Without a solid rear axle the 200 LX, J250/550 still have the advantage of articulation over this. It’s not just space. But for the most part it’s looking pretty tempting
So Nissan just teased the Armada
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Without a solid rear axle the 200 LX, J250/550 still have the advantage of articulation over this. It’s not just space. But for the most part it’s looking pretty tempting
Toyota has a huge following here in the states, and more market cache than Nissan. I do think this is an impressive effort and could absolutely see it pulling some folks away from the Toyota/Lexus offerings but not to the point of RIP.
Land Rover just teased the return of the classic Defender for the tidy sum of $270,000 (or four new Landcruiser 70 series.)
www.telegraph.co.uk
Nice looking Solar Octane version:
Land Rover’s classic Defender returns – with a hefty price tag
Production of the design was halted in 2016 when the company said there were ‘certain conditions’ it couldn’t meet
www.telegraph.co.uk
Nice looking Solar Octane version:
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Car reveals are always silly but this thing looks awesome. How much brand value is really in "Armada"? Would seem to be beneficial for Nissan to say that Toyota is too afraid to bring a real LC to the states so Nissan brought the REAL Patrol here and here it is...
That said, if I was looking I'd likely be buying one of these over a new Sequoia for the space and the likely pricepoint [I need the room] - maybe this goads Toyota into bringing the 300 here. Competition is good. Good on Nissan - maybe they are coming back out of their hole and can be the 90s company they were so fun to see instead of the saccharine Rogue/Altima/US Mitusbishi they have been for a while
In my personal view, the last true "Nissan Patrol" was the Y61. All subsequent generations seem to be built more on the TA60 platform (also known as the original Armada). As a 4WD car enthusiast, it saddens me to see the Patrol gradually losing its off-road identity, starting with its form factor, suspension, and so on.
I feel like it has become more family and road-focused. Hence, comparing it to the LC200/250/300 is not as relevant as it used to be. Don't get me wrong, it was probably a smart move by Nissan and perhaps what saved the "Patrol" brand from sinking. What's even smarter is that they kept the Y61 in production until 2024. Nissan truly understands its market segments.
Here is what I like about the Y63:
I feel like it has become more family and road-focused. Hence, comparing it to the LC200/250/300 is not as relevant as it used to be. Don't get me wrong, it was probably a smart move by Nissan and perhaps what saved the "Patrol" brand from sinking. What's even smarter is that they kept the Y61 in production until 2024. Nissan truly understands its market segments.
Here is what I like about the Y63:
- - The interior is far superior to any Japanese car in terms of technology and luxury.
- - Nissan has been testing the Y93 in the UAE's harsh weather for quite some time before launching it. This is a good thing because if you live in hot regions (e.g., Houston, Texas, or Australia), the Y92 A/C performance has not been as good. It's great to see Nissan is now claiming a 50% improvement.
- - Although the price did go up, with the current inflation we see in the car industry, I think it's still going to be cheaper than most competitors.
- - This time around, the Patrol and the QX80 are more distinguished.
- - It still has a rear diff lock.
- - The new exterior design (especially from the rear side). I think the D pillar looks really odd; perhaps it was an attempt not to copy the QX80. In any case, this is purely subjective.
- - The fuel tank was reduced from a mighty 140L tank to 97L. Nissan claims that you will be getting the same range with the new 3.5TT, but I have some doubts as it's now heavier than the Y92, and the form factor has also increased in size. It's too early to judge.
- - Dual electric fans for cooling: To be honest, I'm not sure how I feel about this yet. Also, not sure what triggered that decision, save some fuel and HP loss perhaps? Anyhow, my main concern is whether this is enough to cool a 425hp TT engine in an off-road session? The setup seems more straightforward in terms of cooling versus the V35A with its two intercoolers... yet the V35A roars like a turbine under hot weather conditions... again, too early to judge.
- - The rear arms seem to be lower than the Y62, but I wonder if you can just retrofit them for more clearance.
- - There is currently a huge debate online about frame bars being extended on the lower part of the wheel arch. The concern is whether this will limit your choice of larger tire size.
First, I'm excited that Nissan is bringing the full Monty Patrol back to the US for the first time in a long time.
As an aside, the US Y62 Armada and QX are nice, and have the same engine, transfer case, and transmission, but the front (Aluminum R180) and rear (steel R230, which I'm okay with) are both smaller than the Y62 Patrol. Along with the smaller differentials, you get smaller axles/CV's, and from memory, the front knuckle/spindle is different. That said, the US based Y62 is still a heck of a value, and with a swap to the Titan's M210 front axle, and some decent shocks and springs, you can have a lot of fun in it.
Back to the Y63 though, I am really excited to see Nissan & Nissan USA bringing the full package (differentials, locking rear) to the US! No, the IRS in the rear will not articulate like a solid axle, but you can still get plenty of travel, and with the same global spec now for both Aus, the Middle East, and the US, I'm hopeful that we'll see some mid or long travel rear pieces (there are aftermarket rear arms for the Y62 but they're stock length, just more stout than the factory pieces when doing a GVWR upgrade in Australia (and guessing they are used in other markets).
@hawkQTR - thank you for sharing those pictures as I hadn't seen those in any of the US or Australian pages I follow. Can you share a link to the group or forum where that discussion is going on?
On the one hand I'm glad to see some stout protection (wheel blockers on the F150, Tundra, etc. make a huge difference in small overlap crashes). On the flip side, the Y62 could accommodate 35's with almost no trimming if you got the offset right, and people here in the US threw on 37's without too much work. So, I hope there is a way to fit a 35, or ideally, 37, onto the Y63 without cutting those bars entirely.
As an aside, the US Y62 Armada and QX are nice, and have the same engine, transfer case, and transmission, but the front (Aluminum R180) and rear (steel R230, which I'm okay with) are both smaller than the Y62 Patrol. Along with the smaller differentials, you get smaller axles/CV's, and from memory, the front knuckle/spindle is different. That said, the US based Y62 is still a heck of a value, and with a swap to the Titan's M210 front axle, and some decent shocks and springs, you can have a lot of fun in it.
Back to the Y63 though, I am really excited to see Nissan & Nissan USA bringing the full package (differentials, locking rear) to the US! No, the IRS in the rear will not articulate like a solid axle, but you can still get plenty of travel, and with the same global spec now for both Aus, the Middle East, and the US, I'm hopeful that we'll see some mid or long travel rear pieces (there are aftermarket rear arms for the Y62 but they're stock length, just more stout than the factory pieces when doing a GVWR upgrade in Australia (and guessing they are used in other markets).
@hawkQTR - thank you for sharing those pictures as I hadn't seen those in any of the US or Australian pages I follow. Can you share a link to the group or forum where that discussion is going on?
On the one hand I'm glad to see some stout protection (wheel blockers on the F150, Tundra, etc. make a huge difference in small overlap crashes). On the flip side, the Y62 could accommodate 35's with almost no trimming if you got the offset right, and people here in the US threw on 37's without too much work. So, I hope there is a way to fit a 35, or ideally, 37, onto the Y63 without cutting those bars entirely.
I agree. In Europe “Patrol” is just as legendary a brand as “Landcruiser” though Nissan Patrols are not sold here anymore.
“Armada” is a thing made in Spain, that didn’t weather a storm very well, then got it’s behind good and kicked by a guy named Drake before washing ashore in pieces all over the N Atlantic. Makes me want to buy one!
Toyota is real free flowing and loose about what they call a Landcruiser and Nissan seems scared to use Patrol (unless there are legal issues we know not of.) Bring on the Patrol brand, Nissan!
IMO Patrol or Armada what matters is that they brought the full-fledged thing stateside. I much prefer this than what Toyota did by keeping the name Landcruiser while delivering a Prado. Come on, that is insulting at best.
Aesthetically it resembles one of the giant US SUV's such as an Escalade. That's a con, along with the price tag of 80 grand. Will be interesting to see how these sell.
Not impressed 
I agree the 200 and 300 LCs are much better proportioned for trail/overland duties, but this is still better than downgrading your flagship in the US and using the same name. I am not sure the tag will be in the $80s. If Nissan is smart enough, they will set this in the low to mid $70ks and crush the new Prado and GX.
I do think if they are able to get this thing well equipped and priced in the low to mid 70s it’s going to do well. Not only in the Toyota off road SUV segment, it also stands to pull some buyers away from the domestic brands as well.
Agreed on pricing and the potential appeal. My ideal spec would be to get the locker from the Pro4X with a coil and spring setup but it doesn't sound like that is in the cards yet (something like the Sequoia SR5 Offroad Package but with a usable 3rd row or storage with the 3rd row folded).
As for the size - yes, the LC200/LC250/LC300 are better proportioned for some tighter trails, but the Y63, like the Y62, will be great on wider trails, open runs, and dunes for those markets that have a lot of that type of offroading. And to flip it around, while you 'can' take the LC's through tight trails, you are always going to have an easier time in a Wrangler/Bronco due to width and breakover and then again in a side by side or buggy.
Now I have seriously thought about a Sequoia or Armada to tow a proper trail rig... but I have yet to do anything serious about that thought
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Is the Y63 really that much larger than a 200? If a 200 can do a trail, I feel like this can too. It’s not a F250! I do think the 200 has perfect proportions but this thing looks great in terms of pure comfort. The third row is actually useable and the 2nd and 3rd floors fold completely FLAT and flush. That’s huge for me.Agreed on pricing and the potential appeal. My ideal spec would be to get the locker from the Pro4X with a coil and spring setup but it doesn't sound like that is in the cards yet (something like the Sequoia SR5 Offroad Package but with a usable 3rd row or storage with the 3rd row folded).
As for the size - yes, the LC200/LC250/LC300 are better proportioned for some tighter trails, but the Y63, like the Y62, will be great on wider trails, open runs, and dunes for those markets that have a lot of that type of offroading. And to flip it around, while you 'can' take the LC's through tight trails, you are always going to have an easier time in a Wrangler/Bronco due to width and breakover and then again in a side by side or buggy.
Now I have seriously thought about a Sequoia or Armada to tow a proper trail rig... but I have yet to do anything serious about that thought
The Y63 is pretty large yes, its pretty much Tahoe sized if not slightly bigger width wise with the Tahoe being longer ( with pintle hook patrol is only maybe 2mm shorter) The Y63 is even bigger than the Y62...
That is my main issue with it, in a sense its super spacious inside, much more so than the LC 300, make it a better choice for your typical GCC family, however it is definitely bigger than a 200/300.
Don't judge until you see it in real life, photos don't do it justice.
I want something with the interior size of a Patrol and the exterior size of a 300.
Sounds impossible?
That is my main issue with it, in a sense its super spacious inside, much more so than the LC 300, make it a better choice for your typical GCC family, however it is definitely bigger than a 200/300.
Don't judge until you see it in real life, photos don't do it justice.
I want something with the interior size of a Patrol and the exterior size of a 300.
Sounds impossible?
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I hope to see Nissan get back on track back to the 1990s core of who they used to be. 300ZXs, Skylines, Patrols, etc.
I want to see the "Dogs love trucks!" Nissan again!
I want to see the "Dogs love trucks!" Nissan again!
I haven't seen the Y63 in person, so @W4632018 - I would certainly look to @Brown98LC on this. As for the Y62, on the one hand it isn't 'that' much bigger to some ...
The Y62 Patrol and US Armada have the same wheelbase - 121.1 inches while the Patrol is a touch shorter (bumper styling) than the US Armada at 208.9 inches. That said when you are on a trail, that longer wheelbase (121.1 for the Y62 versus the LC200 at 112.2) and overall length (208.9 for the US Armada vs 194.9 inches for the LC200) can make a big difference. On the flipside, when you are packing for a long trip, that extra length in the cargo area, is noticeable *I haven't compared the two side by side in years so I don't have the measurements handy.
@Brown98LC - I would be on board with Y62/Y63 space in an LC200/LC300 sized platform but I don't know if anyone can pull that off
. I haven't looked in earnest at the Ineos Grenadier but I wonder what that is like? The LR Defender 130 is another option I have thought about, but when I was in Moab and it was 110*F outside and we were 20 miles from a trailhead it made me think twice about some of the more adventurous options on my dream build list...
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As someone who goes camping with friends
I regularly fill my car up to the limit, utilising even the third row seats.
With the LC300
I lost 1 seat vs the 200/100 and have less cargo space behind the third rows when they are up.
With the new Patrol, I can have the third row up, 8 happy campers and enough space for a very nice camping setup/ice box; etc
Also check that second row leg room
And this neat touch celebrating the heritage of Patrol
I regularly fill my car up to the limit, utilising even the third row seats.
With the LC300
I lost 1 seat vs the 200/100 and have less cargo space behind the third rows when they are up.
With the new Patrol, I can have the third row up, 8 happy campers and enough space for a very nice camping setup/ice box; etc
Also check that second row leg room
And this neat touch celebrating the heritage of Patrol
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