Nissan is commemorating 75 years of its Patrol SUV by introducing a new Armada Patrol PRO-4X trim for the 2027 Armada in the United States. This move brings the Patrol name back to the market for the first time since 1969. The new trim is based on the capable Armada PRO-4X model and features Patrol badging inside and out, honoring one of the company's longest-standing global nameplates.
The Nissan Patrol was first launched in Japan in 1951 as the company's first four-wheel-drive vehicle. Since then, it has grown into a global icon, with over two million units sold worldwide. The Patrol has been defined by its capability, durability, and daring spirit, making it a favorite among customers in Tanzania and East Africa, where it has been used in various industries such as tourism, rescue and relief services, and security forces.
To celebrate the anniversary, Nissan has released a limited-run 75th Anniversary Patrol, exclusively available in the Middle East. The flagship Platinum V6TT model features distinctive Copper Gold exterior accents, a rich Bordeaux interior, and dedicated anniversary detailing inspired by the region. Initially set at 1,951 units in honor of the nameplate's inaugural year, this special edition is a unique tribute to the Patrol's legacy.
Ivan Espinosa, President and CEO of Nissan, emphasized the importance of the Patrol in the company's history, saying it represents the heartbeat of their brand. "For 75 years, it has embodied our spirit of adventure, engineering capability, and determination to create vehicles that meet the needs of customers around the world," he said. The Patrol's next chapter aims to continue this legacy while exciting and inspiring future generations of customers.
Throughout its history, the Patrol has achieved several notable milestones. In 1957, it arrived in the Middle East, beginning a long-standing relationship with the region. In 1960, the second-generation Patrol 60 Series took the model international, with the first major shipment arriving in Colombia, followed by Australia and the U.S. in 1961. The Patrol also made history in 1983 by becoming the first Nissan model manufactured in Europe.
The Patrol has also had a successful motorsport career, winning the unmodified division of the Australian Off-Road Championship for 15 consecutive years from 1983. In 1987, the "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. More recently, the sixth-generation Patrol set three Guinness World Records, including towing a 170.9-metric-ton aircraft 50 meters in 2013.
The seventh-generation Patrol was unveiled in Abu Dhabi in 2024, combining established all-terrain capability with a more premium and spacious interior, advanced technology, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine delivering 425 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque. Production of the new Patrol and U.S. Armada began at the Nissan Shatai Kyushu plant in 2025, marking a new chapter in the Patrol's history.
Key points
- The Nissan Patrol has been in production for 75 years, with over two million units sold worldwide.
- The new Armada Patrol PRO-4X trim brings the Patrol name back to the U.S. market for the first time since 1969.
- The limited-run 75th Anniversary Patrol features distinctive Copper Gold exterior accents and a rich Bordeaux interior.
Reporting sources
- Nissan launches new Armada Pro to toast the 75 years of its Patrol SUV · The Tanzania Times – News from Tanzania, Africa, World, Breaking News, Weather, Environment and Climate Change