance features are among the best in the industry.
4WD system and off-road performance
Patrol’s 4WD system
2025-nissan-patrol
- Intelligent 4WD
- Five driving modes: Standard, Eco, Sport, Sand, Mud, Rock
- Electronic Control System
Land Cruiser 300 4WD system
- Full-time 4WD
- KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System)
- Multi-Terrain Select
- Crawler Control
When it comes to off-road driving, the Land Cruiser 300 is highly regarded for its proven track record and reliability.
Price comparison and cost performance
Estimated price (when introduced in Japan)
Patrol
- Standard model: 9.8 million to 13.2 million yen (estimated)
- NISMO: 14 million to 16 million yen (estimated)
Land Cruiser 300 (2025 model)
- GX (5-seater): 5.25 million yen
- AX (7-seater): 5.63 million yen
- VX (7-seater): 6.43 million yen
- ZX (7-seater): 7.43 million yen
- GR SPORT (7-seater): 7.83 million yen
In terms of price, the Land Cruiser 300 is by far the most reasonable. The Patrol is likely to take a premium positioning, and may enter a segment where it does not compete on price.
Market position and competitive analysis
Strengths of the Land Cruiser 300
- Proven and reliable : proven quality over many years
- Domestic sales network : Support from Toyota dealers nationwide
- Resale value : Maintaining high asset value
- Fuel efficiency : Best in class
- Wide price range : Options starting from 5.25 million yen
Patrol Strengths
- Overwhelming power : 495 HP high-performance engine
- Latest technology : Advanced features including a 14.3-inch display
- Fresh design : contemporary and eye-catching styling
- Large body : A more powerful presence
- NISMO DNA : Expectations for sporty performance
Advice for potential buyers
Who is the Land Cruiser 300 recommended for?
- Emphasis on practicality : Suitable for a wide range of uses, from everyday use to off-roading
- Cost-effective : Balance between price and performance
- Reliability is important : Those who want to ride safely for a long period of time
- Resale-focused : Those who want to consider asset value
Patrol is recommended for
- Power-oriented : Those seeking the highest level of performance
- Design-focused : People who want to drive a unique SUV
- Emphasis on the latest technology : Those who want to enjoy advanced equipment
- Premium-oriented : People who value the joy of ownership
Summary: A new battle in the 2025 SUV market
Comparing the Land Cruiser 300 and Patrol reveals a battle between the practicality of the Land Cruiser 300 and the premium performance of the Patrol .
When the Nissan Patrol is introduced in Japan, it will create a new option in the long-standing Japanese luxury SUV market. With an overwhelming 495 HP of power and the latest equipment, the Patrol NISMO will undoubtedly bring innovation to the market.
On the other hand, the Land Cruiser 300 is expected to continue to be chosen by many users thanks to its three pillars: track record, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
2025 could very well be a turning point for Japan’s luxury SUV market. We eagerly await the official announcement of both vehicles and the release of their detailed specifications.
