For 75 years, Nissan Patrol has gone further, tackled challenging terrain and taken generations of customers on adventures around the world. From its beginnings in Japan in 1951 as Nissan's first four-wheel-drive vehicle to today's seventh-generation model currently built in Japan, Patrol has been defined by capability, durability and a daring spirit.
To mark the milestone, Nissan is introducing a new Armada Patrol PRO-4X trim for the 2027 Armada in the United States (US), bringing the Patrol name back to the market for the first time since 1969. The new Patrol, will also make its local debut in South African early next year.
Building on the tremendously capable Armada PRO-4X model, the Armada Patrol PRO‑4X proudly carries Patrol badging inside and out, honouring one of Nissan's longest-standing global nameplates.
To celebrate the anniversary, Nissan has delved into its archives to uncover defining moments from Patrol's history. Here are some of the highlights:
1951 – Nissan launches the first-generation Patrol, its first 4x4 vehicle.
1957 – Nissan Patrol arrives in the Middle East:
Patrol arrived in Kuwait in 1957, beginning a long-standing relationship with a region that would become central to the Patrol story.
1960 – Second-generation Patrol 60 Series takes the model international:
The second-generation Patrol 60 Series launched in 1960, taking the model global. The first major shipment arrived in Colombia that year, followed by Australia and the US in 1961.
In Australia, Patrol became the first motorized vehicle to cross the vast Simpson Desert, charting a path over more than 1 100 sand dunes from the Northern Territory to Queensland in 12 days.
1980 – Third-generation Patrol 160 expands from utility vehicle to family SUV:
The third-generation Patrol 160 launched in 1980, retaining its four-wheel-drive capability while introducing five-door and seven-seat configurations that broadened its appeal beyond utility use.
Global expansion continued, with pickup and long-wheelbase wagon versions of the Patrol 160 introduced in South Africa. In 1983, it became the first Nissan model manufactured in Europe, at Nissan's Barcelona plant.
1987 – Fourth-generation Patrol Y60 and a Dakar milestone:
The fourth-generation Patrol Y60 debuted with coil-spring suspension, power steering and enhanced comfort. That same year, the legendary "Fanta Limon" Patrol 160 made history at the Paris-Dakar Rally, finishing in the overall top 10 and becoming the first diesel-powered vehicle to do so.
1997 – Fifth-generation Patrol introduces new technology and design:
The fifth-generation Patrol Y61 launched in 1997 with a smoother body shape, satellite navigation, reverse camera and refreshed interiors.
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