Enduring Legacy
Most people think about the Toyota Land Cruiser as the definitive Japanese off-roader, and it gets most of the headlines. However, just as impactful and enduring is Nissan’s Patrol, which is celebrating its 75th year in production, a testament to Nissan’s rugged history, and serves as the brand’s longest-serving nameplate.
To celebrate the Patrol’s enduring legacy, Nissan launched a special edition model and even relaunched the Patrol name in the U.S. for the first time since 1969, but the Patrol’s story is much richer than what we know in the U.S.; its legacy spans the globe.
Nissan
Off-Roading Icon
The Patrol first sold in America in 1962 through Datsun dealerships, and it was one of the first Nissan-badged cars sold in the U.S. until the 1980s. At the time, the Series 60 Patrol had a ladder-style frame paired with durable leaf-spring suspension. It was powered by a 4.0-liter inline-six with a 3-speed manual transmission and selectable all-wheel-drive. It also came with a customizable body, available in short or long wheelbase, and could be had as a soft top, hard top, van, or station wagon.
Even after the Patrol stopped sales in the U.S. in 1969, it remained a global icon for decades. It has become one of Nissan’s most iconic cars, sharing technology and provenance with the GT-R, and in reality, it has even outlived the GT-R. Notably, the Patrol became the first ever vehicle to climb Japan’s Mount Fuji, tackling a grueling 8,200-foot ascent. In 1962, it was also the first motorized vehicle to cross the Simpson Desert in Australia, driving through more than 1,100 sand dunes.
Nissan
2027 Nissan Armada Patrol PRO-4X
In America, the Patrol takes a different name, known as the Armada. The connection between the two models began in 2016, when the Armada was refreshed to use the Patrol platform. The current-generation Armada brought both models closer than ever, with shared development and even greater commonality in architecture, engineering, and capability.
To commemorate the 75 years, Nissan launched the 2027 Armada Patrol PRO-4X trim in the U.S. This marks the Patrol’s return to the U.S. for the first time in 57 years, and it’s much more than a nameplate. The Armada Patrol PRO-4X features upgrades like adaptive electronic air suspension, an electronic locking rear differential, and an underbody metal skid plate to protect important powertrain components while off-road. It also has off-road accessories debuting this winter, including NISMO rock sliders, a NISMO roof rack, and NISMO Axis wheels paired with BFGoodrich all-terrain tires.
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