Nissan Armada Nismo Unveiled As Most Powerful Armada Ever
We'll start here, since any Nismo-badged model simply has to prioritize performance. The 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 in the Armada Nismo produces 460 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. That's the same torque as other Armadas, but the Nismo gets a 35-hp boost when running on premium gas. Different engine programming and fine-tuning of valve clearances have enabled the higher output for this model, which is more powerful than rivals like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Jeep Wagoneer, and Ford Expedition.
A new exhaust system creates a meatier exhaust note, and an Active Sound Enhancement system further amplifies the V6's roar for the full enjoyment of occupants. A nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is equipped, but the Nismo doesn't have the electronic locking rear differential of the focused Pro-4X. As with other Armadas, the towing capacity is 8,500 lbs, but ground clearance drops from up to 9.9 inches in other models to 8.9 inches here, underlining the on-road focus of this model.
To go with its extra grunt, the Armada Nismo gets special tuning for the power steering and Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension. We doubt Nissan has been able to perform miracles here - this is still a four-wheel-drive SUV weighing over 6,100 pounds - but the Nismo should be a little more responsive.
If there is the same improvement in driver appeal that we saw between the normal Nissan Z and that car's Nismo derivative, the Armada Nismo should be quite a blast to drive by full-size SUV standards.
The Armada Nismo looks a lot meaner than other trims. The front/rear fascias, grille, rear spoiler, and side steps were all given a redesign. Fender flares and massive 22-inch forged wheels more than hint at this model's increased performance, while the high-performance all-season tires promise improvements in handling, acceleration, braking, and steering.
The most striking color is Nismo Stealth Gray with an available Super Black roof, which works well when combined with various red accents around the body. Black Diamond Pearl and Everest White Pearl with or without a Super Black roof are also available.
The racy vibe continues inside, where this model gains Nismo-specific quilted leather seats in a combination of charcoal and red. Multicolor ambient lighting, adjustable side bolsters for the front seats, and aluminum pedals are also added. This is also the only trim other than the Platinum Reserve to get front massaging seats.
Pricing for the new Nissan Armada Nismo hasn't been released yet, but we expect it to cost in the vicinity of the range-topping Platinum Reserve, which starts at $76,990 for the 2025 model year.
The 2026 Armada range will reach dealers this fall.
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
9 hours ago
- Newsweek
Nissan's New Leaf EV Comes With a Low Price Tag But a Steep Cost
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. For years, automotive industry executives have calmly and patiently explained that as advances in battery technology occur, and as battery-electric vehicles become more prevalent, the cost of batteries will come down and the price tags of EVs will follow. In the last decade, many automakers have promised lower-cost EVs but failed to deliver. Tesla, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia and Fiat are the closest to that proposition. The cheapest EV that can be purchased outright today in the U.S. is the Fiat 500e with a manufacturer's suggested retail price starting at $30,500. Last week, Nissan announced that the redesigned, next-generation 2026 Nissan Leaf will be priced to start at $29,990, nearly $3,000 less than the price of the first-generation Leaf when it was introduced in 2011. "Nissan is committed to making EV mobility accessible to all. That commitment is reflected in the pricing of the new 2026 Leaf," Michael Arbuckle, senior manager of the chief marketing management department at Nissan, told Newsweek. While the Nissan's cost may be low, the automaker is running into challenges from both the government and consumers. The Trump Administration's evolving tariff policies and a lack of charging infrastructure build out related to the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program haven't boosted customer opinions about EVs. Prospective EV drivers frequently cite cost and lack of charging capability as two of the main reasons for being hesitant about pulling the trigger on a model. "While tariffs remain a dynamic and evolving situation, Nissan remains committed to offering competitive vehicle pricing while strategically managing inventory to meet consumer demand," Arbuckle said. Nissan has shuffled its EV plans in recent years, scrapping the timeline for bringing electric U.S.-made sedans to market and pushing back the launch of the Leaf toward the end of this year. "Nissan has a larger problem than the Leaf's pricing or basic strategy," Stephanie Brinley, principal automotive analyst and associate director of AutoIntelligence at S&P Global Mobility, told Newsweek. "Delaying new EVs in the U.S. saved money and the idea of trying to time the market for when there is more volume to be had from EVs makes sense. Nissan doesn't need to be first to market to be credible in the EV space by the end of the decade. Delays and changes impacted the overall product plan over the past four years; the next four should look better for product cadence, but a lot of ground was lost," she said. With a new Chevrolet Bolt on the horizon and a more budget-friendly EV from Ford in the works, Leaf will face increasingly tough competition as it ages. Nissan needs a success. The company has around $54 billion in debt and has struggled to find a buyer. Ivan Espinosa, the automaker's fourth CEO in six years, aims to turn the company around. Interior of the 2026 Nissan Leaf. Interior of the 2026 Nissan Leaf. Nissan "The internal combustion engine vehicle lineup was allowed to age, and new generations have not stoked notable sales gains in the U.S. yet. Nissan is an automaker which has not been able to recover from the external impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2018, global sales were 5.0 million units. The low point was in 2022 with 2.9 million. Nissan increased to 3.1 million units in 2023, but our forecast shows Nissan will continue falling through the rest of the decade," Brinley said.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Yahoo
The 2026 Nissan Leaf Is the Cheapest New EV, And a Cheaper One Is Coming
If you've been waiting for that perfect blend of electric affordability and range, Nissan's third-generation Leaf might just be your cup of tea. Today, the company announced that not one, but two grades of its redesigned electric car will have a starting MSRP below $30,000, with the base Leaf (specs still TBA) likely coming in under that mark—even after taxes, titling and fees. Since Nissan is still keeping mum on the base Leaf S, we're forced to focus on the next-cheapest model, the S+, which starts at $31,485 with destination included (or $29,990 without, which is how Nissan gets to claim it has two models 'under $30k.'). And even though you'll pay more than that to get out the door in a Leaf S+, you're getting a 300-mile EV that can charge at a Tesla Supercharger without having to give Elon Musk a dime. For just under $32k, you get 214 horsepower and 303 miles of range; we expect the cheapo S model will get a smaller battery and potentially a less powerful motor. Bear in mind, at this price, the Leaf isn't just going to be cheap for an EV; even a Honda HR-V starts at $27,650 with destination. And if you're looking for more creature comforts, the price scales quite reasonably. Even the range-topping Platinum+ model starts well below the average transaction price of a new car. We crowned the Chevy Equinox the 'Value King,' but its throne is already in jeopardy. Fortunately, GM has a new (ish) Bolt EUV in the pipeline that should compete directly with the Leaf, and since GM went heavy on the 'ish,' it's likely in a fairly advanced stage of development, but even if it bows next year as expected, Nissan will have a model year's head start. Meanwhile, Tesla has a new diner. Full pricing for each model revealed so far (including $1,495 destination fee) is listed below. LEAF S+: $31,485 LEAF SV+: $35,725 LEAF PLATINUM+: $40,485 Got a tip? Let us know at tips@
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Yahoo
The 2026 Nissan Leaf Is the Cheapest New EV, And a Cheaper One Is Coming
If you've been waiting for that perfect blend of electric affordability and range, Nissan's third-generation Leaf might just be your cup of tea. Today, the company announced that not one, but two grades of its redesigned electric car will have a starting MSRP below $30,000, with the base Leaf (specs still TBA) likely coming in under that mark—even after taxes, titling and fees. Since Nissan is still keeping mum on the base Leaf S, we're forced to focus on the next-cheapest model, the S+, which starts at $31,485 with destination included (or $29,990 without, which is how Nissan gets to claim it has two models 'under $30k.'). And even though you'll pay more than that to get out the door in a Leaf S+, you're getting a 300-mile EV that can charge at a Tesla Supercharger without having to give Elon Musk a dime. For just under $32k, you get 214 horsepower and 303 miles of range; we expect the cheapo S model will get a smaller battery and potentially a less powerful motor. Bear in mind, at this price, the Leaf isn't just going to be cheap for an EV; even a Honda HR-V starts at $27,650 with destination. And if you're looking for more creature comforts, the price scales quite reasonably. Even the range-topping Platinum+ model starts well below the average transaction price of a new car. We crowned the Chevy Equinox the 'Value King,' but its throne is already in jeopardy. Fortunately, GM has a new (ish) Bolt EUV in the pipeline that should compete directly with the Leaf, and since GM went heavy on the 'ish,' it's likely in a fairly advanced stage of development, but even if it bows next year as expected, Nissan will have a model year's head start. Meanwhile, Tesla has a new diner. Full pricing for each model revealed so far (including $1,495 destination fee) is listed below. LEAF S+: $31,485 LEAF SV+: $35,725 LEAF PLATINUM+: $40,485 Got a tip? Let us know at tips@
