2026 Nissan Patrol Y63 Review: A V6 Beast Worth the Wait?

The Nissan Patrol Y63, unveiled in September 2024 in Abu Dhabi and slated for Australia in late 2026, is here to shake up the full-size 4WD scene. This seventh-generation beast trades the Y62’s iconic V8 for a punchy 3.5L twin-turbo V6, wraps it in a modernized design, and packs a tech-heavy cabin to rival the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series. Priced at an estimated $100,000–$120,000 AUD (up 10–15% from the Y62), it’s a pricier proposition, but is it worth waiting for over the outgoing V8 model? Chasing Cars tested it in Dubai’s 43°C heat, and we’ve combed through web insights and X chatter to bring you the full scoop. From its torquey engine to its plush interior, here’s our deep dive into the Y63’s exterior, interior, powertrain, tech, ride, pricing, and whether it’s the ultimate off-roader for Outback adventurers or Sydney families.

Exterior: Bold, Boxy, and Built for Presence

The Y63 Patrol is a head-turner, evolving the Y62’s rugged charm into a sharper, more contemporary package. At 5,200mm long, 2,000mm wide, and 1,940mm tall (per Drive), it’s slightly larger than the Y62, with a 2,950mm wheelbase for stability on rocky trails. The Platinum trim we tested sports C-shaped LED headlights, a wider V-motion grille, and a full-width rear light bar with “PLATINUM” lettering, giving it a premium edge over the LandCruiser 300’s utilitarian vibe.

22-inch wheels (with chunky Geolander tires) and heavily tinted windows (a must in Dubai’s heat) add swagger, while the White Pearl finish pops in urban Brisbane or desert dunes. A Nismo variant with red accents and a rear spoiler teases sporty flair, though it’s unconfirmed for Australia. Drawbacks? The gloss black trim scratches easily, and some X users call the design “too try-hard” compared to the Y62’s classic look. Wow Factor: 8/10—bold and modern, but not everyone’s cuppa.

What’s New:

• Boxy design with C-shaped LEDs and full-width rear lettering.
• 22-inch wheels, optional air suspension (70mm height adjustment).
• Wider grille and Nismo styling cues (Middle East only for now).
• More premium than LandCruiser, less flashy than Range Rover.

Real-World Vibe: A Perth exec cruises the Great Ocean Road, turning heads in White Pearl.

Interior: Plush, Techy, and Built to Last

Step inside the Y63, and it’s a quantum leap from the Y62, even post-2024 facelift. The Platinum trim boasts soft leather seats (cherry red and black combo), a dark headliner, and a panoramic roof (kept closed in Dubai’s heat). Massaging front seats (12-way adjustable) are firm yet comfy, though cooled seats are underwhelming.

The 14-inch touchscreen, Klipsch audio, and physical climate controls make it user-friendly for Sydney commuters, while a cool box, wireless charger, and USB-C ports add practicality. Build quality is rock-solid—no rattles after 9,000km—though lower plastics feel cheap. The second row offers decent legroom (34 inches, better than the LandCruiser 300), with rear climate controls and HDMI-enabled monitors. The third row is kid-only, and the 800L boot (5-seat mode) shrinks to ~300L with all seats up, trailing car-based SUVs like the Mazda CX-90 (1,000L). Wow Factor: 8.5/10—luxurious and modern, but third-row space disappoints.

What’s New:

• 14-inch touchscreen, Klipsch audio, ProPilot safety suite.
• Massaging seats, panoramic roof, rear monitors.
• 2 inches more second-row legroom than Y62.
• More upscale than Everest, less spacious than CX-90.

Real-World Vibe: An Alice Springs family loads up for a camping trip, loving the cool box.

Powertrain: Torquey V6 Lacks V8 Soul

The Y63 swaps the Y62’s 5.6L V8 (298kW/560Nm) for a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 (317kW/700Nm), delivering 20kW more power and 140Nm more torque at lower RPMs for effortless towing (3,500kg) and hill climbs.

Paired with a 9-speed torque converter auto, it’s smoother and torquier than the V8’s 7-speed, hitting 0–100km/h in ~6.5 seconds (per CarExpert estimates). A 3.8L naturally aspirated V6 (236kW/386Nm) exists in some markets but is unlikely for Australia due to its lower grunt. Fuel economy is a mixed bag: 10L/100km highway, 15L/100km urban (12% better than the Y62’s 14.4L/100km), but a 97L fuel tank (down 30% from 140L) limits range to ~650–970km. The V8’s iconic roar is missed, with X posts lamenting the “sterile” V6 sound. Wow Factor: 7.5/10—powerful but lacks character.

What’s New:

• 3.5L twin-turbo V6: 317kW/700Nm, 9-speed auto.
• 0–100km/h in ~6.5 seconds, faster than Y62.
• 3,500kg towing, same as LandCruiser 300.
• Torquier than Everest, less soulful than Y62 V8.

Real-World Vibe: A Darwin off-roader powers through mud with torque to spare.

Technology: Modern Safety and Off-Road Smarts

The Y63 is tech-loaded, with Nissan’s ProPilot offering lane-centering, adaptive cruise, and blind-spot monitoring, ideal for Melbourne motorways (Australian inclusion TBD). A 360-degree camera with invisible bonnet tech aids off-road precision, while Multi-Terrain Select, a locking rear diff, and a two-speed transfer case tackle tough terrain.

The 14-inch touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and OTA updates, though it lacks AirPlay for rear monitors. A built-in air compressor simplifies tire adjustments for desert runs, and optional air suspension (70mm adjustment) boosts capability. Drawbacks? No heads-up display, and the Klipsch audio lacks deep bass, per X feedback. Wow Factor: 8.5/10—trail-ready and road-safe, but minor tech gaps.

What’s New:

• ProPilot safety, 360-degree camera with off-road views.
• Built-in air compressor, optional air suspension.
• 14-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity.
• More advanced than Y62, on par with LandCruiser.

Real-World Vibe: A Cairns adventurer uses invisible bonnet tech to navigate rocky trails.

Ride and Handling: Refined Yet Rugged

The Y63’s new ladder-frame chassis is stiffer than the Y62’s, with electric power steering that’s direct yet relaxed for highway cruising. The 9-speed auto is seamless, and the hydraulic body control system minimizes roll, outshining the LandCruiser 300’s handling. Without air suspension, the ride (on Geolander tires) is firm but smoother than the Y62, with less jitter over bumps. Off-road, the locking rear diff and two-speed transfer case make it unstoppable in the Simpson Desert, though the Nismo variant’s lower clearance limits trail use. On-road, it feels unibody-like, but wind noise from the panoramic roof creeps in at 110km/h. Wow Factor: 8/10—refined for a body-on-frame 4WD, but not as plush as a Range Rover.

What’s New:

• Stiffer chassis, improved hydraulic body control.
• Electric steering with less dead spot than Y62.
• Optional air suspension (70mm adjustment).
• Better handling than LandCruiser, less comfy than CX-90.

Real-World Vibe: A Brisbane driver cruises highways with ease, then tackles bush tracks.

Pricing: Premium Cost, Questionable Value

The Y63’s estimated $100,000–$120,000 AUD reflects a 10–15% hike over the Y62 ($88,900–$105,160), aligning with Middle East pricing (~$130,000 AUD for Platinum). The base Ti may start at $100,000, with Ti-L and Platinum pushing higher. A potential Warrior or Nismo could hit $130,000. The Y62’s value edge (starting at $88,900) makes it tempting, while the LandCruiser 300 ($97,990–$146,910) is pricier but diesel-efficient. The Ford Everest ($67,990–$77,000) undercuts both. Wow Factor: 7/10—competitive but steep for non-diesel buyers.

What’s New:

• Estimated $100,000–$120,000 AUD, up 10–15% from Y62.
• Platinum trim ~$120,000, Nismo ~$130,000 (est.).
• Pricier than Everest, similar to LandCruiser mid-trims.
• Less value than Y62’s V8 bang-for-buck.

Real-World Vibe: A Melbourne buyer weighs the Y63’s tech against the Y62’s lower price.

Final Thoughts: A Modern Patrol with Trade-Offs

The 2026 Nissan Patrol Y63 is a refined, tech-packed evolution that holds its own against the LandCruiser 300, with a torquey V6, plush cabin, and superior handling. Its off-road chops and modern design make it a strong pick for Outback adventurers and urban families. But the V8’s absence, so-so fuel economy (10–15L/100km), smaller fuel tank, and steep price hike give pause. If you love the V8’s roar and value, grab a Y62 before it’s gone. Otherwise, the Y63’s modern edge is worth the wait for those craving tech and torque.

Comparison Table

The Y63 excels in power and tech but trails in efficiency and boot space.

Buyer’s Guide: Who’s It For?

• Off-Road Enthusiasts: Locking diff and air compressor suit Simpson Desert treks.
• Families: Second-row space and tech for Gold Coast road trips, but third row is cramped.
• Luxury Seekers: Platinum’s massaging seats and Klipsch audio for Sydney execs.
• Avoid If: You prioritize fuel efficiency (LandCruiser 300) or value (Y62, Everest). Check Nissan Australia or carsguide.com.au for 2026 availability.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy the 2026 Nissan Patrol Y63

Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the 2026 Nissan Patrol Y63

About the Author

Chasing Cars The team at Chasing Cars produce Australia’s most independent car reviews. Every weekday, we serve up a new car review or comparison featuring a great range of models on sale in the Australian market. Whether you’re looking for a family SUV, a hot hatch, a sleek sedan, sporty coupe or practical wagon – if they build it, we cover it.

Sources

• YouTube: “Nissan Patrol Y63 2026 Review: Is It Worth Waiting For?” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXhu6R5yZMg
• Chasing Cars: https://www.chasingcars.com.au
• Drive: https://www.drive.com.au
• CarExpert: https://www.carexpert.com.au
• CarsGuide: https://www.carsguide.com.au
• X Posts: Sentiment on Nismo and V6 performance