The 2026 Nissan Patrol Y63, unveiled in Abu Dhabi in September 2024 and hitting Australian showrooms in late 2026, is a bold reimagining of Nissan’s iconic 4WD. Swapping the Y62’s V8 for a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 (317kW/700Nm), it promises more power, a tech-loaded cabin, and refined handling to challenge the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series. Priced at an estimated $100,000–$120,000 AUD (up 10–15% from the Y62’s $88,900–$105,160), it’s a premium proposition for Outback adventurers and Sydney families. Tested by Chasing Cars in Dubai’s 43°C heat, the Y63 blends rugged capability with modern flair. But is it worth the wait and the price hike? Drawing from the transcript, web insights (e.g., Drive, CarExpert), and X chatter, here are the top 10 reasons to buy the Nissan Patrol Y63, plus a buyer’s guide to help you decide if it’s your next off-road king.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy the Nissan Patrol Y63
1. Torquey Twin-Turbo V6 Packs a Punch
The Y63’s 3.5L twin-turbo V6 (317kW/700Nm) outmuscles the Y62’s V8 (298kW/560Nm) by 19kW and 140Nm, hitting peak torque at 3,600rpm for effortless acceleration (~6.5s 0–100km/h, per CarExpert). It’s ideal for towing (3,500kg) or climbing steep Outback trails, paired with a 9-speed auto that’s smoother than the Y62’s 7-speed. While it lacks the V8’s roar, X users praise its “low-end grunt” for overtaking on highways.
Why Buy? More power, less revving—perfect for Darwin drivers.
2. Refined Ride Outshines Rivals
The Y63’s new ladder-frame chassis is stiffer, with electric power steering that’s direct yet relaxed, reducing the Y62’s dead spot. The hydraulic body control system minimizes roll, outhandling the LandCruiser 300, while the ride (on Geolander tires) is smoother, with less jitter over bumps. Optional air suspension (70mm adjustment) enhances comfort, per Drive.
Why Buy? A plush ride for Melbourne commutes or bush tracks.
3. Unstoppable Off-Road Capability
The Y63 retains the Patrol’s off-road legacy with a two-speed transfer case, locking rear diff, and Intelligent Dynamic Suspension. A built-in air compressor simplifies tire adjustments, and invisible bonnet tech aids precision on rocky trails. The Pro-4X trim (Middle East) adds all-terrain tires and skid plates, potentially replacing the Warrior in Australia.
Why Buy? Tackle the Simpson Desert with confidence.
4. Modern, Plush Interior
The Y63’s cabin leaps forward with soft leather, a panoramic roof, and massaging front seats (though cooled seats are weak). The 14.3-inch touchscreen and 14.3-inch digital cluster (28.6-inch combined display) support wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, while Klipsch audio delivers crisp sound. Build quality is tight—no rattles after 9,000km.
Why Buy? A luxurious space for Sydney execs or family road trips.
5. Bold, Upmarket Design
At 5,205mm long, 2,030mm wide, and 1,955mm tall (+35mm length/width), the Y63 sports C-shaped LED headlights, a 3D V-motion grille, and a full-width rear light bar with “PLATINUM” lettering. The boxy, Range Rover-inspired look (per Team-BHP) screams presence, though some X users find it “overstyled.”
Why Buy? Stand out in Brisbane’s urban jungle or desert dunes.
6. Advanced Tech and Safety
Nissan’s ProPilot offers lane-centering, adaptive cruise, and blind-spot monitoring, ideal for Perth highways (Australian inclusion TBD). A 360-degree camera with off-road views, Google Built-In (Maps, Assistant, Play Store), and gesture control modernize the experience. Infrared sensors adjust climate control based on passenger heat, per CarsGuide.
Why Buy? Cutting-edge tech for tech-savvy Aussies.
7. Spacious Cabin for Families
The Y63’s 30% wider rear section (per Nissan) boosts second-row legroom (34 inches, better than LandCruiser 300) and 800L boot space (5-seat mode, ~300L with 8 seats). Rear climate controls, USB-C ports, and HDMI-enabled rear monitors keep kids happy, though the third row is kid-only.
Why Buy? Practical for Gold Coast family adventures.
8. Nismo Variant for Performance Fans
The Nismo Y63 (launched in Dubai, unconfirmed for Australia) cranks the V6 to 369kW/700Nm, with 22-inch RAYS wheels, tuned dampers, and a sporty body kit (90mm longer, 40mm wider). It sacrifices some ground clearance (195mm vs. 244mm) for sharper dynamics, per Carsales.
Why Buy? A thrilling option for Melbourne enthusiasts.
9. Improved Fuel Economy (Sort Of)
Nissan claims a 24% fuel efficiency gain, but real-world tests show 10L/100km highway, 15L/100km urban—a 12% improvement over the Y62’s 14.4L/100km. The 97L fuel tank (down from 140L) limits range to ~650–970km, a downside for long-distance tourers.
Why Buy? Better than the V8, but diesel rivals like the LandCruiser are thriftier.
10. Australian-Made Parts and Local Focus
The Y63 features towbars made at Nissan’s Dandenong plant, certified with Australia’s green-and-gold kangaroo logo, exported to 40 countries. Nissan prioritizes Australia as the key right-hand-drive market, with a potential early launch by mid-2026, per CarsGuide.
Why Buy? Support local manufacturing and get it sooner.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Nissan Patrol Y63 | Toyota LandCruiser 300 | Ford Everest Sport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (AUD) | $100,000–$120,000 (est.) | $97,990–$146,910 | $67,990–$77,000 |
| Engine | 3.5L twin-turbo V6 (317kW/700Nm) | 3.3L twin-turbo diesel V6 (227kW/700Nm) | 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel (184kW/600Nm) |
| Fuel Economy | 10–15L/100km | 8.9L/100km | 8.5L/100km |
| Boot Space | 800L (5-seat) / 300L (8-seat) | 1,100L / 400L | 898L / 259L |
| Towing | 3,500kg | 3,500kg | 3,500kg |
The Y63 leads in power and tech but lags in efficiency and boot space.
Buyer’s Guide: Who’s It For?
- Off-Road Enthusiasts: Locking diff, air compressor, and air suspension for Simpson Desert treks.
- Families: Spacious second row and tech for Cairns road trips, but third row suits kids only.
- Luxury Seekers: Platinum’s massaging seats and Klipsch audio for Sydney execs.
- Avoid If: You need diesel efficiency (LandCruiser 300), V8 soul (Y62), or a budget option (Everest). Check Nissan Australia or carsguide.com.au for 2026 updates.
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
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