Nissan Armada Nismo Unveiled As Most Powerful Armada Ever

Miami Herald

2 days ago

The all-new Nissan Armada arrived for the 2025 model year, and it's a comprehensive improvement over the previous model. Now, for 2026, Nissan has injected the rugged Armada with even more power and capability, thanks to the introduction of the new Armada Nismo. Yes, the Nismo name now finds itself on a big SUV, not a compact sports car. This is the most powerful Armada yet and the first-ever Armada Nismo, so let's get into all the juicy details.
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.
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