The Nissan Armada Nismo Is Real, And It's Finally Here

For reasons that aren't clear, Nissan has held off on offering something similar in the US based on the Armada, but that all changes with the 2026 model year, as an Armada Nismo is finally on its way here.

Revealed this week, the new 2026 Armada Nismo is scheduled to reach US dealerships in the fall, providing an alternative to the current range of full-size performance SUVs from mainstream brands, like the RST versions of the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban twins, as well as the Ford Expedition Stealth Performance Package.

Same Engine, More Power
Key among the performance upgrades is a more powerful version of the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 fitted to all Armadas. The Nismo's engine is rated at 460 horsepower, versus the 425 hp of the standard engine (and the 450 hp the engine makes in the related Infiniti QX80), while peak torque is unchanged at 516 lb-ft. The Nismo also requires premium fuel, while the standard Armada can run on regular.

Specific changes to the engine include revised mapping and tweaks to the valve clearances, Nissan said. The engine also breathes a little better thanks to a revised exhaust system that also delivers a noticeably louder sound. This sound is further amplified in the cabin by an active sound generator.

Power still goes out via a standard 9-speed automatic transmission, and you can curiously have the Armada Nismo with both rear- and four-wheel drive. The Armada's maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds also remains unchanged in the Nismo.

Beyond the powertrain, the Armada's electric power steering and adaptive air suspension have been tuned to deliver a sportier feel in the Nismo. Additional chassis modifications include a unique set of 22-inch forged alloy wheels, plus a sportier-specification all-season tire that measures 275/50 at all four corners.

There's no mistaking the Armada Nismo for any other model in the Armada lineup - or any other SUV, for that matter. This is a full-size SUV with a body kit that looks like it was modeled after the one on the GT-R Nismo sports car, with Nismo engineers even installing a roof-mounted rear wing to help boost downforce. The front and rear fascias are also unique to the Nismo, as are the fender flares, which give the SUV a wider, more imposing stance. New LED fog lights are integrated into the front fascia, and red accents are used throughout the vehicle, including on the brake calipers.

Those red accents continue inside, where you'll find them on the seats, center armrest, the dashboard, and the 12 o'clock marking on the steering wheel. The seats are lined in leather as standard, and the front pair comes with adjustable side bolsters. Aluminum pedals and an ambient lighting package are also included as standard.

Available colors include Nismo's signature Stealth Gray, as well as Everest White Pearl Tricoat and Black Diamond Pearl. The gray and white colors can also be combined with a black roof, which helps visually lower the vehicle. Pricing information will be released closer to the market launch in the fall.

As the Armada was just redesigned for 2025, there is very little in the way of changes for the 2026 model year, apart from the new Nismo version. One additional change is the rugged Armada PRO-4X now being available with second-row captain’s chairs, whereas previously it only came with a bench seat in the second row. Opting for the captain's chairs drops the seating capacity from eight to seven.

Pricing isn't available just yet, but Nissan's spec sheet places the Nismo between the PRO-4X and Platinum Reserve, currently priced at $73,740 and $76,990, respectively. If the Armada Nismo fits between these two pricewise, it'll be a sweet deal for the horsepower increase it offers. 2026 model year Armadas reach dealerships in the fall, with pricing expected closer to the time.