Nissan Patrol Fuel Efficiency and Tank Capacity: A Comprehensive Guide
The Nissan Patrol is a legendary full-size SUV known for its rugged capability and powerful performance. However, with great power often comes significant fuel consumption. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the fuel efficiency and fuel tank capacity of the Nissan Patrol across its various generations and model variants.
Overview of Nissan Patrol Generations
Before diving into the specifics, let’s briefly review the main generations of the Nissan Patrol:
- 1st Generation (1951-1960)
- 2nd Generation (1960-1980)
- 3rd Generation (1980-1994)
- 4th Generation Y60 (1987-1997)
- 5th Generation Y61 (1997-2013)
- 6th Generation Y62 (2010-present)
We’ll focus primarily on the more recent generations, as fuel efficiency data for the earliest models is limited.
Fuel Tank Capacity Across Generations
The fuel tank capacity of the Nissan Patrol has generally increased over time to accommodate more powerful engines and provide greater range. Here’s a breakdown by generation:
| Generation | Fuel Tank Capacity |
|---|---|
| 4th Gen Y60 | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| 5th Gen Y61 | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| 6th Gen Y62 (early models) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| 6th Gen Y62 (later models) | 140 L (37.0 gal) |
The significant increase in fuel tank capacity for the latest Y62 models allows for extended range, particularly useful for long-distance touring and off-road adventures.
Fuel Efficiency by Generation and Engine Type
Fuel efficiency varies considerably depending on the engine type, model year, and driving conditions. Let’s break it down by generation and engine options:
5th Generation Y61 (1997-2013)
The Y61 Patrol was offered with several engine options over its long production run:
| Engine | Fuel Type | Combined Fuel Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| 4.8L TB48DE I6 Petrol | Petrol | 17.0 L/100km (13.8 mpg) |
| 3.0L ZD30DDTi I4 Diesel | Diesel | 10.9 L/100km (21.6 mpg) |
| 4.2L TD42T I6 Diesel | Diesel | 11.5 L/100km (20.5 mpg) |
The diesel options in the Y61 generation offered significantly better fuel efficiency compared to the petrol variant, making them popular choices for long-distance driving and off-road use.
6th Generation Y62 (2010-present)
The current Y62 generation marked a shift towards more powerful petrol engines, particularly in markets like the Middle East and Australia:
| Engine | Fuel Type | Combined Fuel Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| 5.6L VK56VD V8 Petrol | Petrol | 14.4 L/100km (16.3 mpg) |
| 5.6L VK56DE V8 Petrol (earlier models) | Petrol | 14.5 L/100km (16.2 mpg) |
| 4.0L VQ40DE V6 Petrol | Petrol | 13.8 L/100km (17.0 mpg) |
It’s worth noting that real-world fuel consumption for the Y62 Patrol often exceeds these official figures, particularly in city driving or when carrying heavy loads.
Factors Affecting Fuel Efficiency
Several factors can significantly impact the fuel efficiency of a Nissan Patrol:
- Driving conditions: City driving with frequent stops and starts will consume more fuel than highway cruising.
- Terrain: Off-road driving or mountainous routes will increase fuel consumption.
- Vehicle load: Carrying heavy cargo or towing will reduce fuel efficiency.
- Driving style: Aggressive acceleration and high-speed driving consume more fuel.
- Maintenance: Proper maintenance, including regular oil changes and tire pressure checks, can help optimize fuel efficiency.
- Modifications: Aftermarket modifications like larger tires or roof racks can negatively impact aerodynamics and fuel consumption.
Real-World Fuel Consumption Reports
While official fuel consumption figures provide a baseline, real-world experiences often differ. Here are some reported fuel consumption figures from Nissan Patrol owners:
Y61 Generation
- 3.0L ZD30DDTi Diesel: 11-13 L/100km (18-21 mpg) in mixed driving
- 4.2L TD42T Diesel: 12-14 L/100km (16-19 mpg) in mixed driving
- 4.8L TB48DE Petrol: 18-22 L/100km (10-13 mpg) in mixed driving
Y62 Generation
- 5.6L VK56VD V8 Petrol: 16-20 L/100km (11-14 mpg) in mixed driving
- 5.6L VK56VD V8 Petrol: 22-25 L/100km (9-10 mpg) in city driving
- 5.6L VK56VD V8 Petrol: 13-15 L/100km (15-18 mpg) in highway driving
These figures demonstrate that real-world fuel consumption is often higher than official ratings, particularly for the powerful V8 engines in the Y62 generation.
Improving Fuel Efficiency in Your Nissan Patrol
While the Nissan Patrol is not designed to be a fuel-efficient vehicle, there are steps owners can take to optimize their fuel consumption:
- Maintain proper tire pressure: Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and fuel consumption.
- Regular maintenance: Keep your engine tuned and change oil and filters as recommended.
- Avoid excessive idling: Modern engines don’t need long warm-up periods.
- Use cruise control: On highways, cruise control can help maintain a steady, efficient speed.
- Reduce vehicle weight: Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle to reduce weight.
- Plan your trips: Combine errands to reduce overall driving distance.
- Smooth driving: Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking.
- Use the recommended fuel grade: Using the correct octane rating ensures optimal engine performance.
Fuel Efficiency Comparison with Competitors
To put the Nissan Patrol’s fuel efficiency into perspective, let’s compare it with some of its main competitors in the large SUV segment:
| Vehicle | Engine | Combined Fuel Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan Patrol Y62 | 5.6L V8 Petrol | 14.4 L/100km (16.3 mpg) |
| Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series | 3.3L V6 Twin-Turbo Diesel | 8.9 L/100km (26.4 mpg) |
| Land Rover Defender 110 | 3.0L I6 Petrol MHEV | 9.9 L/100km (23.7 mpg) |
| Ford Expedition | 3.5L V6 Twin-Turbo Petrol | 11.8 L/100km (19.9 mpg) |
This comparison highlights that the Nissan Patrol, particularly in its V8 configuration, is less fuel-efficient than many of its modern competitors. However, it’s important to note that the Patrol often offers superior power output and towing capacity, which may be priorities for some buyers over fuel efficiency.
Environmental Impact and Future Considerations
The fuel consumption of large SUVs like the Nissan Patrol has come under increasing scrutiny due to environmental concerns. Here are some points to consider:
- CO2 Emissions: The Y62 Patrol with the 5.6L V8 engine produces approximately 334 g/km of CO2, which is high by modern standards.
- Emission Standards: The latest Patrol models meet Euro 5 emission standards, but stricter regulations in some markets may pose challenges for future models.
- Future Development: Nissan has not yet announced plans for hybrid or electric versions of the Patrol, unlike some competitors who are moving in this direction.
As environmental regulations tighten globally, it’s likely that future generations of the Nissan Patrol will need to incorporate more fuel-efficient technologies to remain competitive and compliant with emissions standards.
The Nissan Patrol, particularly in its current Y62 generation, offers impressive power and capability but at the cost of relatively high fuel consumption. While official fuel efficiency figures provide a baseline, real-world consumption often exceeds these numbers, especially in city driving or off-road conditions.