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Welcome to the final comparison between two retro SUVs and real 4WDs. Both models have been discontinued as of December 2016 so the only one you can by are final stock and demos! You may say that the Nissan Patrol (Y61 Series) is not retro! well it’s been around for nearly 20 years in it’s current form with some cosmetic changes and any car nearly 20 years old essentially unchanged in our eyes is retro – it was quite a different automotive time back then! The FJ Cruiser was released in 2006 in the US and in certain parts of the world where it’s old school big engine, big power petrol engine was not a problem and where the prior FJ40 was popular.
Toyota FJ Cruiser Vs Nissan Patrol exterior comparison: Each to their own really to which design looks better. The Patrol looks good overall, the Patrol has always had nice lines, conservative but modern enough. The Patrol is also a large 4WD wagon regardless, not having any modern size hiding lines or design clues. If you where asked to draw a 4WD this is also probably the picture that you’d draw. The FJ Cruiser design is retro inspired specifically from the FJ40 series. The FJ does look good, different and arguably stylish in the sense that it wouldn’t be looked down upon in front of a luxury hotel for example. and that is it’s purpose it a modern take on a retro design and for many that makes it desirable.
Toyota FJ Cruiser Vs Nissan Patrol interior comparison: The FJ Cruiser is purposely designed to be a retro genuine easy to maintain interior and it shows. Sure you can argue that it could have been made of better looking materials etc.. but this was Toyota’s first effort to make a completely themed concept car to reality is less than 3 years. The Nissan Patrol when first released was a competitor to the 100 series Landcruiser and it shows, its a period mix of design and materials which still looks decent but aged. The Patrol is more practical than the FJ simply due to having a larger body and that is all some buyers need and there are plenty 3rd party accessories you can get.
Toyota FJ Cruiser Vs Nissan Patrol engine and technology comparison: The FJ Cruiser has all the latest off road traction and 4WD systems including ATRAC as standard in the final year models. In the US there where so many variants including a 5 speed manual and 2WD or AWD but the only thing missing as a diesel engine. We don’t think the diesel engine option would have helped sales since the FJ was essentially a made for US only model. As standard there is plenty of in car entertainment using the generic Toyota head unit with GPS, Bluetooth, The Patrol does not have any of the latest safety systems like multiple air bags or electronic off road traction aids. It’s a simple system drive train with low range gearbox, diff locks and stability control in the final 2016 models – prior versions had less but that has worked for decades and relies on driver skill rather than computer power. The only problem with the Patrol is the the legacy of problems with the high tech diesel engine when released 20 years ago. Of course diesel engine is no longer state of art engine just industry average in 2017 but back then it was a big deal.
Toyota FJ Cruiser Vs Nissan Patrol road test comparison: Simply put the Patrol is old and truck like. The steering is not sharp the ride is OK power is Ok but it’s not fast or quiet. The FJ Cruiser is also truck like steering but the ride is smooth very quiet and it’s quick – the fastest 4WD or SUV that Toyota has made. Thanks to rear wheel drive and lack of front end road feel, driving the FJ is an experience, very easy in 90% of all on road situations but requires your skill to drive fast else traction control will intervene. The inclusion of fuel saving gearing and EFI tuning means relatively great fuel consumption but to access all that power you need to step on the accelerator and high revs which means higher fuel, but it is an experience that not many will have.
The winner of the Toyota FJ Cruiser and Nissan Patrol comparison is a draw. Each will appeal to a different set of buyers but will go off road to essentially anywhere you want and comfortable enough for city and long trips. For us the FJ Cruiser is the one to get enjoy the drive and keep for a few years as it is arguably the only modern SUV that will actually appreciate in value. There aren’t many SUVs that can claim that.
| Toyota FJ Cruiser |
Nissan Patrol (Y61 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 @ 4400RPM |
ZD30DD IL4 Diesel Turbo charged with intercooler Direct injection 3.0 Litre (2953cc) Claimed 118Kw @ 3600RPM (Auto) Claimed 354Nm @ 2000RPM (Auto) |
| Weight | |
| Kerb weight 2000 Kg Towing capacity up to 2250kg |
2300 – 2460Kg Towing capacity up to 3200kg (Manual) up to 2500Kg (Auto) |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
| 150 litres V6 Petrol 11.4 litres per 100km |
Up to 95-125 litres IL6 Petrol 17.2 litres per 100km IL4 Diesel 10.9 litres per 100km |
| Other specifications | |
| 5 speed Auto Overall height/width 1830/1905 Overall length/wheelbase 4670/2790 Tyre size: 265-70-17 NCAP safety rating 4/5 |
4 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 xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach ?? Departure ?? Minimum ground clearance ???mm |
| Performance | |
| Pricing | |
| 2016 $46,000 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! |
2016 $57,990 – 60,990 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, on road costs and specials accessories etc… |