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

The UAE is populated with some of the best cars in the world – from exotic supercars to ultra-luxurious limousines. However, it’s body-on-frame beasts such as the Nissan Patrol and Toyota Land Cruiser that claim more hearts repeatedly each year. They’re inarguably the most cherished and respected names in the region, where a 4x4 is not a mere status symbol but also a useful tool.

Launched in late 2024, the new Nissan Patrol Y63 continues the legacy of its Y62 predecessor. Employing a raft of updates and based on the latest-gen Infiniti QX80, the Patrol 2025 poses a legitimate threat to rival SUVs. Meanwhile, the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser J300 is tasked with carrying the legendary ‘Land Cruiser’ nameplate forward. Built on the TNGA-F platform, this formidable 4x4 jostles for the number one spot! So, how do these premium SUVs fare?

Price Comparison

1. Let’s begin with the Patrol first. The starting price of the Nissan Patrol 2025 is AED 239,900, which will afford you the entry-level XE variant. One level above the base model sits the SE T2 at AED 264,900, followed by the SE Titanium at AED 293,900, and the SE Platinum City at AED 322,900. Do note that these models are equipped with the 3.8L V6 – i.e., the base engine.

The Patrol 2025 range also includes the variants with the 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine. The entry-level LE T1 costs AED 297,900, making it 58,000 dirhams pricier than the XE trim. It’s followed by the LE T2 at AED 321,900, LE Titanium at AED 347,900, and LE Titanium+ at AED 359,900. Then there’s the factory-ready off-roader called the Pro-4X that’s priced at AED 362,900.

At the top of the lineup sits the LE Platinum City, priced at AED 389,900. For those seeking the sportiest Nissan Patrol, there’s the all-new Nismo variant that costs AED 449,900. This model comes with the same twin-turbo V6 mentioned above, but reconfigured for more power. We’ll see how much more power later.

2. Getting to the Toyota Land Cruiser 2025, the range starts with the EXR at AED 239,900 – same as the entry-level Patrol. A level above is the Black Edition, which costs AED 254,900. The higher trims above this are the GXR at AED 274,900 and the VXR at AED 308,900. All four of these variants are powered by the same 4.0L V6 engine.

Usually conservative in its approach to providing customers many options, Toyota has availed the new Land Cruiser with plenty. After the standard six-cylinder model, there’s now also the Land Cruiser V6 Hybrid. This includes the top-tier VXR trim costing AED 389,900 and the GR Sport costing AED 409,900. As you might have guessed, the Land Cruiser GR Sport competes with the Patrol Nismo.

The Nissan Patrol 2025 is offered with a 5-year/unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty as standard in the UAE. However, the Toyota Land Cruiser 2025’s manufacturer warranty only provides a coverage of 3 years or 100,000 kilometres as standard. To purchase a new Nissan Patrol, customers in the UAE can approach either Arabian Automobiles or Al Masood Automobiles. Meanwhile, Al-Futtaim Motors is the official distributor of Toyota cars in the UAE.

Dimensions Comparison

Size is one of the main assets that the Nissan Patrol and Toyota Land Cruiser bring to the table. While it’s usually considered a drawback, here it’s one of the key factors to draw in buyers – bigger really is better. So, where does that leave us with these two?

Dimensions	Nissan Patrol 2025	Toyota Land Cruiser 2025
Length	5,350 mm	5,145 mm
Width	2,030 mm	1,980 mm
Height	1,955 mm	1,890 mm
Wheelbase	3,075 mm	2,850 mm
Weight	2,761 kg	2,620 kg (appx.)
Fuel capacity	97 litres	110 litres
Boot capacity	1,670 litres (behind 2nd row)	1,131 litres (behind 2nd row)
Wheel size	Up to 22 inches	Up to 20 inches

The dimensions mentioned above account for the Patrol SE Platinum City and the Land Cruiser V6 VXR. Regardless of the trim, the trend here almost always has the Nissan Patrol coming out on top in the numbers game (except in the fuel tank department). The new Patrol is longer, wider, and taller than the Land Cruiser – it also offers more wheelbase and boot space behind the second row.

The new Land Cruiser might boast sharper looks and sculpted contours, but its butch demeanour and overall presence is hard to miss. The revised front grille is large enough to swallow small hatchbacks, whilst the modern headlamps add to this SUV’s premium appeal. A ‘power bulge’ in the bonnet, 20-inch rims, and muscular wheel arches communicate this car’s off-roadability.

The off-road-centric versions of the Land Cruiser (like the GR Sport) get 18-inch wheels with chunky tyres, shorter overhangs, sturdier roof rails, and mission-specific bumpers. There are similar variants of the new Patrol that are tailor-made for off-road enthusiasts, especially the all-new Pro-4X. It gets 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres, off-road bumpers with tow hooks, reinforced skid plates, more underbody protection, and redesigned front grille and wheel arches.

While the new Patrol Pro-4X looks and feels like a veteran 4x4 with legit off-road chops, the Land Cruiser GR Sport (and even the Black Edition) invokes similar emotions. The interior of the Toyota is modern and comfy with tonnes of space, but the Nissan’s cabin feels even plusher and roomier. Nevertheless, both SUVs possess stellar kerb appeal and neither would go unnoticed no matter where you take them.

Drivetrain and Performance Comparison

The Nissan Patrol 2025 is essentially available with two powertrain choices in the UAE, with the twin-turbo version available in two different states of tune. Let’s study the Patrol’s engine specifications first before proceeding to the Land Cruiser, which is also offered with two distinct powertrains.

Specs	Nissan Patrol 3.8 V6	Nissan Patrol 3.5 V6	Nissan Patrol Nismo
Engine	3.8-litre N/A six-cylinder petrol	3.5-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder petrol	3.5-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder petrol
Gearbox	9-speed automatic	9-speed automatic	9-speed automatic
Drive System	4WD	4WD	4WD
Power	316 hp	425 hp	495 hp
Torque	386 Nm	700 Nm	700 Nm
Mileage	9.7 kmpl (10.3 L/100 km)	10.1 kmpl (9.9 L/100 km)	10.1 kmpl (9.9 L/100 km)
Top Speed	185 kmph	200 kmph	220 kmph
0-100 kmph	9 seconds	7 seconds	6 seconds

 In comparison, the Toyota Land Cruiser 2025 keeps choices a little simpler without losing their impact. Unlike its Nissan counterpart, the new Land Cruiser is now available in a hybrid avatar – a first for the iconic nameplate and also its most powerful. Let’s see how the specs look on this one.

Specs	Toyota Land Cruiser 4.0 V6	Toyota Land Cruiser 3.5 V6 Hybrid
Engine	4.0-litre N/A six-cylinder petrol	3.5-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder + one electric motor
Gearbox	6-speed automatic	10-speed automatic
Drive System	4WD	4WD
Power	271 hp	457 hp
Torque	385 Nm	790 Nm
Mileage	9.8 kmpl (10.2 L/100 km)	10.9 kmpl (9.1 L/100 km)
Top Speed	180 kmph	210 kmph
0-100 kmph	10 seconds	6.5 seconds (appx.)

 For the first time in a long time, the Land Cruiser is faster than the Patrol – well, almost. Helped by its new hybrid powertrain, the Land Cruiser feels livelier than ever while also being more fuel efficient than the Patrol. It’s more powerful than the Nissan Patrol, but the Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid is tuned for comfort and not for carving corners at a good clip.

It’s equipped with the Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) that keeps things civil on-road. The system uses clever electronics and hydraulic fluid to manage the front & rear stabiliser bars to reduce body roll on the road and increase wheel articulation when off-roading. The Land Cruiser’s E-KDSS works well, but it isn’t as good as the Nissan Patrol’s adaptive air suspension on paved surfaces.

The Patrol’s air springs and electric shock absorbers are very capable for off-road use. However, they absolutely shine and come into their own when you corner the Patrol aggressively. Of course, this is no GT-R and there’s some roll, but things never get messy as the system keeps body motions in check and relatively flat. For hardcore adventure-seekers, the Patrol Pro-4X and Land Cruiser GR Sport offer tonnes of dune-bashing capability without being undrivable on the road.

These tailored off-road versions are great for tackling difficult trails but not for regular city/highway commutes. The beefed-up suspension and tyres also make for a noisier experience, whereas the Platinum City and VXR variants of each SUV feel nice and plush. Overall, the Nissan Patrol’s cabin NVH is a little better than Land Cruiser – even with the latter’s hybrid setup. Most are unlikely to notice a huge difference between the two unless they’re driven back-to-back.

Features Comparison

The daunting price tags of these cars mean that customers would get livid if those weren’t backed by a strong set of features. Thankfully, the Nissan Patrol and Toyota Land Cruiser offer more than enough goodies to satisfy even tech-savvy individuals. It’s still imperative that we look at their top variants and perhaps figure out a winner?

Exterior Features	Nissan Patrol LE Platinum City	Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid VXR
Automatic LED headlights	Yes (w/ adaptive high-beams)	Yes (w/ auto-levelling & washers)
Puddle lamps	Yes	Yes
LED foglights	Yes	Yes
Powered & auto-folding ORVMs	Yes (w/ memory & auto-tilt)	Yes (w/ auto-dimming & tilting)
Keyless entry	Yes (w/ automatic lock & unlock)	Yes (w/ automatic lock & unlock)
Remote engine start	Yes	Yes
Powered tailgate	Yes (motion-sensing)	Yes (motion-sensing)
Rain-sensing wipers	Yes	Yes
Roof rack	Yes	Yes
Fixed side steps	Yes	Yes
Rear spoiler	Yes	Yes

 The cabin of the Nissan Patrol 2025 is a realm of high-quality materials, excellent comfort, and acres of space. There’s enough room to stretch out in the first & second rows, with even the third-row seats feeling quite usable. Stepping in and out of both these high-riding SUVs requires some effort, though.

The Toyota Land Cruiser 2025’s interior has premium appointments as well, with overall comfort and practicality not compromised either. The Hybrid’s third-row is slightly tighter and it lacks the visual theatre that the new Patrol provides in spades. The LC’s build is unquestionably solid and its cabin feels airy, but it can’t accommodate 8 occupants like the Nissan.

Interior Technologies	Nissan Patrol LE Platinum City	Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid VXR
Electric sunroof	Yes (panoramic)	Yes (panoramic)
Digital driver’s display	Yes (14.3-inch)	Yes (12.3-inch)
Touchscreen infotainment	Yes (14.3-inch)	Yes (12.3-inch)
Rear entertainment system	Yes (dual 12.8-inch screens)	Yes (dual 11-inch screens)
Wireless charger	Yes	Yes
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto	Yes	Yes (wireless CarPlay)
Paddle shifters	Yes	No
Drive/terrain selector	Yes (6 modes)	Yes (5 modes)
Sound system	Yes (12-speaker Klipsch premium audio)	Yes (14-speaker JBL premium audio)
Powered third-row seats	Yes	Yes
External power socket	No	Yes (1500W/220V AC)

As capable as they’re off the paved surface, the Nissan Patrol and Toyota Land Cruiser are undeniably going to spend plenty of time in slow-moving traffic and in mall parking lots. Therefore, convenience-oriented features are a must for both – neither disappoints on this front.

Comfort Offerings	Nissan Patrol LE Platinum City	Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid VXR
Leather upholstery	Yes (quilted)	Yes (premium)
Powered front seats	Yes (w/ memory & adjustable lumbar)	Yes (w/ power lumbar & memory)
Heated and cooled seats	Yes (front)	Yes (ventilated first & second rows)
Massaging seats	Yes (front)	No
Automatic climate control	Yes (three-zone w/ biometric cooling)	Yes (four-zone)
Electronic parking brake	Yes	Yes
Power-adjustable steering	Yes (reach & rake w/ memory)	Yes (reach & rake w/ memory)
Cooled glovebox	Yes	Yes
LED ambient lighting	Yes (64-colour)	No

There’s a long list of modern safety features on both these cars, providing several layers of protection. While their massive size is a bonus on some fronts, it’s reassuring that electronic tech is available in abundance.

Safety Systems	Nissan Patrol LE Platinum City	Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid VXR
Adaptive cruise control	Yes (w/ collision warning)	Yes (w/ collision warning)
Auto-emergency braking	Yes (front & rear)	Yes (front)
Lane-departure warning	Yes (w/ LKA)	Yes (w/ LTA)
Blind-spot alert	Yes (w/ RCTA)	Yes (w/ ‘Safe Exit’)
Junction assist	Yes	No
Tire-pressure monitoring	Yes	Yes
Surround-view cameras	Yes (w/ ‘Invisible Hood View’)	Yes (w/ Multi-Terrain Monitor)
Airbags	Yes (7)	Yes (6)
Driver attention alert	Yes	No
Differential lock	Yes (rear)	Yes (rear)
Hill-descent control	Yes	Yes
Off-road cruise control	No	Yes (w/ Crawl Control)

Conclusion

Both these SUVs are immensely capable off-road, so there’s very little to choose between them. If you want the better riding and handling one, it’s the Nissan Patrol. It also feels nicer on the inside and can seat 8 people. If you off-road frequently, then some specific features of the Land Cruiser would come in handy.