Nissan Patrol V8 era ends in New Zealand as final Y62s arrive

The final examples of the V8-powered Nissan Patrol Y62 have arrived in New Zealand dealerships, marking the beginning of the end for one of the country's longest-serving large SUVs.

Nissan New Zealand has confirmed the last petrol V8 Patrols are now available to customers, with no further shipments of the iconic off-roader planned. The Patrol is currently offered exclusively in Ti-L guise, priced from $116,990 excluding on-road costs.

“Patrol is an iconic vehicle with an incredible reputation; it's renowned for having almost as much power and pull as a tractor,” said Nissan New Zealand managing director Harsha Padmanabhan.

“It’s fitting the last of the V8 petrol models are available this month when there is a focus on all things rural, as many Patrol owners use their vehicle for towing farm equipment during the week, then leisure gear on the weekend.”

First unveiled globally in 2010, the Y62 represented one of the biggest changes in Patrol history. It moved away from the live-axle underpinnings of the Y61 and adopted independent suspension, a more luxurious cabin, and a 5.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol V8.

The formula proved controversial among some traditional Patrol enthusiasts, but the Y62 ultimately forged its own identity as a full-size seven-seat SUV capable of combining long-distance comfort with genuine off-road ability.

More than 15 years after its global debut, the Y62 remains one of the oldest mainstream SUV platforms still on sale anywhere in the world.

Nissan continued refining the model throughout its life cycle, with New Zealand-spec vehicles receiving technology, infotainment, and equipment upgrades in 2025 that helped keep it competitive despite its age.

A key part of the Patrol’s appeal was its refusal to follow industry trends. While rivals downsized to turbocharged six-cylinder engines, hybrid systems, or electrified powertrains, the Nissan remained one of the last large SUVs to offer a naturally aspirated V8.

Producing 298kW of power and 560Nm of torque, the engine is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and a 3500kg braked towing capacity. Those credentials helped make the Patrol a popular choice among caravan owners, boaties, and rural buyers.

In New Zealand, the Patrol spent much of its life competing against the Toyota LandCruiser, first in 200 Series form and later as the 300 Series. It was also cross-shopped against vehicles such as the Ineos Grenadier and Land Rover Defender, while typically undercutting many of its rivals on price.

Despite its age, the Patrol enjoyed a resurgence during the first half of the 2020s as demand for towing vehicles and outdoor recreation surged.

Part of that success came from its increasingly rare position in the market. As V8-powered family SUVs disappeared, the Patrol became one of the last relatively attainable options offering eight-cylinder power.

Its reign is now drawing to a close ahead of the arrival of the all-new Y63 Patrol, unveiled globally in 2024.

The new-generation model is expected to reach New Zealand showrooms in 2027. It replaces the long-serving V8 with a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 producing approximately 317kW and 700Nm.

The Y63 also introduces a new platform, adaptive air suspension, a nine-speed automatic transmission, significantly upgraded technology, and a more premium interior. Towing capacity is expected to remain unchanged at 3500kg.

As the final V8-powered examples leave dealer forecourts, the Y62's place in Patrol history appears secure.