Click to enlarge.
Nissan said today that it is expanding the Nissan Armada range just one year after the introduction of the all-new 2025 model. Offered in SV, SL, Platinum, PRO-4X, the new NISMO, and Platinum Reserve trims, the full-size SUV is in the center – crossfire? – of the extreme off-road vehicle marketing wars well underway in the United States. The 2026 Armada is arriving at Nissan dealerships this fall.
“The new Armada NISMO brings a bold, sporty edge to the lineup, joining the tough PRO-4X and the upscale Platinum Reserve. It’s all about giving drivers more of what they’re looking for,” said Vinay Shahani, senior vice president of U.S. Marketing and Sales at Nissan. “No matter where you’re headed, on the highway, off the beaten path, or way off the grid, there’s an Armada built for the journey,” said Shahani.
The new version has a NISMO design including a new front and rear fascia, grille, side steps and rear spoiler. NISMO is offered in an exclusive Stealth Gray paint option with fender flares and red-painted brake calipers. Within the cabin, there are adjustable bolsters for the front seats, aluminum pedals and quilted leather-appointed seats with red accents.
Armada NISMO is rated by Nissan at 460 horsepower, a 35-horsepower increase versus other versions (when using premium fuel only) from its twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine with a louder, less restrictive exhaust. NISMO engineers also retuned the electric power steering and Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension “for more engaging and direct handling.” There are NISMO-specific forged wheels with NISMO-exclusive high-performance tires.
AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
First Look – 2026 Nissan Armada NISMO
Click to enlarge.
Nissan said today that it is expanding the Nissan Armada range just one year after the introduction of the all-new 2025 model. Offered in SV, SL, Platinum, PRO-4X, the new NISMO, and Platinum Reserve trims, the full-size SUV is in the center – crossfire? – of the extreme off-road vehicle marketing wars well underway in the United States. The 2026 Armada is arriving at Nissan dealerships this fall.
“The new Armada NISMO brings a bold, sporty edge to the lineup, joining the tough PRO-4X and the upscale Platinum Reserve. It’s all about giving drivers more of what they’re looking for,” said Vinay Shahani, senior vice president of U.S. Marketing and Sales at Nissan. “No matter where you’re headed, on the highway, off the beaten path, or way off the grid, there’s an Armada built for the journey,” said Shahani.
The new version has a NISMO design including a new front and rear fascia, grille, side steps and rear spoiler. NISMO is offered in an exclusive Stealth Gray paint option with fender flares and red-painted brake calipers. Within the cabin, there are adjustable bolsters for the front seats, aluminum pedals and quilted leather-appointed seats with red accents.
Armada NISMO is rated by Nissan at 460 horsepower, a 35-horsepower increase versus other versions (when using premium fuel only) from its twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine with a louder, less restrictive exhaust. NISMO engineers also retuned the electric power steering and Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension “for more engaging and direct handling.” There are NISMO-specific forged wheels with NISMO-exclusive high-performance tires.
AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.