If you’ve lived in the UAE for any length of time, you’ve seen the Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol ruling the roads—from the streets of Dubai to the sand dunes of Liwa. These two giants have been head-to-head for decades, winning the trust of families, off-roaders, and VIPs alike.
But which one is really better for you in 2025?
In this guide, I’ll break down every detail: performance, features, fuel economy, off-road capability, maintenance, and resale value. If you’re choosing between these two legends, keep reading—we’ll help you make the right pick for your needs and budget.
Which Is Better?
Both SUVs are built for the UAE, but it depends on your priorities.
- Toyota Land Cruiser is known for unbeatable reliability, better resale, and a comfortable family ride.
- Nissan Patrol offers more luxury features, more horsepower, and a smoother highway drive—often at a better price.
If you want long-term reliability + high resale, go for the Land Cruiser.
If you want more power + features for less, the Patrol is a solid choice.
Now, let’s get into the full comparison.
Toyota Land Cruiser vs. Nissan Patrol (2025)
Feature | Toyota Land Cruiser 2025 | Nissan Patrol 2025 |
Engine | 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo | 4.0L V6 / 5.6L V8 |
Horsepower | 409 hp | 275 hp (V6) / 400 hp (V8) |
Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 7-speed automatic |
Fuel Efficiency | 9.3–10 km/l | 6.5–8 km/l |
Price Range (AED) | 238,000 – 360,000 | 206,000 – 329,000 |
Seater Capacity | 7–8 seats | 7–8 seats |
Drive Type | AWD / 4WD | AWD / 4WD |
Off-Road Capability | Excellent | Excellent |
Resale Value | Very High | Moderate–High |
Warranty | 5 years / 100,000 km | 5 years / 300,000 km |
Engine Performance & Driving Experience
Toyota Land Cruiser
The 2025 Land Cruiser dropped its old V8 and now uses a 3.5L twin-turbo V6, delivering 409 hp and 650 Nm of torque. It feels powerful on both city roads and rocky trails. The new 10-speed transmission shifts smoothly and improves highway fuel economy.
Toyota also improved suspension and handling, making it more comfortable than older models.
Nissan Patrol
The Patrol comes in two engine options:
- A 4.0L V6 (275 hp) for entry-level trims
- A 5.6L V8 (400 hp) for the LE and NISMO variants
The V8 Patrol feels faster off the line and more confident on highways. It’s also quieter inside the cabin, especially in the Platinum or NISMO trims. However, it’s less fuel-efficient than the Land Cruiser.
If you want top-tier engine power, the Patrol V8 wins.
If you want better mileage and a smoother response, the Land Cruiser V6 is better optimized.
Reliability & Maintenance Costs
Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota’s legendary for durability, and the Land Cruiser is no exception. Many models run smoothly for 15+ years in the UAE, even under extreme heat and sand.
Servicing is simple, and parts are available everywhere—from Al Futtaim workshops to your local garage in Sharjah.
Nissan Patrol
Patrols are also reliable, especially the V6 versions. But the V8 engines may cost a little more to maintain in the long run—especially after 100,000 km.
Nissan parts are widely available, though some trims like NISMO or higher-end models may have slightly pricier service costs.
Toyota wins in long-term reliability and lower average maintenance costs. Nissan is still solid, but long-term owners often report higher running expenses post-warranty.
Off-Road Capability – Which Handles the Desert Better?
Let’s face it: both of these beasts are born for the dunes.
Toyota Land Cruiser
It comes with:
- Full-time 4WD
- Crawl control
- Multi-Terrain Select
- Electronically controlled suspension
- Superior approach and departure angles
It’s lighter than before and more agile off-road, making it the favorite for dune bashing and desert camping.
Nissan Patrol
The Patrol’s Hydraulic Body Motion Control System (HBMC) gives it great control off-road. It also has:
- Locking rear diff
- Hill start assist
- Sand driving modes
- Powerful V8 torque for dune climbs
The Patrol NISMO looks great, but is better for highway driving than hardcore off-roading.
Land Cruiser is better for extreme off-roading, while Patrol offers more comfort in mild off-road and city desert blends.
Interior Comfort & Features
Nissan Patrol
This is where Patrol really shines. The higher trims offer:
- Quilted leather seats
- Dual 12.3″ screens
- Rear entertainment screens
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- 13-speaker Bose system
The Platinum and NISMO variants feel truly premium—almost luxury-SUV level.
Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota improved things this year with:
- Better infotainment
- Digital cluster
- Softer materials
- More legroom
But overall, it still leans towards rugged and functional over luxury.
Nissan Patrol wins on interior refinement. It’s a smoother ride with more creature comforts, especially for rear passengers.
Pricing & Value for Money in UAE
Let’s break down how both SUVs compare on pricing and what you get for your dirhams.
Variant | Land Cruiser Price (AED) | Patrol Price (AED) |
Base Trim | 238,000 | 206,000 |
Mid Trim | ~270,000 | ~250,000 |
Top Trim | 360,000 (GR Sport) | 329,000 (NISMO) |
What to Note:
- Patrol gives you more features at a lower price
- Land Cruiser holds value longer, meaning better resale after 3–5 years
If you plan to sell your car in 3–4 years, a Land Cruiser may give you 20–30% better resale value.
Resale Value & Market Demand in UAE
Toyota Land Cruiser
Ask any car dealer in the UAE—they’ll tell you Land Cruisers fly off the listings. Even 10-year-old models still fetch a strong resale value, especially if well-maintained.
Nissan Patrol
Patrol resale is good but not as strong. V6 versions do slightly better in resale due to lower running costs, but V8s see steeper depreciation after 100K km.
Car | 3-Year Resale Retention (Approx.) |
Land Cruiser | 75–80% |
Patrol | 60–70% |
Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol?
Here’s the truth—you can’t go wrong with either one. But your choice depends on your lifestyle, priorities, and budget.
Choose the Toyota Land Cruiser if
- You want long-term durability
- You plan to resell in 3–5 years
- You’ll go off-roading frequently
- You want lower maintenance costs
Choose the Nissan Patrol if
- You want more features for less
- You prefer luxury interiors
- You drive mostly on highways or city roads
- You want a powerful V8 experience
Toyota Land Cruiser vs. Nissan Patrol is a debate that won’t end soon—especially here in the UAE. But whichever you choose, you’ll be driving a machine that’s built for the Gulf.
If you’re still not sure, test drive both models and feel the difference. Also, browse DubaiWheels.ae to compare real listings, prices, trims, and mileage.
Got questions about buying or selling either of these SUVs?
Check out our blog on How to Sell Your Car in Dubai for expert tips.
quite informative