Toyota Land Cruiser vs Nissan Patrol — Which One Should You Buy?

If you ask ten different people which SUV is better — the Toyota Land Cruiser or the Nissan Patrol — you will probably get ten different answers. And honestly? They would all have a point.

These two are really two rivals that have gone at it for decades. Both have massive followings. Both have proven themselves on roads, on deserts, on mountains, and on every terrain possible between them. Between them there really is no true decision – not because one is better than the other, but because they are different but wonderful.

I have spent time with both cars and talked to plenty of owners. Here is my honest take on which one deserves your money.

Let’s Start With What They Actually Are

The Land Cruiser and Patrol are huge, body-on-frame SUVs with genuine off-road credentials and plenty of space for all of the family plus the weekend’s kit. They both have rather similar-looking specs, and both drive very differently in the real world.
The Land Cruiser has always been the all-rounder. It’s sophisticated and incredibly reliable; a car that feels like Toyota put in so much effort before releasing it on sale. Patrol has always felt a bit more personality-driven; a car that feels bigger, louder and unapologetically brutish. Patrol owners are as passionate about their cars in a way that’s impossible to articulate unless you drive one.
They both work: question is, what sort of driver are you?

Design — Two Different Philosophies

Line up a Land Cruiser and a Patrol and the difference is immediately evident

The current Land Cruiser looks sharp and modern. Toyota gave it a proper redesign and it shows. The square profile actually works wonders-it’s got a muscled-up look without trying too hard. Bold nose, sensible proportions, it has that very rare ability of appearing expensive but not garish.
The Patrol is just big. Properly big. It sits wide and tall and takes up serious real estate wherever it parks. The styling is more traditional compared to the Land Cruiser but there is something genuinely impressive about how commanding it looks on the road. When a Patrol rolls up behind you in traffic, you notice it.
Neither car is a bad looker. It really comes down to whether you want modern and sharp or big and imposing. https://wheelsouq.com/listing/nissan-patrol-2023-platinum/ https://wheelsouq.com/listing/2023-toyota-land-cruiser-gxr5-saudi-specs-mint-condition-30000-km/

Engines — This Is Where Things Get Interesting

Toyota has taken a courageous step by dropping the old V8 in favor of a new twin-turbo V6 that delivers a healthy 409hp from its 3.5 liters. Many long-term Land Cruiser fans were somewhat disgruntled when they found that the new engine was not a V8, but for the most part they seemed to quickly embrace the new power unit once it had been driven-it is smooth and has good shove, with noticeably better economy than the previous model. There is even a diesel offered on some markets, and this should definitely be on your list if economy is a priority. Nissan, on the other hand, has clung to their tried-and-tested V8. The Patrol comes with a 5.6 liter and pumps out 400hp, which, of course, sounds phenomenal. I know it sounds crazy, but V8 purists can thank their lucky stars that the engineers at Nissan saw fit to leave it there-it’s an engine with a soul and a noise that simply cannot be matched by any modern turbo six. Just firing up a Patrol and hearing the V8 grumble into life has a truly satisfying element about it that’s hard to articulate in words. However, you will pay for this at the pumps. The Patrol drinks a great deal more than the Land Cruiser and over years of ownership the financial outlay will be considerable. If driving thrills and engine character are your primary concerns, the Patrol wins this category hands down; if fuel economy and technological wizardry have taken precedence then the Land Cruiser’s twin-turbo V6 is surprisingly good.

Off-Road — Both Are Serious, But Different

This is what both cars are built for and both deliver on-but with varying philosophies.
The Land Cruiser’s systems included Toyota Multi-Terrain Select. It analyzes the surface the wheels are on and optimizes throttle, brakes, and traction control to suit.. Then there is also Crawl Control which basically provides cruise control in off-road scenarios-set the speed, turn the wheel and you can concentrate on placing your wheels in the best positions. This tech allows someone who doesn’t necessarily regularly go off-road, but may require a capable vehicle should the situation arise, more ability than they would have otherwise.
The Patrol tackles the subject from a different angle, it boasts an extra 37mm of ground clearance over the Land Cruiser, sitting at 272mm. The four wheel drive system is tried and tested and the rear locking diff does what you ask of it, should things get rough. Where the Patrol falls short in terms of electronic trickery, it makes up for with sheer brute force, and serious off-road drivers often prefer a more direct link to the car’s mechanical components rather than relying on computer intervention.
The Land Cruiser’s clever systems give it an edge in casual off-roading situations, whilst experienced, more serious off-roaders may well favor the Patrol’s increased ground clearance and direct mechanical feedback

Inside the Cabin — Comfort for the Long Haul

Spend enough time in either of these cars and the interior quality becomes very important.
The Land Cruiser cabin is genuinely impressive. The materials are high quality, the layout is clean and logical, and the noise insulation is some of the best in this class. On a long highway drive the Land Cruiser is extraordinarily comfortable — wind noise and road noise stay outside where they belong.

The Patrol is better appointed and has a more useable third row; if you’re going to regularly pack a carload of seven or eight, the Patrol will have genuine room where the Land Cruiser’s third row is a little confining. It’s a very comfy place to sit in the Patrol, and it’s well-appointed, but lacks some of the same feeling of luxury in the interior of the Land Cruiser. Materials are good, but the overall look and feel seems just a bit behind the Toyota.
Long distance passenger comfort, Land Cruiser. Maximum interior volume carrying a people-full people-carrier, Patrol.

Reliability and Running Costs — The Long Game

The Land Cruiser’s reliability reputation is almost unfair to other cars. These vehicles are used in conflict zones, by relief organizations in remote areas, and by governments across the world precisely because they do not break down. Service costs are predictable, parts are available everywhere, and a well-maintained Land Cruiser can run for extraordinary mileage without serious issues.

The NIssan Patrol is also a reliable car with a proven engine. It is not unreliable by any stretch. But the running costs of a V8 — fuel, servicing, tyres — are higher than the Land Cruiser over time. Resale is good but does not quite match what Toyota manages to hold.

So Which One Should You Actually Buy?

Purchase the Land Cruiser if reliability long-term, resale value, and interior quality are important to you. In essence it is the more responsible decision for a buyer.
Purchase the Patrol if you prioritize V8 power, more cabin room, ground clearance in the dirt, and a lower price of entry. The car caters to the desire for something more raw.
Both are fantastic vehicles. Test both and spend time in each of them before making any decision- sitting in one and then immediately in the other, then taking them both on test drives back to back, tells you far more than I or anyone else ever could on paper.