The Oldest New SUV That Still Nissan Makes And Why It Exists

Jun 29, 2023

In a day and age of cutting-edge tech-laden EVs, find out why Nissan continues to offer the rugged body-on-frame Patrol SUV in certain markets

Fewer vehicles can command the respect and admiration that the legendary Nissan Patrol Safari does. The Patrol Safari built originally in the 1950s with inspiration from the Willy's Jeep, this Japanese marvel has managed to uphold its reputation of unwavering ruggedness, owing to its exceptional off-road prowess. The Patrol has garnered a strong following in regions such as Australia, the Middle East, and Africa where off-road exploration and daring escapades prevail, and has cultivated a devoted fan base.

The fifth-generation Patrol Safari Y61 is a model the North American region never had the pleasure of seeing, however, the region got its first introduction to the Patrol-based platform in 2010 with the introduction of the second-generation Infiniti QX56. The Patrol Y61 remains the oldest new Nissan SUV that is still in production in selected markets as demand for the SUV has not weaned the slightest.

The Patrol Safari doesn't hold the distinction of being the oldest Japanese truck still in production, that spot is shared with its arch-nemesis the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series. While the newer iterations of the Nissan Patrol boast heightened luxury and a plethora of modern features, these aspects gracefully take a back seat in the narrative of this article. Instead, it is the fifth-generation Patrol Super Safari Y61 that claims the spotlight in this epic saga of classic mobility.

Related: The Nissan Patrol Nismo Is Our Latest Forbidden Obsession

For nearly three decades, the Nissan Patrol Y61 has stood as the primary choice of vehicle for Non-governmental organizations operating in Africa. The vehicle's unmatched capabilities have made it an indispensable asset for these organizations, allowing them to access remote and challenging locations that are beyond the reach of conventional pick-up trucks and standard SUVs. Given the necessity to transport vital supplies to remote areas, the Patrol Y61's enduring performance has solidified its position as the ultimate choice for traversing such unforgiving environments.

Enthusiasts love the Patrol Y61 for its off-road capabilities thanks in part to its four-wheel drive system with an intelligent rear differential lock that allows the SUV to navigate difficult terrain such as mud or sand easily by distributing torque evenly to the rear wheels. Up front are three-link and five-link rear telescopic shocks and heavy-duty coil springs to ensure that the SUV beats all obstacles in its way. Nissan has made sure that whether enthusiast use or corporate, drivers are not left lacking with a host of features including:

In the Middle East region, the Y61 Patrol is a regular fixture on the desert dunes, in both its original form and as customized versions, a testament to its popularity and adaptability in the region. Nissan's continuous production of the Y61 Patrol isn't for amusement purposes as the vehicle is one of the big sellers in the region.

In the United Arab Emirates, for example, the Patrol Super Safari Y61 has a base price of 178,000 AED, which translates to $48,461. While this price point might not raise eyebrows among North American readers accustomed to different market standards, it's essential to consider that the Patrol Safari is the definition of basic as you will be hard-pressed to even get navigation on some models.

Related: The 10 Most Capable Toyota Off-Roaders Ever

The Nissan Patrol Y61 has firmly cemented its position as the preferred vehicle for Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the United Nations (UN). Recognizing this significant role, Nissan has curated a collection of aid-specific models tailored to the requirements of these organizations. These specialized models are equipped with a diverse array of engine options, catering to varying needs across different trim levels. The engine displacements span a range from 2.8 to 4.8 liters, encompassing both four and six-cylinder configurations, available in either gasoline or diesel variants.

The Nissan Patrol Y61's extensive lineup of trim levels ensures that there is a model suited for every specific application. The available trims include STD, GL, GRX, Amsterdam Stock GL, and Ambulance. This comprehensive range caters to a spectrum of needs, from essential transport to advanced configurations required for specialized missions.

Specifically, the Patrol Safari is powered by a 4.8 liter inline six gas-powered engine producing 280 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Power translates to the wheels via a five-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic transmission. The Patrol's 4.8-liter gas engine is noticeably more powerful than its competitor the Land Cruiser 70 Series. As expected, the powerful six-cylinder gets horrendous gas mileage of 13 mpg when off-roading and 19 mpg in city driving.

Engine

4.8 Liter Inline Six Engine

3.0 Liter Inline Four Engine

2.8 Liter Inline Four Turbo

Fuel type

Gasoline

Diesel

Diesel

Power

280 Horsepower

150 Horsepower

143 Horsepower

Torque

310-pound feet

273 pound-feet

192 pound-feet

The diverse engine line-up of the Patrol is held in high regard as reliable and durable, some Middle Eastern tuners have pushed the 4.8-liter engine to over 1000 horsepower. These tuners race the highly modified Patrols up the many steep dunes in the Middle Eastern region, A quick search on YouTube will yield many videos of modified Nissan Patrol beating supercars and recking dunes.

Related: How The 2024 Land Cruiser Can Shake Up The Off-Roader Enthusiast Market

The Patrol Y61 has always had an iconic design that has not changed much from the previous generation Y60. From the beginning, the Patrol has maintained a rugged boxy design that is functional and appealing. The Y61 received a light refresh in 2005 that saw new fender flares, headlights, and a larger taillight. The front is dominated by a long hood sheltering the beastly six-cylinder and a large bumper, a long side step makes it easy to step into the vehicle through the large doors.

The Nissan Y61 Patrol can be had as a four-door SUV or a two-door available in the Middle Eastern Region. The rear end features a split barn door with a spare tire housing mount on the right side, the rear of the Super Safari sports a spoiler at the edge of the back that adds to the visual appeal. Although rugged, the Patrol Super Safari does have a sunroof that offers a bit of modern creature comforts.

The interior of the Patrol is as simple as it is practical. The Patrol Safari comes with leather seats with leather door inserts contrasting the black dashboard. An 8.0-inch infotainment system takes center stage in the middle of the dash with silver contrasting sides. Unlike many modern luxury SUVs today, the Super Safari has a traditional shifter in the center console. The center armrest features a cool box to store your drink on those hot weather days.

Related: Toyota Land Cruiser GR Vs. Nissan Patrol Nismo

The Nissan Patrol Super Safari is an undeniable legend of offroading that very few have had the pleasure to experience due to its limited market availability and lack of modern-day creature comforts. This SUV exists in Nissan's portfolio of vehicles to serve individuals and organizations with a desire to go places many would dare not.

The Patrol is the last of a dying breed along with the 70 Series Land Cruiser that is unapologetically raw in its build concept, a vehicle that justifies the phrase " if its not broke,dont fix it". The fifth generation Y61 Patrol is a gentle reminder of a bygone era of automotive industry when manufacturers cared more about how well machines worked instead of pleasing the masses with plush interiors and unnecessary technology that distracts from the journey.

Sadiq Samari is an automotive enthusiast and journalist from Ghana. His blood flows with gasoline like all gearheads. His love for automobiles started at a young age and was influenced greatly by the BBC TopGear trio of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and captain slow, James May. Sadiq studied Media and Communication at the undergraduate level.