 Toyota LandCruiser Prado |
VS |  Nissan Patrol |
Here’s a quick comparison between the 150 series Toyota Land Cruiser LC5 Prado specifications and the YP61 or GU series Nissan Patrol. (This comparison was originally posted in in 2010 on the old website.) We didn’t test drive this series until considering the 150 series as a replacement for the 120 series.
The current Nissan Patrol has been around since about 1997 without very much change. (Check out the old school roof gutters!). When introduced it was a competitor for the last of the 80 series then the 90 series Land Cruisers. Arguably due to the lack of parent company profits very little has been done or indeed a replacement designed for the next decade or so.
However Nissan has released information about an all new 2011 Nissan Patrol model with a completely new focus. They claim that the old GU Patrol however will still be sold as a off-road biased model and essentially as a commercial vehicle as per the older style D22 Nissan Navara until on-one wants them anymore. When viewed as a commercial and reasonably priced large 4WD SUV the sales pitch is compelling.
The GU or Y61 Patrol is now a very basic model, it has very few electronic aids and designed in the 1990’s hence extremely tough 4WD for the average consumer. It’s only a tad larger than the 150 series Prado on the inside and out. It ia great value if you consider how much metal is in the car. We actually like the exterior design of the Patrol. It is simple, tough and looks like a traditional 4WD wagon. The latest alloy wheels add a sporty touch to the design.
The interior design represents a decade past. The materials used inside look and feel tough enough but do not have that modern chunkiness or quality to them. Everything seems just all a bit plain.
In terms of ride and handling it has been a few years since we have last been in one and back then it was Ok then but no where near the 120 series Prado or even the 150 series. The steering is vague and the ride firm. It is Ok for what it is but missing the refinement, quietness and comfort of the Prado. Only off-road does the Patrol feel at home. The drive train technology is very tough using solid axles and the trade off is truck like handling on road. It is also very slow.
There are not too many problems with the GU Patrol. However it’s main weakness is the long history of problems with the (since released in 1998) the 3 litre turbo diesel. Likewise the best part is the easy to modify 4.8 litre IL6 cylinder engine. The very high capacity TB48 engine uses 23.3 litres per hundred on the tested urban cycle but can be made to produce much more want a bargain 400Kw engine then this may be the model for you! These are usually the best figures so you can only imagine real world fuel consumption! The economical 3 litre turbo diesel engine is hence the most popular version chosen.
Since the model has been around for over a decade there are plenty of enhancements you can buy for it. So if you want to ‘upgrade your rig’ then this is the 4Wd to buy. The Patrol is very simple to update the interior and mechanicals.
However in 2010 we would not pick the Patrol if you spend almost all your time in the city or the suburbs. You will never find out how great it is off road. Besides fuel economy is poor for the petrol and only average for the diesel engine. However it is the perfect go anywhere vehicle. There are lots of specials hence its recommended retail pricing is generally negotiable.
However the Prado is easily the better compromise between on and off road ability and the Prado does not cost that much more for a much better car. However the Patrol is one of the last true off-road consumer vehicles and a bargain if you need the space.
Update 2012: Nissan recently announced that they will be adding the switchable rear diff lock as standard and stability control to all models along with various cosmetic upgrades inside and out.
| 150 series LandCruiser Prado (2010-) |
Nissan Patrol (GU Series) |
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| Engines | |
| 1GR-FE – V6 Petrol (modified) Quad Cam with Dual VVTi EFI 4 Litre (3956cc) Claimed 203Kw @ 5600RPM Claimed 380Nm @ 4400RPM1KD-FTV – IL4 Diesel (modified) Turbo-charged – Inter-cooler Direct Injection – Common Rail 3 Litre (2982cc) Claimed 128Kw @ 3400RPM Claimed 410Nm @ 1600-2800RPM |
TB48DE IL6 Petrol DOHC EFI 4.8 Litre (4759cc) Claimed 180Kw @ 4800RPM Claimed 400Nm @ 3600RPMZD30DD IL4 Diesel Turbo charged with intercooler Direct injection 3.0 Litre (2953cc) Claimed 118Kw @ 3200-3400RPM(Manual) Claimed 118Kw @ 3600RPM (Auto) Claimed 380Nm @ 2000-2400RPM (Manual) Claimed 354Nm @ 2000RPM (Auto) |
| Weight | |
| Kerb weight 2190 – 2435 Kg Towing capacity up to 2500Kg 5Dr and 3000Kg for 3Dr |
2300 – 2460Kg Towing capacity up to 3200kg (Manual) up to 2500Kg (Auto) |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
| Up to 150 litres IL6 Petrol 11.5 litres per 100km (Auto) IL4 Diesel 8.5 litres per 100km (Auto) |
Up to 95-125 litres IL6 Petrol 17.2 litres per 100km IL4 Diesel 10.9 litres per 100km |
| Other specifications | |
| 5 speed Auto or 6 speed manual Overall height/width 1845/1890 Overall length/wheelbase 4930/2790 Track (front/rear) 1585/1585 Tyre size: 265-65-17 NCAP safety rating 4/5 |
5 speed Auto or 5 speed manual Overall height/width 1855/1940 Overall length/wheelbase 5050/2970 Track (front/rear) 1605/1625 NCAP safety rating 3/5 |
| Capability | |
| Angle of: (degrees) Approach 32 Departure 24-25 Breakover 22 Min ground clearance 220mm Water Fording depth 700mm Max |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach ?? Departure ?? Minimum ground clearance ???mm |
| Performance | |
| Toyota Landcruiser Prado performance figures | |
| Pricing | |
| 2010 $58,490 – 88,990 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! |
2012 $53,490 – 77,990 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, on road costs and specials accessories etc… |