If you’ve lived in the UAE long enough, you know this isn’t just a car comparison—it’s a cultural rivalry. The Nissan Patrol and the Toyota Land Cruiser aren’t just SUVs; they’re legends in the UAE. They’ve conquered dunes, hosted family road trips, and turned heads in valet lines from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
With one of these rivals getting an update, I think there isn’t a better time to do a comparative review of the latest offerings from both powerhouse brands. However, it must be noted that the last major update to the Land Cruiser was back in 2021, so it’s not as updated as the Nissan Patrol 2025.
Having clarified that, let’s dive in.
Power & Performance: Muscle Meets Refinement
The 2025 Nissan Patrol comes armored with a 3.8L V6, delivering up to 316 hp and 386 Nm of torque. It’s paired with a 9-speed automatic gearbox and offers a buttery-smooth ride whether you’re cruising down a city road or climbing desert ridges.
The 2025 Land Cruiser 300, on the other hand, falls a bit short, with a similar 4L V6, but only pushing 271 hp and 385 Nm of torque. While the Land Cruiser is slightly more conservative in tuning than the 2025 Patrol, it still deserves points for its bulletproof reliability and off-road capability.
Verdict: Patrol edges ahead slightly in raw power and torque.
Size & Space: Is Bigger Better?
Let’s look at the dimensions of both contenders. The Patrol is longer, wider, and taller than the Land Cruiser. It also offers 8 seats compared to the Cruiser’s 7, and a boot space of 467L vs. 175L. That’s a serious win for families, road trippers, and anyone who packs like they’re moving house.
Verdict: Patrol dominates in size and practicality.
Tech & Interior: Luxe Meets Logic
The 2025 Patrol’s cabin is a leap forward compared to its predecessor. It has dual 14.3-inch screens, plush leather, and a layout that feels more premium than ever. It’s designed to impress, and it does.
And where does the Land Cruiser stand? It’s still solid and functional, with 7-inch and 12.3-inch screens, but it is a bit more utilitarian. You get endurance, but not so much indulgence.
Verdict: If you want luxury with your horsepower, Patrol takes the lead.
Off-Road Cred: Desert Royalty
Both SUVs are desert-tested and dune-approved. The Land Cruiser has long been the go-to for serious off-roaders, thanks to its rugged build and legendary reliability. But the new Patrol isn’t just catching up—it’s offering advanced tech, with terrain modes and smarter suspension systems.
Verdict: While the Cruiser wins on reliability, Patrol 2025 wins on innovation.
Price & Value
In the UAE, the Patrol starts around AED 239,900, while the Land Cruiser is slightly lower at AED 238,900. But when you factor in features, space, and tech, the Patrol arguably offers more bang for your buck.
Verdict: On price, the Land Cruiser has a slight advantage over the 2025 Patrol, but the Patrol wins if you consider better value.
And the Winner is . . . ?
I think the 2025 Patrol has an edge over the Land Cruiser, particularly when it comes to space and luxury. To recap, the Patrol wins when it comes to power and performance, size and space, tech and interiors, and price and value, while the Land Cruiser wins on off-road credibility. The Patrol is big, powerful, and has plush interiors with the latest tech. It’s unapologetically luxurious, and the Land Cruiser pales in comparison.
Having said that, the Land Cruiser remains a solid contender. It continues to remain the king of reliability, legacy, and off-road grit.
I feel the UAE roads are big enough for both these fabulous vehicles. But if you’re choosing sides in 2025, the Patrol might just be the SUV that turns more heads for you!
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