Nismo Creates the Most Powerful Nissan Armada to Date
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Nissan’s in-house tuning division, Nismo, has turned its attentions away from the sports cars and off-roaders it normally works on, to focus on the brand’s biggest vehicle, the Armada. The result is a mean-looking, road-focused, performance SUV with 460 hp and a number of performance modifications.
The very notion of Nismo working on a big SUV may seem silly, but more and more automakers are tuning their large family vehicles these days. Cadillac has the Escalade-V, AMG tunes G-Class, and the BMW XM is only available as a high-performance model. So Nissan’s decision to squeeze another 35 hp out of the Armada’s 3.5L V6 (for a total of 460 hp), isn’t unprecedented.
Nismo has worked to ensure that the new vehicle's owners (and passersby) can hear the powertrain improvements, too. In addition to a retuned exhaust system that’s louder to everyone outside the Armada, the SUV also gets active sound enhancement in the cabin, which amplifies the engine note for the driver and occupants.
To go with the auditory improvements, Nismo has also retuned the Armada’s electric power steering for a sportier feel, and the adaptive air suspension has also been reworked to make the SUV more responsive. High-performance all-season tires also help the Armada Nismo grip the tarmac more firmly, and are wrapped around 22-inch forged alloy wheels.
From an aesthetic point of view, the Armada Nismo also gets a sportier grille, side steps, and a rear spoiler that helps with aerodynamics. Fender flares help the SUV look wider and red painted brake calipers match the red pinstriping throughout — a Nismo signature.
The Armada Nismo will be available in the following paints colours: Nismo Stealth Gray; Nismo Stealth Gray with Super Black roof; Black Diamond Pearl; Everest White Pearl Tricoat; and Everest White Pearl Tricoat with Super Black roof.
Inside, the SUV gets quilted leather seats with red accents and stitching, adjustable side bolsters, and aluminum pedals.
Pricing for the 2026 Nissan Armada Nismo will be announced later this summer.
