Nissan Australia has lifted the lid on the latest addition to its local lineup, the much-anticipated Y63 Patrol.
With order books opening in late August 2026 ahead of a Q1 2027 launch, the new model marks an important leap forward for one of Australia’s most storied nameplates. Not only does it offer a big jump in terms of performance, but also in terms of luxury.
More than ever, it also plays right into enthusiasts’ hands. Allow us to explain why.
1. It honours its 75-year history
Endurance is a key part of what makes certain nameplates great, and the Patrol certainly has that in spades.
Launched in Japan back in 1951, this announcement coincides with the model’s 75th anniversary. On a local level, it coincides with 65 years since its 1961 Aussie introduction as well.
During that time, it has become an enduring fixture of the outback, the worksite, and the family driveway alike. This has also bred a longstanding rivalry with drivers of a certain other Japanese 4×4 – and that’s fodder for the sort of banter Aussies like, right?
“For decades the Patrol has been a symbol of go-anywhere capability and trust, and it holds a special place with Australian customers,” notes Steve Milette, managing director of Nissan Oceania.
“The all-new Y63 Patrol honours that heritage while taking a significant leap forward. More powerful, more polished and more capable than ever before, we can’t wait to put it in our customers’ hands early next year.
2. It’s the most powerful Patrol ever, with a GT-R inspired heart
To say the Y63 Patrol has the engine from a GT-R would be wrong. Yes, its VR35DDTT engine hails from the same family as the VR38DETT in Nissan’s supercar killer, but they’re clearly built for different purposes.
Still, the Patrol is big on power. Packing 317kW and 700Nm from a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6, it marks increases of 19kW and 140Nm over its V8-powered predecessor. Peak torque is also available earlier in the rev range.
So, it isn’t quite a GT-R engine, but it still employs some of its technology. One key example: the Patrol also employs a scavenger oil pump.
The difference here is that instead of being used to help with hard cornering, the aim is to maintain consistent engine lubrication during extreme off-road driving, including on steep inclines and off-camber terrain.
3. The spec sheet rivals true luxury cars
Obviously, plenty of cars these days are being fitted with items that were once seen as the pinnacle of comfort. Items such as heated seats are now close to an expectation, rather than something only the preserve of the most prestigious marques.
The Y63 Patrol goes a step further, with the inclusion of ‘zero gravity’ seats in the first and second row, which ensure optimal posture and support enhanced comfort during long journeys.
Only taking that a step further, those sat up front are also treated to a massage function as well, adding a new level of long-distance comfort and underlining the premium positioning of Nissan’s new flagship model.
There’s more comfort-focused tech, too. How about a segment-first Biometric Cooling system which intelligently monitors passengers’ temperatures and automatically adjusts climate control settings to deliver the most comfortable experience possible. That’s a genuine advantage in climate as tough as Australia’s.
Add in twin 14.3-inch screens on its ‘Monolith’ display panel, a head-up display for the first time in the Patrol, and a 12-speaker Klipsch audio system with a 600-watt amplifier and you’ve got yourself a genuine Range Rover rival on paper.
4. It could be the perfect tow vehicle for your track car
Towing is a huge part of the Patrol’s must-do-well list when it comes to Aussie buyers. After all, that’s what many people buy big 4x4s like this for.
Indeed, Nissan itself notes the twin-turbo engine delivering stronger performance when towing, along with for daily driving and off-road conditions.
Just imagine pulling up to the next track day you head to in one of these. Not only will your classic Z track car look great on the back, but you’ll be limbered up from the massage seat and ready to slot behind the wheel for some laps.
Sounds like a plan?
You can find out more details about the Y63 Patrol on the Nissan Australia website.
Full pricing, model grade structure, and detailed specifications are set to be revealed at a later date.
