For over seven decades, the Nissan Patrol has been the desert-conquering, highway-devouring SUV that refuses to fade into obscurity. Now, the seventh-generation Nissan Patrol Y63 blends its off-road heritage with hyper-modern tech, ditching the V8 for a turbo V6 punch. It was unveiled in September 2024 and is gearing up for broader 2026 rollouts. As orders open in key markets like Australia late this year, with deliveries into 2027, the Y63 promises to challenge the Toyota Land Cruiser like never before.
Heritage: From Post-War Utility to Global Legend
The Patrol’s story is one of unyielding endurance.
- 4W60 series (1951): A bare-bones 4×4 inspired by American Jeeps, built for Japan’s Imperial Army.
- 60-series (By the 1960s): Went global, conquering Australian dunes and African safaris.
- 160-series (1980s): Introduced coil springs for smoother rides
- Y61 (1997-2010): Added luxury trims that outsold rivals in the UAE
- Y62 (2010-present): Cemented its status with a 5.6L V8, full-time 4WD, and sales topping 1.5 million units. In Australia, it remains a bestseller, with 1,853 units moved in Q1 2025 alone—eclipsing the Land Cruiser.
- Y63: Arrives as Nissan pivots to electrification-lite, but don’t expect a full EV—it’s all about refined power and smarter 4×4 tech.
Design
The Y63 sheds the boxy Y62 silhouette for a sleeker, more angular profile. The Y63 features:
- Measurements: 5,340mm long, 2,030mm wide, and 1,955mm tall
- Front grille: It is massive, flanked by slim LED headlights and optional light bars for dune nights.
- Side steps and 21-inch alloys: (up to 22s on NISMO) add presence
- Rear’s full-width taillights and power tailgate: Scream luxury hauler
The Nissan Patrol Y63 Interior has:
- Dual 14.3-inch screens running Nissan’s latest infotainment with Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Klipsch premium audio.
- Quilted leather, massaging seats for eight, and ambient lighting elevate it to Bentley Bentayga territory.
- Cargo space jumps 30% to 1,022L behind the third row, with power-folding seats for versatility.
Off-roaders get the PRO-4X trim with Bilstein dampers, all-terrain tires, and skid plates, while the NISMO variant—unveiled in June 2025—adds GT-R-inspired flair with red accents and a 49mm stance drop for corner-carving poise.
Powertrain
The 2025 Nissan Patrol Y63 powertrain is a twin-turbo refinement. It features:
- Base VR35DDTT 3.5L V6: Pumps 425hp (317kW) and 516lb-ft (700Nm)
- 3.8L V6 (316hp): Offered in some markets, but the turbo is the star—24% more efficient than the old 5.6L, with 0-60mph in under 6 seconds.
- Seamless shifts and Versatility: Adaptive air suspension (up to 3.3in adjustment) and six drive modes ensure versatility, plus a new 4WD interlock for seamless shifts.
- Nissan Patrol Y63 drive modes: Eco, Sport, Sand, Rock, Mud, Tow
The NISMO cranks it to 495hp (370kW) via ECU tweaks and freer-flowing exhaust—outpacing the US Armada NISMO’s 460hp “region-specific” detune. Expect 3,500kg towing and 800mm wading depth, though real-world fuel? Owners report 4.7-8.4km/L (11-20mpg) in mixed use—better than the Y62’s thirst but no hybrid miracle yet.
| Trim | Engine | Power/Torque | Key Features | Fuel Economy |
| Standard | 3.5L TT V6 | 425hp / 516lb-ft | Dual screens, Klipsch audio, air suspension | 8.4km/L mixed |
| PRO-4X | 3.5L TT V6 | 425hp / 516lb-ft | Bilstein shocks, all-terrain tires, skid plates | 7-8km/L off-road |
| NISMO | 3.5L TT V6 (tuned) | 495hp / 516lb-ft | Adaptive dampers, aero kit, red accents | ~7km/L (est.) |
Market Rollout and Pricing
Launched in the UAE and Qatar in late 2024, the Y63 hit the US as the 2025 Armada. Australia gets right-hand-drive orders in late 2026 (deliveries 2027). The Nissan Patrol Y63 Price starts around $100,000 in the Middle East, likely $120,000+ AUD Down Under.
X buzz is electric
Fans rave about the NISMO’s “GT-R heart” and PRO-4X’s dune-ready upgrades, though some pine for V8 soul. Leaks and reveals have sparked debates on its “ugly” front end, but real-world tests praise the turbo’s low-end shove.
The Verdict
The Y63 isn’t just an update—it’s Nissan’s bold bet on turbo luxury in a hybrid world. It outpowers the LandCruiser’s base V6, matches its off-road chops, and laps it in cabin tech. Drawbacks? Fuel figures won’t thrill greens, and the V6 lacks V8 theater. Yet, with NISMO’s 495hp firebreathing and PRO-4X’s trail dominance, the 2026 Patrol Y63 proves legends evolve—or get left in the dust.
