The Land Cruiser and the Nissan Patrol are considered to be the two kings of the full-size SUV class. Both are considered to be tough, powerful, reliable, and luxurious machines by two of the top Japanese carmakers in the world. But who wins when you compare the Land Cruiser and the Nissan Patrol for trailblazing? To answer this, the following is the Toyota Land Cruiser vs Nissan Patrol comparison.
Learn more about the Land Cruiser here.
We begin the LandCruiser vs Patrol debate with their engines. Both vehicles have had excellent engines in terms of power and capability. If you compare the 90s versions of these cars (LC 80 series and Patrol Y60), both had excellent straight-6 engine options (the diesel versions were turbo-charged).
In the 2000s, things changed with the Land Cruiser 100 series offering both V6 and V8 options. At the same time, the Patrol Y61 offered an I6, but it was a great engine if you wanted to tune it. The turbo-diesels on the Patrol were also replaced by naturally aspirated diesel engines.
So, what if we compare the Land Cruiser 200 series and the Nissan Patrol Y62 engines? Well, you’ll be glad to know that both vehicles come with V8s that are much more refined and efficient. however, the Patrol loses its diesel engines altogether.
If you’re interested in buying a brand-new LandCruiser or Patrol, know that you’ll be getting a turbo six-cylinder engine (the 2023 Patrol loses the V8). However, the power outputs are as high as ever and so are the fuel efficiencies.
As far as the transmissions are concerned, both vehicles offer manual gearboxes in all of their generations except for the most recent ones. As expected, 4x4 drivetrains are also offered on both vehicles.
Love the Land Cruiser? Check out its battle against the FJ Cruiser here:
https://expeditionmeister.com/blog/article/toyota-fj-cruiser-vs-land-cruiser-b90
The next comparison between Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol is between their figures. Currently, the more recently updated Land Cruiser has the edge when it comes to horsepower. However, the Patrol Y61 and Y62 are more powerful than the LC 100 and 200 series respectively.
As far as the maximum towing capacity is concerned, the two vehicles are the same. If we go back, the maximum ratings are the same for both but the LC has a higher minimum rating. In the 90s models, the Land Cruiser had a clear win over the Patrol.
But what about the fuel economy ratings of these behemoths? Well, both of them aren’t exactly built for earth huggers. However, the Patrol is better overall in this regard since the LC has mostly had the bigger engine.
Then there’s the acceleration, in which the Patrol is also better. Despite the Land Cruiser being more powerful, the Patrol’s power-to-weight ratio has always made it quicker from 0 to 60 mph. Both the SUVs are quick nonetheless.
There are two important aspects of the interior of these cars. The first is the build quality, which is solid for both of them. Then there’s the luxurious trait, in which the Y62 Patrol is better than the Land Cruiser. However, the older Land Cruiser models are more luxurious than their Patrol counterparts.
Both these vehicles are brilliant to drive as they’re comfortable and powerful with commanding driver positions. But where they really shine is on the trail. The Land Cruiser and Patrol feature all the gadgets that make a capable offroader.
However, the Patrol is the better offroader due to its greater ground clearance, as explained here.
Both the vehicles are known to be reliable but with a couple of problems. The Land Cruiser has faced issues with the gearbox and oil consumption. Meanwhile, some Patrol models have faced some issues as well.
Finally, we compare the LandCruiser and Patrol in terms of their prices. As the Land Cruiser holds its value better, a used Nissan Patrol will be the cheaper option.
So, which is better, Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol? Well, it is a clear tie between the two. The Land Cruiser gets the win in terms of engine options, power, and interior luxury (older models). The Patrol wins when it comes to fuel economy, acceleration, build quality, offroading ability, and price.
Both are excellent vehicles for overlanding and you should consider the aspects discussed above.
Want a Toyota Land Cruiser for overlanding? Here's a Land Cruiser buying guide: https://expeditionmeister.com/blog/article/land-cruiser-buying-guide-for-overlanding-b42
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