What are the differences between the Nissan Patrol Y61 and Y62?
4 Answers
The differences between the Nissan Patrol Y61 and Y62 are in their models: the Y61 is the fifth generation of the Patrol series, while the Y62 is the sixth generation. The Nissan Patrol is a vehicle series launched by Japanese automaker Nissan, primarily featuring off-road configurations. The Y61 has a rear-mounted spare tire and a split tailgate design, whereas the Y62's spare tire is underbody-mounted. The Y61 is a large off-road vehicle equipped with front and rear solid axles, featuring a straight-line body design with a relatively simple overall style, giving the vehicle a more angular appearance. In contrast, the Y62's exterior adopts Nissan's family-style front grille, with a more rounded and modern design, exuding a contemporary sense of fashion.
I remember the first time I drove the Y61 to Tibet, that rugged off-road feeling was truly exhilarating. The boxy body and ultra-durable suspension made tackling rough roads a breeze. Later, when I switched to the Y62, it was noticeably more refined—the exterior became sleeker, and the interior added plenty of leather seats and smart screens. It felt much more stable and comfortable on highways, though it lost some of its wild off-road edge. The main difference lies in the suspension: the Y61’s solid axle design lets it plow through bumps without hesitation, while the Y62’s independent suspension is softer, paired with a more fuel-efficient and smoother V8 engine, but its off-road escape capability is weaker. In short, choose the Y61 for adventure and the Y62 for cruising with family in the city. Also, Y62 parts are pricier to maintain, and older models need frequent wiring checks. Nowadays, you see more Y62s on the road—they pack a lot more tech.
As a father of two, I'm very familiar with these two vehicles. The Y62 offers significantly more interior space - the rear seats can even accommodate sleeping, and the trunk easily fits a stroller without feeling cramped. Its air conditioning delivers fast airflow, making urban commuting particularly comfortable. In contrast, while the Y61 has a slightly larger trunk, its seats are harder, causing kids to complain about back pain during long drives, and the cabin noise is more noticeable. The differences are quite apparent: the Y62 benefits from its new platform with more stable chassis that prevents body roll during turns, whereas the Y61 retains older architecture that excels off-road but delivers a rougher ride. Power-wise, the Y62 typically comes with a 5.6L V8 gasoline engine providing smooth acceleration, while some Y61 variants feature diesel engines with slower pickup. For daily use, the Y62's entertainment system is more considerate with real-time navigation updates and additional safety assists. Note that the Y62's electronic components may require more maintenance attention.
Having studied the history of the Patrol, the Y61 is a classic model from the late 1990s, featuring a body-on-frame structure with a strong mechanical feel. The Y62, upgraded after 2010, adopts an independent front suspension, significantly improving on-road driving. In terms of powertrain, the Y61 mainly promoted the TD42 diesel engine, with strong low-end torque but noisy operation; the Y62 switched to a 5.6L V8 gasoline engine, offering quieter and more eco-friendly performance. The interior of the Y62 is much more luxurious, adding power-adjustable seats and a touchscreen, while the Y61 has a more plastic-heavy feel with simpler buttons. Off-road, the Y61's solid front and rear axles make it more durable, whereas the Y62 relies on an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system. In practical driving, the Y62 is better for urban commuting, while the Y61 is more suited for seasoned off-road enthusiasts.
