2026 Nissan Armada NISMO First Look: 460 HP and a Ton of Badging? Sign Us Up
The hot NISMO version of the Armada joins the lineup to sit between the Pro-4X and Platinum Reserve trims.
Nissan’s never been shy about applying the NISMO name to its models, and the 2026 Nissan Armada NISMO is the latest to receive the juiced-up treatment. Yes, yes, the Armada is big—and now it has slightly more power and a heck of a lot of badging. And if you’re into big, this just might be for you.
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Quickly: Yes, there’s already been a Nissan Patrol NISMO—which is technically the Armada—but that big rig is for the Middle Eastern market only. This 2026 Nissan Armada NISMO marks the first time an Armada has been NISMO-ed, and for the U.S. market. In fact, the NISMO Armada makes for the most powerful Armada to date. Run it on premium fuel, and its total horsepower increases by 35 to make 460 hp. Nissan says this was achieved via an engine-programming revision and valve-clearance retuning. Torque remains the same as other Armadas at 516 lb-ft.
Details, Details
The exhaust system is revamped, too, along with active sound enhancement in the cabin—all the better for your listening pleasure. You also get NISMO-tuned adaptive electronic air suspension as standard. Both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are available, with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Of course, any NISMO-massaged car must have NISMO looks. Nissan more than delivers on this front as the Armada NISMO obliges with a fully blacked-out front grille, obvious NISMO badging, LED foglights, flared fenders, NISMO-branded 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, red brake calipers, rear spoiler, unique rear diffuser, and red detailing throughout.
Exterior colors include NISMO Stealth Gray and Everest White Pearl Tricoat with or without the contrasting black roof, or Black Diamond Pearl.
The red detailing continues in the cabin, where strikingly red quilted seat inserts sit atop dark gray leather. NISMO badges appear on all the headrests, and adjustable side bolsters on the front seats are there to handle whatever life throws at you. Or whatever way you choose to drive this big-boy luxury SUV.
And When? And How Much?
Nissan says it will share pricing and an on-sale date later this summer. But seeing as the 2026 Armada NISMO will sit above the SV, SL, Platinum, and Pro-4X trims but below the top-tier Platinum Reserve, we ballpark its starting price around $78,000.
And if you’re into history, the new Nissan Armada NISMO joins the NISMO 350Z, NISMO 370Z, GT-R NISMO, Juke NISMO, Sentra NISMO, and Ariya NISMO on the list of models upgraded by Nissan’s motorsports and performance-oriented arm.
I got into cars the way most people do: my dad. Since I was little, it was always something we’d talk about and I think he was stoked to have his kid share his interest. He’d buy me the books, magazines, calendars, and diecast models—everything he could do to encourage a young enthusiast. Eventually, I went to school and got to the point where people start asking you what you want to do with your life. Seeing as cars are what I love and writing is what I enjoy doing, combining the two was the logical next step. This dream job is the only one I’ve ever wanted. Since then, I’ve worked at Road & Track, Jalopnik, Business Insider, The Drive, and now MotorTrend, and made appearances on Jay Leno’s Garage, Good Morning America, The Smoking Tire Podcast, Fusion’s Car vs. America, the Ask a Clean Person podcast, and MotorTrend’s Shift Talkers. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking, and watching the Fast & Furious movies on repeat. Tokyo Drift is the best one.
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