Nissan Patrol News

The Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series is preparing for an all in brawl.The big, bad and brawny SUV is king off the road, but it is about to have a lot of new competitors that’ll bring luxe interiors, potent performance wearing new and iconic names.One new entrant has already landed in showrooms while two more big names are expected in the next two years.Here are the biggest challengers lining up to take on Australia’s default big 4WD.The LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol have been in a Rocky and Apollo Creed-style slugfest for decades.Now a new version of the Patrol, dubbed Y63, has been revealed and is due in Australia towards the end of next year.The bruising off-roader switches out its V8 engine for a potent 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6, which makes 317kW and 700Nm.Those outputs trump the LandCruiser’s 3.3-litre diesel twin-turbo motor that pumps out 227kW and 700Nm.Nissan has also assured us it will be 24 per cent more efficient than the outgoing V8, which puts its usage about 11L/100km that will ease some of the pain at the bowser.It'll be swimming in new tech and have proper off-road ability.The return of the Pajero completes the big three of Japanese 4WDs, which dominated Australian regions for so long.The new Pajero hasn’t been confirmed yet by Mitsubishi but big blocky 4WD test vehicles have been spotted around the world, including in western Victoria by CarsGuide.The new vehicle will replace the now defunct Pajero Sport off-roader, and it is believed it'll drop the Sport name and be simply called Pajero.There are still a lot of unknowns, but it is believed to be based on the current Triton ute, which means a rugged ladder frame and diesel grunt.Expect it to use a version of 2.4-litre bi-turbo-diesel engine, but it could make more than the 150kW and 470Nm in the Australian-specification Triton.The door has been left open for the new Pajero to use an SUV-like monocoque platform like the Pajero’s of old, but it is more likely to be based on the Triton.It is expected to be revealed this year with Australian sales to follow not long after.This one delivers the biggest curveball to the big three Japanese 4WDs.Denza, which is a sub-brand of BYD, has just launched the B8 and slightly smaller B5 off-roaders in Australia.Denza Australia’s COO Mark Harland told CarsGuide people are trading in a range of vehicles including LandCruisers and Prados as they switch to the new Chinese entrant.The B8 has a lot going for it.It uses a plug-in hybrid set-up that combines a turbo-petrol 2.0-litre engine with twin electric motors for a total 425kW and 760Nm.Denza claims that is good enough to propel it from a standstill to 100km in 4.8 seconds. It is fitted with a circa-37kWh Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery, which delivers a claimed EV-only driving range of 100km.It is also cheaper than the LandCruiser, starting at $91,000, before on-road costs.The B8 has a braked trailer towing capacity of 3500kg and a wading depth of 890mm. The base seven-seat version only gets a rear diff lock, while the more expensive six-seater variant features a front and rear diff lock set-up. Wading depth is 890mm.

Fuel prices are soaring across the board whether it is petrol or diesel. Some drivers are being more affected than others as lower fuel efficiency contributes to higher refuelling costs. Here are the most expensive cars to run currently in Australia based on fuel efficiency. Other contributing factors to the high fuel costs on this list include the fact many of the cars have big fuel tanks and require premium fuel.Fuel prices have been calculated using the average prices for fuel in New South Wales and at an average of 15,000km driven per year. Among the heaviest guzzlers is the Nissan Patrol four-wheel drive, with its 5.6-litre V8 drinking fuel at a rate of 14.4L/100km. Its 140-litre fuel tank and requirement for premium unleaded petrol means it costs $364 per fill-up and a total yearly cost of $5617.28. The Patrol will move to a more efficient 3.5-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo petrol, which is expected to reduce fuel costs. The Ford Mustang sports car is another V8 on this list, with its 5.0-litre unit registering average fuel efficiency at 13.6L/100km and a yearly cost of $5310.27.Ford’s other representative is the Ranger Raptor high-end ute, powered by a twin-turbo six-cylinder petrol engine costing $4482.76 per year. The Ineos Grenadier off-roader is the most expensive model to run and costs $5618.50 a year to run, in part due to it being diesel, which has been the fuel type that has increased the most. The Lexus GX550 has refuelling costs of $208 per fill-up currently, costing $4800 for the year, along with nearly $3000 for the Jeep Gladiator, which unlike many on this list can run off E10 fuel.The 6.2-litre petrol V8 found in the Chevrolet Silverado full-size pick-up has an economy of more than 12 litres per 100km, costing $4,356.30 over the year.  Genesis’ GV70 luxury SUV costs more $4400 per year in fuel, a similar figure to the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 variants of the Land Rover Defender. Highest fuel efficiency new vehicles on sale under $150,000 

Nissan Australia is waiting for more information before making any guesses about what the increasing conflict around the Persian Gulf might mean for Australian deliveries of its iconic 4WD.The new-gen 2026 Nissan Patrol is anticipated to be extremely popular in the Gulf region, in particular the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in line with its historic popularity there.But given the increasing effects of the US-Israeli war on Iran, there’s a possibility the UAE won’t be as interested in the full-size 4WD when it launches later this year.It raises the question as to whether, even though the UAE is a left-hand drive market and Australia a right-hand market, Nissan might shift its priority to supply Australia as the other major destination for the Patrol until the demand for Patrol in the Arabian Peninsula is clear.Nissan’s outgoing Managing Director for the Oceania region, Andrew Humberstone, told CarsGuide he doesn’t foresee the conflict affecting Australia’s supply of the Patrol yet.“In theory? No,” said Humberstone.“In theory, we have a product line that's coming, left-hand drive market, right-hand drive market.“So it's planned for when we're getting our product, the unveil is officially around September, October, end of the year.”In 2025, the ageing Y62 Nissan Patrol was the second-best selling model behind the Toyota HiLux, with 16,769 sales to its name. In Australia, 6263 sales over the same period saw it tail the Toyota LandCruiser by half alone excluding the 70 Series pick-up.Given the anticipated demand for the new-gen Y63 Patrol and the larger historical sales volume in the UAE, even a slight shift could mean much more comparative supply for Australia.“Is there a chance to anticipate ? I would welcome it. As a market, we would welcome it. “Yes, there's a lot going on in the Middle East. There's a lot of volume in the Middle East. “If that allows us additional productivity, let's see if they can do anything quicker.”While Humberstone didn’t foresee major changes to the plans already in place, he added the caveat that a protracted war in the region would obviously mean different circumstances that he wouldn’t be drawn to estimate.“But it's early days. It's only six-seven weeks. If it becomes three or four months, it'd be a different conversation, too early for me to say, and it's way above my pay grade. “But I would welcome the idea.”

We’ve already looked at the most important cars coming in 2026, but what about the ones that may not be big sellers but will generate a lot of excitement?Well, there’s plenty of those to choose from (because there’s no shortage of new models to choose from in the jam-packed Australian new car market anyway), but we’ve narrowed it down to the five most notable examples. These may not be the most popular newcomers, but they are the new offerings that make the biggest statement about the brand’s intent. Toyota RAV4 PHEVToyota was adamant for over a decade that its conventional hybrid system was all it needed to keep buyers happy. But with plug-in hybrid sales more than doubling in 2025 it has finally decided that the time is right to join the party.The RAV4 PHEV won’t land until later in the year, months after the rest of the range goes on sale, but it will bring with it a new flagship GR Sport variant. This will be powered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid powertrain that will make 227kW and be capable of driving up to 100km on electric power alone.There will also be a single-motor, front-wheel drive option, on the more affordable mid-spec XSE trim line, which should ensure the PHEV has appeal to a reasonable amount of the market.The biggest challenge for Toyota will be ensuring the RAV4 PHEV is price-competitive against its Chinese rivals, such as the BYD Sealion 6 (from $42,990), GWM Haval H6 (from $44,990) and MG HS (from $49,690).Mazda 6e Will it be second time’s a charm for Mazda with electric cars? And, perhaps even more curiously, is there still a market for the sedan?Local management has made no secret that its first electric offering, the MX-30, was a niche player that had limited appeal at its size and price. But that’s not the case for the 6e, which is a very different proposition on every level and therefore holds great potential - for better or worse - for the brand.For starters, the 6e is the product of Mazda’s partnership with Chinese carmaker Changan, makers of Deepal. That has allowed Mazda to confirm a starting price of “less than $55,000” for the 6e, which is pretty competitive for a mid-size sedan, regardless of powertrain. However, both electric cars and mid-size sedans are still niche propositions, so the combination of both makes for a significant challenge for Mazda to overcome. If the price and specification levels are appealing, perhaps the Mazda badge can help lure buyers away from a Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal, but even if it does that successfully the 6e will likely be a modest seller.But what makes it so exciting is the potential it has to define Mazda’s future. If it does well, Mazda will likely continue to explore more EV options. But if it doesn’t, the brand will need to pivot and focus on its PHEV powertrains for the foreseeable future.Hyundai Palisade XRT ProHaving enjoyed huge success with its sporty ‘N’ brand, Hyundai is trying to expand its portfolio into the off-road space with ‘XRT’. We’ve already seen accessories packs for the Santa Fe, but in 2026 the brand will take the next step and offer the Palisade XRT Pro as a specific trim grade.While the Santa Fe XRT package was style focused, the Palisade XRT Pro takes everything a step further. There’s a unique grille and lower bumper that incorporates twin, chassis-mounted tow hooks, as well as new side skirts and rear bumper, all of which improves its approach, breakover and departure angles.There is a new XRT Pro-exclusive rear electronic limited-slip differential for better off-road capability as well as downhill brake control and new terrain modes for mud, sand and snow, plus 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres. But Hyundai has stopped short of modifying the suspension, so it is unlikely to convince true off-roaders to make the switch.But it shows Hyundai is serious about making XRT Pro another element of its arsenal and we’ve seen there is scope for more XRT and XRT Pro models in the future, assuming the Palisade makes an impact.Denza B5 and B8 Perhaps the biggest problem Hyundai faces competing with the LandCruiser and Everest is actually these two new arrivals. Denza, a spin-off from BYD, is also aiming to become an alternative to the current large SUV kings.The Prado-sized B5 and LandCruiser rivaling B8 are both powered by potent plug-in hybrid powertrains while still being capable of towing up to 3000kg and 3500kg, respectively.As evidenced by the success of the BYD Shark 6, Australians are open-minded about plug-in hybrid utes, so it makes sense for Denza to see if the same is true for the rugged SUV market.With the entire range all priced below $100,000, and the B5 kicking off from a highly-competitive $74,990, Denza has positioned itself well to try and attract Aussie adventures to its new offerings.Nissan PatrolIt’s been a long, long time coming but the Patrol is inching closer to Australia. It’s still not 100 per cent locked in for a 2026 showroom arrival, but it’s still the most exciting new model for Nissan in a long time.After a difficult 2025 thanks to the company's financial troubles, Nissan Australia could do with a positive boost this year. The new Patrol drops the old V8 and replaces it with a twin-turbo V6 that makes even more performance, a very healthy 317kW/700Nm.It may not be Nissan’s biggest seller, but the new Patrol will be a big and, more importantly, positive addition to the line-up which makes it very exciting.

The future is bright.

Four-wheel drive vehicles are widely considered ‘real’ off-road vehicles, but all-wheel drive vehicles are also capable of tackling off-road adventures in their own right.However, for the purpose of this yarn, we’ll focus on 4WDs.So, what are the top five off-roaders of all time? This is a purely subjective yarn, so feel free to pitch in with your opinion and your own top five off-roaders of all time.Read on. (Note: all prices in this yarn were correct at time of writing.)All versions of this legendary 4WD have for a long time found favour with off-road adventurers because of their drivability (ease of use and comfort); its capability (in general driving terms, as an off-roader, and for hauling heavy loads); its reputation for reliability (which, some say, has lapsed in recent years); and its fixability if something goes wrong. Rest assured, if you suffer experience vehicle-based strife, even out past the black stump, you’ll likely be able to find Toyota parts somewhere near-ish without too much hassle.Many Cruisers are used as off-road vehicles (for work and play), but which Cruiser variant should be your preferred choice if you’re after a reliable, capable and comfortable long-distance tourer to haul camping gear or tow your camper-trailer or caravan? Take your pick: 40 Series, 60 Series, 70 Series, 80 Series, 100 Series, 200 Series. The 105 (more widely known here as the Prado) is the Cruiser’s less macho little brother, but it is still very popular because of its reputation as a capable, comfortable touring platform.Our mate Alf Johnston's 80 – pictured throughout this yarn – is a 1996 GXL 80 Series with a 24-valve 6-cylinder 1HD-FT turbo-diesel engine and automatic transmission. It has a touring friendly 270-litre fuel tank – a long range fuel tank set-up – and 30-litre water tank. A standard version had a 90-litre fuel tank and a 45-litre fuel tank.For me, the 4.5-litre V8 twin turbo-diesel engine (200kW and 650Nm) is the stand-out.There is a massive trade-off when buying most Cruisers though: new or used, it may be on the wrong side of expensive. Just ask anyone trying to buy a second-hand Cruiser about ‘Toyota tax’, i.e. the persistently high re-sale value of any Toyota that’s for sale, especially a Cruiser.Towing capacity is listed as 750kg (unbraked) and 3000kg (braked).Price: Expect to pay from $9999 for a 1999 Toyota Landcruiser 100 Series GXL 4X4 (with almost 391,000km on the odo) through to $242,000 for a 2022 Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series GXL (dual-cab chassis, loaded up with aftermarket gear and with 38,294km on the odo).Pros:RobustReliableNigh-on unbreakableCons:Hard to find oneEven harder to find one that hasn’t been thrashedWhen you do find a good one, it’ll be expensiveAnother Cruiser bonus: you can build up and customise your ultimate tourer with the help of Australia’s fantastic aftermarket industry – think ARB, Ironman 4x4, TJM, and the like.The Y63 is on its way but until then take your pick from new and used Patrols: GQ, GU, whatever.This well-respected 4WD wagon is another of Australia’s favourite touring vehicles and can be seen everywhere on the nation’s roads, and parked in caravan parks, or set up for camping.Any Patrol can be built up and customised as an ultimate tourer, but for me the mission-ready current-generation V8 Patrol Warrior wins out over the rest.Let me explain: a few years back Nissan Australia enlisted the expertise of Melbourne-based automotive engineering company Premcar to transform the Navara into the hard-core Pro-4X Warrior, which was a great success – and then Premcar did the same to the Patrol.At time of launch Premcar had baked into the Patrol more than $15,000 worth of top-notch conversion work, engineering upgrades and fitment of accessories to turn the 4WD wagon into the Warrior.It is bigger, wider and taller than the Ti spec Patrol on which it’s based and it has upgraded Aussie-tuned suspension, a Warrior-specific wheel-and-tyre package, a bi-modal exhaust system, substantial underbody protection, a 48kg increase in payload over the Ti to 736kg, as well as a whole lot of other stuff intended to turn the legendary 4WD wagon into an even more appealing vehicle, on- and off-road.The Warrior has the same 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine as the regular Patrol line-up but that’s fine because that engine – producing 298kW at 5800rpm and 560Nm at 4000rpm and matched to a seven-speed automatic transmission – is a bloody cracker.It also has a re-engineered version of Nissan’s Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, a 50mm total suspension lift with new springs front and rear (increasing vehicle height to 1990mm, 50mm more than the Ti), and increased ground clearance (323mm, 50mm more than the Ti) and wheel track (1735mm front and rear, 40mm more than the Ti).As with the Cruiser, the Patrol can be built up and customised as an ultimate tourer with the help of Australia’s great aftermarket industry (ARB, Ironman 4x4, et al).Price: Expect to pay anywhere from $115,990 for a 2025 Nissan Patrol Warrior (4X4) Y62 MY25 (with 546km on the odo) through to $122,990 for a 2025 Nissan Patrol Warrior (4X4) Y62 MY25 (with 5698km on the odo).Pros:GutsyIt’ll go anywherePlenty of sparesCons:ThirstyHard to find a good one for the right priceHard to find a good one that hasn’t been driven hardWhile older versions of the Ranger are well worth considering, let’s focus on the newer post-2022 versions here.The Ranger and its wagon stablemate, the Ranger-based Everest, are both refined, comfortable and capable, and either of them make a great platform as an on- and off-road touring vehicle.The Ranger – with either a 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine (147kW/470Nm) a 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine (157kW/500Nm), or the new-ish 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine (184kW/600Nm) – is a solid and nice-driving unit.Obviously, if it’s your cup of tea, the Raptor is the go.Same goes for the Everest, though because it’s a wagon, it lacks the Ranger’s work-friendly versatility, but it does yield a smoother ride and handling overall.Long-distance road trips aren’t daunting if you know you’re clocking up the kays in these vehicles, which both offer refined on-road driving experiences.Ford’s all-wheel drive system is smooth in its application and helps to make these vehicles comfortably capable in most off-road scenarios.The Ranger and Everest have become increasingly prevalent on our roads in recent years and they appeal to off-road adventurers who want comfortable and capable touring vehicles.The Ranger has listed towing capacities of 750kg (unbraked) and 3500kg (braked). The Everest has listed towing capacities of 750kg (unbraked) and 3000kg (braked) or 3100kg (braked), depending on the variant.Price: Expect to pay from $28,888 for a 2022 Ford Ranger Xl 3.2 (4X4) Px MkIII MY21.75 (with 219,805km on the odo) through to $95,990 for a 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor 3.0 (4X4) MY25.25 (with 255km on the odo).Price: Expect to pay from $33,888 for a 2022 Ford Everest Trend (4WD) (with 176,099km on the odo) through to $88,999 for a 2023 Ford Everest Platinum (4WD) (with 22,212km on the odo).Pros:RefinedNice to driveWell-appointedCons:ExpensiveNew versions almost too reliant on techV6 can become thirsty off-roadThe legendary Land Rover Series I, II, III preceded the Defender, but while the older Landies have the monopoly on that ye olde Insta-friendly romantic vision of off-roading, the 75th anniversary Defender 110 of 2023 does it for me.This limited-edition 75th anniversary five-door 110 body style Landie with like-it-or-loathe-it Grasmere green exterior is based on the high-grade HSE variant. Note: three-door 90 body-style versions are also available.The Defender manages to retain the old Defender’s distinctive shape and spirit while introducing the new-generation’s style and presence into the mix.This is a P400 MHEV (mild hybrid electric vehicle) and has a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, supported by a small electric motor. That engine produces 294kW at 5500-6500rpm and 550Nm at 2000-5000rpm and it’s matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission.The P400 MHEV has a 48-volt lithium-ion battery, aimed at reducing engine load and fuel consumption, and it has a 7kW electric supercharger aimed at minimising turbo lag.The Defender has permanent all-wheel drive and a dual-range transfer case with high- and low-range 4WD. It has a comprehensive suite of driver-assist tech – including Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 system, with switchable modes such as Grass/Gravel/Snow, Sand, Mud and Ruts, and Rock Crawl. That system tweaks throttle response, engine outputs, transmission shifts and diff control to best suit the terrain.It also has centre and rear diff locks.Defender buyers can add to their vehicle from a range of accessories and Packs, which include grouped accessories to suit your specific lifestyle, i.e. Adventure, Explorer, Country or Urban.Price: Expect to pay from $112,950 for a 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 P400 75th Edition Auto AWD MY23.5 (with 50,970km on the odo) through to $125,800 for a 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 P400 75th Edition Auto AWD MY23.5 (with 25,000km on the odo).Pros:Old-school charmNew-age styleIt’ll go anywhereCons:Price-tagHard to find a good one for the right priceThe Pajero is on its way back – hopefully in the not-too-distant future – but until then if you can find a previous-gen Pajero you’re in luck.Mitsubishi officially ceased production of its fourth-generation Pajero in March 2021, but this no-frills 4WD wagon still holds tons of appeal for seekers of adventure – and that’s why you see a lot of them everywhere: on the blacktop, out in the bush and on our beaches.It’s not the most dynamic or exciting off-roader on the market, in terms of looks or performance, but the 3.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel Pajero (141kW/441Nm) has a legion of fans due to its simple, no-fuss approach to life on and off the road. It’s also not the heaviest hauler around (tow capacity is 3000kg), but it’s a gutsy unit.It’s easy to drive, very capable and very functional. The 4WD Pajero also has 'Super Select II' 4WD system which offers four drive modes: 2H (two-wheel drive, rear), 4H (4WD high range but, in this, safe to use at high speed on bitumen), 4H LC (4WD/all-wheel drive with locked centre diff; suitable for off-road driving at 30km/h or so) and 4L LC (4WD with locked centre diff and low-range gearing engaged; suitable only for low-speed 4WDing (below 30km/h). Turns out 4H is a good state of play for general driving.The 2.4-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel Pajero Sport (133kW/430Nm), though light on in terms of towing capacity (3100kg, braked) still compares favourably to segment rivals and dual cab utes in terms of general standard packability and it remains an appealing proposition as an all-round touring machine.Price: Expect to pay from $43,990 for a 2022 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Exceed (4WD) seven-seat eat MY22 (with 72,349km on the odo) through to $60,888 for a 2024 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Exceed (4WD) seven-seat MY24 (with 10km on the odo).Pros:Nice to drive on-roadVery capable off-roadDecent fuel consumptionCons:Feels a bit old compared to rivalsTowing capacity (on paper) is less than rivalsSmaller inside than most rivals

Nissan is making no bones about the fact that it needs more models to sell in greater numbers in Australia, with China emerging as a key supplier moving forward. With the current range coming from Thailand (Navara), Japan (X-Trail, Ariya, Patrol), United Kingdom (Qashqai, Juke) and North America (Pathfinder), a lower-cost source is seen as a solution to one of the company’s biggest hurdles.

China's GWM is set to launch a new 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine option in the Prado-rivalling Tank 500 SUV in the second half of 2025. It will also feature in the related Cannon Alpha ute.Orders for the new-generation Nissan Patrol Y63 will open in Australia late in 2026, ahead of first deliveries in 2027.An update for the Suzuki Jimny three-door will see it return for local sale in early 2026. It will feature safety technology that's already present in the Jimny XL five-door.A new petrol-electric hybrid powertrain will join the LandCruiser 300 Series line-up in the second half of 2026. A version of this engine already features in the Tundra pickup. Want to know what other new models are due in 2026? Check out our rolling coverage by clicking on the links below. Best EVs Australia 2026Best Small Cars Australia 2026Best Ute Australia 2026Best New Cars 2026 AustraliaBest Family Cars Australia 2026Best Hybrid Cars Australia 2026Best SUVs Australia 2026

Y63 Patrol spied in Australia already!

Modern 4x4s are packed with clever tech - but at what cost?