Whether you identify it as the Nissan Patrol or the Super Safari, you’ll know this SUV as a successful series of four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles manufactured by Nissan in Japan and sold throughout the world. First introduced in 1951 in Japan, once post-war car production had only just restarted, the Patrol was an instant hit: here was a utility car that could really handle tough terrain.
Its devotees have continued to grow as the Nissan Patrol lives up to its slogan of “The Hero of All Terrain.” Its unique capabilities, high performance, and solid dependability to tackle all challenges and weather conditions have earned it the reputation of rugged durability.
Since the 1950s the Patrol has been in constant production thanks to the refinement of its features and capabilities and the extreme loyalty demonstrated by its customers. It has become something of a cherished family heirloom, handed down through the generations as and when a new model is purchased. In the Middle East, the car’s ruggedly stylish appearance and all-conquering performance has unsurprisingly led the model to become an inseparable part of the social and cultural fabric of the region. From its inception, the Patrol has set the benchmark in its category becoming an iconic vehicle now in its sixth generation.
A legend is born
First generation 1951 – 1960
The first generation of Patrol, which featured a 75 hp 3.7L engine, was launched by Nissan in 1951. In 1956 a pivotal moment for the series happened; the Nissan Patrol was the first to be exported to the GCC region, specifically to Kuwait, where the Patrol was quickly embraced as part of the family – trusted and relied upon. It was during this period that it started to demonstrate its off-road prowess as it climbed Mount Fuji – the first car to dare such a feat.
Bigger and better
Second generation 1960 - 1980
The second generation of Patrol witnessed significant changes in the design of the vehicle to increase in size and stature – with more capabilities to woo off-road enthusiasts. Though the Patrol’s tough durability meant that it was a popular choice for military organizations, the 60 series was the first model to gain traction with the consumer audience. During this period, the vehicle took on some of the world’s most robust mobility trials. The G60 became the first vehicle to cross the Simpson Desert in Australia, one of the world’s most remote regions, which is spread across 200,000 sq. km.
Grabbing more attention
Third Generation 1980 - 1987
Reflective of the era, the third generation of Patrol adopted a more modern style and was the first Patrol to be available in bright colors with loud graphics. The vehicle had a more powerful turbo diesel engine that generated 81 KW of power, and its maximum speed reached 145 KM/Hour. As for the body, the high roof was clearly distinguished, allowing more space for passengers and cargo at the same time.
Enhanced levels of comfort
Fourth Generation 1987 - 1997
In 1987, Nissan released the fourth generation, and Nissan Patrol Fanta Limon became the first-ever diesel-fed car to make it to the top ten in Paris-Dakar Rally. This body and design of this generation were significantly developed; the vehicle became more spacious and was equipped with new features, such as electric mirrors, sunroof, modern suspension systems, and had more powerful engines than ever.
Increased technical sophistication
Fifth generation 1997 - present
The fifth generation of Nissan Patrol was a benchmark in the vehicle’s journey, with its powerful engines and its state-of-the-art technology offering superior suspension, steadiness, and enhanced safety features.
Y61 Patrols were used as support vehicles for an epic 14,000 km journey from Scotland to South Africa for the documentary ‘Long Way Down’ led by actor wan McGregor and Charlie Boorman. The Patrol also won the first Australian Outback Challenge and became a repeating champion from 2005 till 2012.
In 2017, as a direct result of consumer demand and popularity of the car in the region, Nissan announced the rebirth of the Patrol Super Safari in the Middle East.
In 2018, Nissan expanded the iconic Patrol Safari range with the Patrol Falcon, Gazelle, and Gazelle X exclusively for and available to customers in the Middle East.
The engines of the fifth generation’s Patrol were very powerful. The engines TB48DE were modified to generate 2000 hp and 1,491 KW to help climb the sandhills and tackle other harsh road challenges in the region.
Breaking records and building upon its solid reputation
Sixth generation 2010 - present
The Y62 is the holder of three Guinness World Records, including ‘Heaviest object pulled by a production vehicle in 2013’, ‘Fastest dune ascend’ in 2015, and ‘Larger synchronized car dance’ in 2018. In 2015, the world premiere launch of the first-ever Nissan Patrol Nismo took place in the Middle East.
The Y62 generation of Nissan Patrol is used as official vehicles of desert challenges events in the region. In 2014, Nissan presented the new facelift with a new front and lamps along with renovation in the cabin. Nissan also released a limited-edition vehicle with red leather seats and matt black colored components. Starting 2017, Nissan implemented the 7-speed automatic transmission in all its models, while it adopted before a 5-speed automatic transmission and 6-speed manual one. This version provided more options to enable motorists to quickly switch from four modes: driving on sand, stones, roads, and snow.
In 2019, the Nissan Patrol enjoyed a new facelift, while it launched the all-new Patrol in 2020.
Continuing to lead
Nissan Patrol 2020
The model year 2020 Patrol features enhanced comfort and luxury with the latest Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies while retaining its much loved, go-anywhere persona with class-leading power and unmatched on- and off-road capabilities.
The new model has enhanced superior styling with a bold and confident exterior and a luxurious interior using premium materials and focusing on driver comfort in every situation.
