Nissan Patrol vs Volkswagen California
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Nissan Patrol
From $90,600
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
298kW
14.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
620L
Volkswagen California
From $93,790
Camper Van
Diesel
2.0L TDI turbo-diesel
110kW
6.6 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
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Price Breakdown
The Nissan Patrol starts from $90,600 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen California opens at $93,790. That makes the Nissan Patrol the more affordable entry point by $3,190.
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 $103,169 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen California by roughly $11,115 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
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Nissan Patrol stands out with wireless charging that you will not find on the Volkswagen California. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 Volkswagen California responds with a 2.0L TDI turbo-diesel making 110kW and 340Nm, paired to a 7-speed dsg dual-clutch driving the front wheels.
The Nissan Patrol has the clear power advantage at 298kW vs 110kW. 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, 271mm longer than the Volkswagen California at 4,904mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan Patrol generally means more rear legroom.
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.
12.5m diameter
Large
Based on 12.5m 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 $1,881/year for the Volkswagen California. That is a $2,223 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen California.
Estimated annual total: $4,104 (Nissan Patrol) vs $1,881 (Volkswagen California). The Volkswagen California saves you roughly $2,223 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 (Volkswagen California). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan Patrol if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen California if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Nissan Patrol takes 3 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Volkswagen California will save you roughly $2,223 a year in fuel. 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 Volkswagen California?
The Nissan Patrol is the cheapest at $90,600 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen California by $3,190.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen California uses the least fuel at 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Nissan Patrol and Volkswagen California carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
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.
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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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