Lexus RX vs Nissan Patrol
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Lexus RX starts from $90,350 before on-road costs, while the Nissan Patrol opens at $90,600. That makes the Lexus RX the more affordable entry point by $250.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $99,385 and $99,660 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus RX by roughly $10,685 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Lexus RX features a 14-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Nissan Patrol gets a 12.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lexus RX stands out with head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Lexus Premium Sound audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Nissan Patrol. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Lexus RX gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Nissan Patrol offers leather.
Drivetrain
The Lexus RX uses a Hybrid producing 179kW and 221Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds.
The Nissan Patrol responds with a Petrol making 298kW and 560Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds.
The Nissan Patrol has the clear power advantage at 298kW vs 179kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan Patrol is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus RX measures 4,890mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 285mm shorter than the Nissan Patrol at 5,175mm (3,075mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan Patrol generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 612L in the Lexus RX and 620L in the Nissan Patrol, giving the Nissan Patrol a 8L advantage. The Nissan Patrol seats 8 vs 5.
For towing, the Nissan Patrol leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 2,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m to 12.6m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Lexus RX and $4,104/year for the Nissan Patrol. That is a $2,137 annual difference in favour of the Lexus RX.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Lexus RX) vs $4,104 (Nissan Patrol). The Lexus RX saves you roughly $2,137 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus RX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan Patrol). The Nissan Patrol has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus RX)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus RX if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan Patrol if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Nissan Patrol takes 5 of 7 key spec categories. The Lexus RX will save you roughly $2,137 a year in fuel. The Nissan Patrol adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus RX and Nissan Patrol?
The Lexus RX is the cheapest at $90,350 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Nissan Patrol by $250.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus RX uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Lexus RX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Nissan Patrol has the largest boot at 620L.
Which can tow the most?
The Nissan Patrol has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Nissan Patrol has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan Patrol makes the most power at 298kW. The Nissan Patrol is quickest to 100km/h in 6.6s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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