Nissan Clarifies Why Its Leading SUV Will Not Feature The Anticipated Engine | Carscoops

      Nissan’s decision means that diesel enthusiasts will have no option but to choose the Land Cruiser 300.

      The company has confirmed there will be no diesel version of the Patrol, despite demand in certain regions. The Patrol will continue to feature twin-turbo and naturally aspirated V6 engines, as the company states that buyers currently favor petrol, hybrid, and electric alternatives.

      Last year, Nissan introduced the seventh-generation Patrol, announcing it would come equipped with a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 and a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6, both powered by gasoline.

      This announcement raised many questions about the possibility of a diesel variant joining the lineup, given the Patrol’s strong reputation in markets that prioritize torque over sheer horsepower.

      However, it has now been affirmed that no diesel version will be added, even though its main competitor, the Toyota Land Cruiser, continues to enjoy popularity with such engine options.

      What Happened to Diesel Demand?

      The Patrol, which closely resembles the Armada available in North America, has been a favorite in the Middle East and Australia, where diesel engines have historically been well-received. Nevertheless, according to the brand, diesel engines are becoming less popular in countries like Australia, which explains the absence of a diesel variant locally since 2017.

      "The reason is that this vehicle today is aligned with customer preferences and what they are willing to pay," stated Antonio Lopez, Nissan’s chief product specialist for full-size SUVs, in an interview with Australia’s Drive.

      "I understand that in Australia, some rural areas might still see the benefits of diesel due to compatibility with machinery fuel."

      Is Diesel Dead?

      "Trends are changing since most vehicles entering the Australian market are now either petrol, EVs, or hybrids, influenced by European trends," Lopez continued. "There is no longer a demand for diesel, which is why we believe this petrol-powered Patrol provides adequate performance for our customers."

      Currently, Nissan offers the mid-size Navara pickup with a diesel option, but it is an older model, and the company has cut back on diesel investments over the past ten years.

      While it's conceivable that Nissan could sell a diesel Patrol in Australia in significant numbers, it is improbable they would see similar success in the Middle East or with diesel Armadas in the U.S.

      In this context, creating a new diesel engine for a limited number of markets seems unfeasible for Nissan, especially as the company focuses on broader restructuring and a future that leans heavily toward electrification.