Nissan Patrol vs BMW X3
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 Nissan Patrol starts from $90,600 before on-road costs, while the BMW X3 opens at $86,100. That makes the BMW X3 the more affordable entry point by $4,500.
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 $99,660 and $94,710 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW X3 by roughly $9,830 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 Nissan Patrol features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the BMW X3 gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW X3 counters with Bowers & Wilkins audio that the Nissan Patrol does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Nissan Patrol gets leather upholstery while the BMW X3 offers merino leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Nissan Patrol and 4-zone in the BMW X3.
Drivetrain
The Nissan Patrol uses a Petrol producing 298kW and 560Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.6 seconds.
The BMW X3 responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 310Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6 seconds.
The Nissan Patrol has the clear power advantage at 298kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X3 is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Nissan Patrol measures 5,175mm long on a 3,075mm wheelbase, 420mm longer than the BMW X3 at 4,755mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan Patrol generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 620L in the Nissan Patrol and 570L in the BMW X3, giving the Nissan Patrol a 50L advantage. The Nissan Patrol seats 8 vs 5.
For towing, the Nissan Patrol leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.1m to 12.6m
Based on 12.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m 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 $4,104/year for the Nissan Patrol and $2,138/year for the BMW X3. That is a $1,966 annual difference in favour of the BMW X3.
Estimated annual total: $4,104 (Nissan Patrol) vs $2,138 (BMW X3). The BMW X3 saves you roughly $1,966 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan Patrol) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan Patrol if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW X3 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Nissan Patrol and BMW X3 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The BMW X3 will save you roughly $1,966 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Nissan Patrol has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Nissan Patrol and BMW X3?
The BMW X3 is the cheapest at $86,100 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Nissan Patrol by $4,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW X3 uses the least fuel at 7.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Nissan Patrol and BMW X3 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
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 is the most powerful?
The Nissan Patrol makes the most power at 298kW. The BMW X3 is quickest to 100km/h in 6s.
Get ahead of your next car
Join free for new-car launches, news, reviews and buying guides. The independent take on what's new in Australia and what's actually worth buying, no dealer spin. Plus early access and founding-member pricing on the upcoming CarSorted Pro Report. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
