New Y63 Nissan Patrol enters production for Australia

Key takeaways

• First Australian deliveries are still scheduled for the first quarter of 2027
• Braked towing capacity rises to 3,700kg, up 200kg on the outgoing Patrol
• New ladder chassis is 40% stiffer, with far more high-strength steel

Production of the all-new Nissan Patrol has started in Japan with the first right-hand-drive vehicles for Australia coming off the line at the Nissan Shatai Kyushu plant this week. First local customer deliveries remain on track for the first quarter of 2027.

The Kyushu factory has built Patrols for Australia for years. Nissan also makes the Infiniti QX80 luxury SUV there, along with the new Elgrand people mover, which is sold only in Japan.

Stiffer chassis and more high-strength steel

The Y63 Patrol rides on a new ladder-frame chassis with much larger side rails than the outgoing Y62. Nissan says the frame is 40% stiffer in torsion, and that the extra rigidity improves ride comfort and handling while cutting noise and vibration.

The new frame also underpins a higher 3,700kg maximum braked towing capacity, up from 3,500kg for the V8 model. That puts the Patrol 200kg ahead of the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, which is rated to tow 3,500kg. Nissan notes the figure is based on a genuine Nissan towbar, and real-world capacity depends on how the vehicle is loaded.

High-strength steel now makes up 27% of the body structure, up from just 6% in the Y62. Nissan says this makes the body stronger and more rigid, which helps durability and occupant protection without adding unnecessary weight.

The production announcement didn’t cover the drivetrain, but Nissan has already confirmed the Y63 swaps the 5.6-litre V8 for a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6. It makes 317kW and 700Nm, up 19kW and 140Nm on the V8, and drives through a nine-speed automatic. Adaptive air suspension will be offered on higher grades, a first for the Patrol in Australia.

When does the new Nissan Patrol arrive in Australia?

Nissan says the new Patrol will launch locally in the coming months with the first customer deliveries due between January and March 2027. Australia will again be the first right-hand-drive market to get the new model.

Nissan has confirmed a six-grade Australian range with detailed specifications for each grade are yet to be announced. Expect the full grade breakdown closer to launch.