Muscle Meets Minivan: Nissan's New Armada NISMO Is a Family Hauler with Bite

If a full-size SUV feels too tame for your taste, Nissan has something bolder in store. The 2026 Armada NISMO isn’t just big—it’s downright feral. This isn’t some mildly tweaked trim either. It’s a NISMO-badged beast, meaning more power, sharper handling, and an exhaust note that doesn’t whisper—it roars. Just don’t expect to see it outside North America.

NISMO, Nissan’s performance division with more than four decades of racing heritage, has now turned its attention to the Armada. The result: 460 horsepower from a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6—35 more horses than standard models, provided you're feeding it premium fuel with a taste for performance.

But it’s not just about raw power. Steering and suspension have been reworked with new tuning for the electric power assist and adaptive air ride, delivering crisper feedback and less float. Forged NISMO wheels wrapped in high-performance, model-specific tires mean more grip and tighter cornering. Translation: it feels a whole lot less like a boat.

Visually, it's a gym-honed brawler in a tailored suit. A redesigned front and rear diffuser, signature NISMO grille, extended fenders, side skirts, and spoilers all give it muscle without the mess. The widened wheel arches and red brake calipers seal the deal. And the exclusive Stealth Gray finish? Perfect for prowling through darkness—or just flexing in a grocery store parking lot.

Inside, it’s exactly what you’d expect: performance flair meets plush comfort. Bolstered front seats, aluminum pedals, and red-stitched leather throughout hint at speed while coddling you in luxury. Yes, it’s still a two-and-a-half-ton box—but one that feels surprisingly agile.

The 2026 Armada NISMO hits showrooms this fall, joining an already sprawling lineup that includes SV, SL, Platinum, PRO-4X, and Platinum Reserve trims. Now there’s truly an Armada for every taste—whether you're barreling down the highway, tearing up a muddy trail, or just parking with enough presence to make your neighbors seethe with envy.