Volkswagen California vs Nissan Patrol
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.
Volkswagen California
From $93,790
Camper Van
Diesel
2.0L TDI turbo-diesel
110kW
6.6 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
—
Nissan Patrol
From $90,600
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
298kW
14.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
620L
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Price Breakdown
The Volkswagen California starts from $93,790 before on-road costs, while the Nissan Patrol opens at $90,600. 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 $103,169 and $99,660 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 counters with wireless charging that the Volkswagen California does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen California uses a 2.0L TDI turbo-diesel producing 110kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed dsg dual-clutch to a FWD layout.
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 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen California measures 4,904mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 271mm shorter than the Nissan Patrol at 5,175mm (3,075mm 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 $1,881/year for the Volkswagen California and $4,104/year for the Nissan Patrol. That is a $2,223 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen California.
Estimated annual total: $1,881 (Volkswagen California) vs $4,104 (Nissan Patrol). 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 (Volkswagen California) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan Patrol). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen California if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
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.
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, Volkswagen California and Nissan Patrol?
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 Volkswagen California and Nissan Patrol 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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