In a clash of titans dating back over seven decades, Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser have squared off to prove who has built the better jeep.
Therefore, since Toyota unveiled the Land Cruiser 300 Series last year, there has been no better competitor to compare this vehicle to than its old rival, the Nissan Patrol.
Even though the Nissan Patrol Y62 was released over 10 years ago, with a few minor upgrades since then, it's essentially the same features package.
The market also has other challengers, including Ram's SUVs. However, the two Japanese firms are the ones catching travel-starved Aussies' attention.
Powered by a 5.6-litre petrol V8 from 2016, the Nissan Patrol promises a huge price advantage despite being the brand's largest model, with plenty of interior space and brute towing power.
Meanwhile, the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series uses new TNGA-F architecture, has multiple technological features, and promises powerful 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel V6 performance.
Plus, there's the legendary Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series that satisfied SUV fanatics' appetites as they waited 14 years for the brand to bring its reworked-from-the-ground new model.
Which is the best option among the three? Did the 300 Series come to beat the unforgettable Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series, or is Nissan Patrol the only qualified competitor? Find the answer in this comprehensive comparison!
Land Cruiser 300 Series vs. 200 Series
With a solid reputation that has lasted for more than 80 years, Toyota's 4WD wagon is a benchmark of adventure in Australian culture.
After over a decade, the brand sparked an excitement level the industry had only seen a few times when it announced its new Toyota LandCruiser. However, how do you compare this model with the previous 200 Series?
Price is the first key element to consider when comparing both vehicles. The 300 Series sold at $7,000 and $10,000 over the old 200 Series.
Toyota said the 300 Series had been completely reworked and brought its new offerings in terms of body, platform, and technology. In addition, this SUV comes with more equipment, a towing capacity of 3,500 kg, and significant improvements in security levels.
The Japanese automaker also brought other more expensive versions, including a wagon aimed at high-end luxury buyers and another at off-road consumers.
Series 300 Models
- GX: A design for off-road adventures with downhill and hill-start assist control and 17" tires.
- GXL: Version with enhanced technology, style, and safety plus 18" wheels, as well as downhill and hill-start assist control.
- VX: Wagon with premium interior and exterior touches plus extra comfort and 18" tires.
- Sahara: A version focused on comfort and luxury with 18" tires.
- Sahara ZX: A more convenient and luxurious design with unique 20" alloy wheels.
- GR Sport: A creation inspired by extreme off-road racing with 18" wheels.
However, with models focused on luxury and a significant price increase, the 300 Series was designed with a conservative approach, replacing the 200 Series with barely noticeable changes.
While the nose is more contemporary and the rear complements its clean appearance, its proportions are similar. Toyota determined that its customers were happy with the size of the 200 Series. Therefore, the brand kept almost the same length, width, height, and wheelbase.
However, the GR Sport has some interesting touches for those looking for different models, including a blacked-out trim and unpainted bumpers that reinforce this 4WD's adventurous spirit while adding a retro attitude.
Even so, you can spot massive changes in other key areas! With the new 300 Series, the brand marks the first time that one of its LandCruisers has a one-piece lift-up door similar to regular SUVs.
New-from-the-ground-up 300 Series
Compared to its 14-year-old predecessor, the 300 Series was built from the ground up. Toyota said the new vehicles did not share components with the old 200 Series.
The recently launched wagons use the Toyota New Generation Architecture – Frame (TNGA-F), a modular body architecture set to support SUVs and pick-up trucks in the future.
In addition, to reduce the vehicle's weight, Toyota chose "bolt-on" aluminium body panels, including tailgate, doors, mudguards, and bonnets.
When it comes to interior space, the 300 Series (particularly the Sahara ZX) is much more airy and spacious than the 200. The seats have also been upgraded, with wide, flat bases and larger backrests for greater comfort.
What About the Engine?
The LandCruisers 300 Series is powered by a 3346cc 3.3-litre double overhead cam, V6 twin-turbo diesel engine with 24 valves. In other words, this vehicle promises more power than ever.
The 300 Series also uses less fuel. The difference seems slight since it's just over half a litre less. With a more efficient and smaller engine, the vehicle promises a range of 1,236km between fills, down from the old model's 1,453km fuelled by a 28L-larger tank.
Is the 300 Series Worth It?
Overall, yes. After a long wait, Toyota brought a model promising to revolutionise 4x4 models. Plus, it features driver-control systems, off-road systems, and a stronger body, which makes it even better.
The Japanese automaker has built a new 4WD that can beat other luxury SUVs while offering greater efficiency.
300 Series vs Nissan Patrol Y62
Even though they are now at opposite ends, with Nissan moving away from diesel and Toyota ditching its petrol model, these two vehicles still go head-to-head.
In 2021, Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser sales put them among the leaders of the Australian SUVs market's top segment. However, there are a few things to consider before picking the best model.
Nissan Patrol TI: Cheapest Option
Again, the purchase price is a key factor when differentiating both designs. Nissan Patrol is available for $82,160 and additional on-road costs with the TI model.
Compared to the closest LandCruiser equivalent, the GX, valued at $89,990 (plus on-road costs), the Nissan Patrol TI sells for over $7,500 less.
However, when it comes to specs, the Patrol TI is more akin to the LandCruiser GXL, which costs $101,790. Between both options, the Patrol TI has other features, such as a tire pressure monitor, leather-faced seats, and heated mirrors.
Both vehicles are huge, but the Toyota LandCruiser is shorter than the Patrol by 195mm and lower by 10mm. The GXL is also narrower by 15mm and has a shorter wheelbase (225mm).
A Toyota LandCruiser is also lighter than the Nissan Patrol by around 200kg. This vehicle's gross mass combination is 6,750 kg over its competitor's 7,000 kg. However, both share a tow rating of 3,500kg, with payloads of 785 kg for the Patrol and 700 kg for the Toyota.
The Patrol TI, a 5-door wagon on a ladder frame chassis, promises more cargo space, with seating for eight people and a generous 468 litres of luggage space available with the third row up.
A second Nissan model, the Patrol TI-L, offers seven seats due to weight limits, but it's still huge. Meanwhile, the Toyota Landcruiser may be an eight-seater or seven-seater but has 175 litres of luggage capacity with three rows up.
Fuel Expenses
When the Toyota LandCruiser 300 was unveiled, the brand claimed that its 3.3-litre twin turbo needed 8.9 litres of diesel per 100 km. In contrast, the Nissan Patrol and its 5.6-litre petrol V8 require at least 14 litres per 100km, which is a significant fuel expense. Also, it has to use premium unleaded petrol or min 95 RON.
Overall, the Patrol range has more fuel capacity. Its vehicles feature a 140-litre fuel tank, larger than the Toyota LandCruiser's 110-litre tank.
However, based on average fuel economy, the LandCruiser offers 239 km more range compared to 1,000 km for the Nissan Patrol.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert? Tech Features
Besides checking each vehicle's features related to engine, accommodation, and design, it's also essential to know their tech tools and additions.
Nissan Patrol's Features
Both the Patrol TI and Patrol TI-L share similar features. However, the brand's flagship (TI-L) comes with tech tools that promise a more comfortable, modern, and customisable driving experience.
- Keyless access and start
- Front seat warming and cooling system
- Driver's eight-way electric seat adjustment
- Lumbar support and memory function in the seats
- Electric steering wheel reach
- Tri-zone climate control
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Centre console cold box
- Sunroof and electric tailgate
In addition, the Nissan Patrol TI-L has some safety enhancements, such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), six airbags, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and rear cross-traffic alert with all moving object detention.
This model also has lane departure warning supported by a dynamic lane assistant (LKA), which tracks when a vehicle is within its lane, and blind spot warning and monitoring with Intelligent Blind Sport Intervention.
Toyota LandCruiser's Features
The Toyota LandCruiser flagship comes with the same standard equipment but added other tech features worth considering.
- Sequential or strobing turn indicators
- Electric parking brake
- Four-zone climate control
- Android Auto connectivity
- Apple CarPlay connectivity
- Partial digital instrument cluster
- Head-up display
- Heated leather steering wheel
- A wireless phone charging system
- Heated and ventilated outboard second-row seats
- A moon roof
If you are looking for a model with an increased safety level, you should know that the LandCruiser comes with lane trace assist with steering and 10 airbags.
It also has wheel vibration, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection and emergency steering assist, automatic high beam, road sign assist, crawl control system, lane departure alert, automatic collision notification, and SOS emergency call.
Key Differences
- The Patrol has a minimum 273mm ground clearance, while the LandCruiser has a 235mm running ground clearance
- While it has good basic features, the Nissan Patrol misses on tech and modern tools
- The lowest-priced LandCruiser is much more expensive than the equivalent Nissan Patrol when considering sales price and on-road costs
- The Patrol features seven-speed auto transmission, which improves fuel economy and acceleration
- Toyota offers a five-year unlimited distance warranty, while the Patrol range provides a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free roadside assistance.
Verdict: What is the Best Option?
Although it is a model with many years on the market, the Patrol offers many valuable features to adventurous drivers at a good price. Also, it has a lot of space even with a third row up.
However, despite its higher price, the Toyota LandCruiser comes with more tech tools for this generation's drivers and promises more range. Therefore, picking the best one depends entirely on your needs and preferences!
