Nissan celebrates 75 Years of Patrol, the foundation for today’s Armada

Long before the term "sport utility vehicle" became commonplace, there was the Nissan Patrol. Following its 1951 debut, the Patrol quickly established Nissan's off-road credibility and built a worldwide fanbase that continues today.

Since 2016, the Nissan Armada has been based on the Patrol. The current-generation Armada, introduced for the 2025 model year, brought the two vehicles closer than ever before, with shared development and even greater commonality in architecture, engineering and capability.

And now, the 2027 Armada Patrol PRO-4X, which enters production in November 2026, further strengthens that bond, making the connection between Armada and Patrol closer than at any point in the model's history.

The 2027 Nissan Armada Patrol PRO-4X features unique "Patrol" badging, inside and out.

A legacy of off-road capability

The Patrol was first offered in the U.S. from 1962 through Datsun dealers, and it was one of the only Nissan-badged vehicles sold in the U.S. market until the early 1980s. This 60 Series Patrol had a robust ladder-style frame with leaf-spring suspension, and it featured a 4.0-liter inline-six engine, a three-speed manual transmission and selectable four-wheel drive. Buyers could choose from an array of configurations: short or long wheelbase, and soft top, hard top, van or station wagon bodies.

To boost its appeal in the U.S., the Patrol found an ambassador who embodied its adventurous spirit. TV star Roy Rogers, famous for his Western roles, became the vehicle's spokesperson, bringing instant credibility to a tough, go-anywhere machine.

To help introduce the Patrol to American audiences, Nissan enlisted Roy Rogers as its first celebrity spokesperson.

While the Patrol was no longer sold in the U.S. after 1969, it remained a popular choice in other markets, particularly the Middle East, where it has become known for its ability to conquer towering sand dunes. In fact, the current Patrol has a special "scavenger" oil pump designed to enhance lubrication in driving conditions with high g-forces. The system was first used in GT‑R to maintain high power in tight corners. It was implemented in the new Patrol to help it climb steep dunes.

"In many parts of the world, Patrol has earned a reputation as one of the most capable and durable SUVs ever built," said Brent Hagan, senior manager of Product and Services Planning at Nissan North America.

Patrol made history as the first vehicle to climb Japan's Mount Fuji, tackling a grueling 8,200-foot ascent. In 1962, it was also the first motorized vehicle to cross the treacherous Simpson Desert in Australia, charting a path through more than 1,100 sand dunes.

Stateside, Nissan continued robust SUV offerings with the debut of Pathfinder in 1986 and Xterra in 1999. In 2003, the first Nissan Armada debuted on the Nissan TITAN platform, offering off-road prowess with a 305-horsepower V8 and body-on-frame construction while providing seating for up to eight people.

When the second-generation Armada debuted in 2016, it made a remarkable change: shifting to the global Patrol platform.

The 2017 Nissan Armada, based on the global Nissan Patrol, debuted in 2016.

Also based on the Patrol, the current-generation Armada debuted for the 2025 model year, boasting a new powertrain, including a twin-turbo V6 that delivers an impressive 516 lb-ft of torque– more than any other production engine Nissan has ever made.

"While Armada launched as a distinct nameplate in the U.S., the two vehicles have evolved together over time and today are fundamentally the same vehicle," Hagan said.

More than a badge

With the 2027 Nissan Armada Patrol PRO-4X, the Patrol badge is returning to a production vehicle in the U.S. for the first time in 57 years. However, Nissan has recently debuted several concept vehicles with the Patrol name, including the Dune Patrol in 2025 and this year's Jungle Patrol. Both were revealed at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

"Patrol has long represented the best of our SUV heritage," said Ponz Pandikuthira, senior vice president, Chief Product & Planning Officer, Nissan Americas. "Highlighting the connection between Armada and Patrol allows U.S. customers to better appreciate the global legacy, capability and reputation built by Patrol."

The Armada Patrol PRO-4X includes adaptive electronic air suspension, an electronic locking rear differential and an underbody metal skid plate to protect important powertrain components while off-road. In addition to unique "Patrol" badging in place of "Armada" inside and out, the Patrol PRO-4X grade features many high-end features, including a panoramic moonroof, heated second-row seats and biometric cooling.

The 2027 Armada Patrol PRO-4X with NISMO accessories.

For those seeking even more capability, Armada Patrol PRO-4X expands its adventure-ready offering with newly added NISMO rock sliders and a NISMO roof rack, arriving this winter, alongside available NISMO Axis wheels paired with BFGoodrich all-terrain tires.

"I'm tremendously excited about the Patrol name returning to the U.S.," Hagan said. "Patrol played an important role in establishing Nissan's early legacy here. On a personal level, I've owned a 1969 Patrol since 2014, so helping reintroduce the Patrol name to a new generation of customers is especially meaningful."

The Patrol name has indeed been a keystone in Nissan's reputation for outstanding off-road vehicles, and the new grades for 2027 honor that heritage.

"Patrol is about 'go virtually anywhere' capability. For more than 75 years, it has showcased Nissan's commitment to durability, quality and reliability," Pandikuthira said. "For many enthusiasts around the world, Patrol is one of the most respected and recognizable SUVs ever to wear a Nissan badge and has extremely satisfied customers worldwide."

The 2027 Nissan Armada Patrol PRO-4X is expected to begin production in November 2026.

Q&A

Q: Why is the Patrol badge returning to the U.S.?

A: The Patrol badge is returning to celebrate 75 years of Patrol heritage and to strengthen the connection between Armada and Nissan's globally recognized Patrol nameplate. The return highlights the vehicle's longstanding reputation for capability, durability and adventure.

Q: When was the Nissan Patrol last sold in the U.S.?

A: The Nissan Patrol was last sold in the United States in 1969.

Q: Is the Nissan Patrol the same as the Nissan Armada?

A: Since 2016, the Nissan Armada and global Nissan Patrol have been fundamentally the same vehicle, sharing the same platform, powertrain and design. There are some market-specific features that vary by region.

Q: What are the key features of the Armada Patrol PRO-4X?

A: The Armada Patrol PRO-4X features include adaptive electronic air suspension, an electronic locking rear differential, an underbody metal skid plate, integrated trailer brake controller, LED fog lights and unique fender flares. In addition to unique "Patrol" badging in place of "Armada" inside and out, the Patrol PRO-4X grade features many high-end features, including a panoramic moonroof, heated second-row seats, and heated and ventilated front seats.

Q: When does the Armada Patrol PRO-4X start production?

A: The 2027 Nissan Armada Patrol PRO-4X is expected to begin production in November 2026.

Q: Is the Nissan Armada good for going off-road?

A: The Nissan Armada was rigorously designed and tested to help give drivers confident performance off-road. The Armada Patrol PRO-4X features all-terrain tires, an off-road-specific front bumper with an increased approach angle, underbody skid plates, an electronic locking differential and Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension. It stands out from other SUVs at the trailhead with fender flares, 20-inch painted PRO-4X wheels and numerous Lava Red accents.