Key Points in This Review
- The 2026 Nissan Armada NISMO is not as wild as its styling implies.
- Despite the full-size SUV’s extra performance, there are not many compromises in comfort.
- We’re just glad it exists.
Shucks. I was so ready to hate the big, goofy 2026 Nissan Armada NISMO. Who on Earth needs a performance-oriented, body-on-frame, four-wheel-drive, three-row SUV? Even after blasting this weird brute through some of Nevada’s emptier desert roads, I’m still not so sure anyone does, but in an era where automakers take themselves entirely too seriously, the Armada NISMO’s mere existence is a net positive.
We don’t talk much about style here at Cars.com given taste is subjective, but c’mon — what a beast (derogatory). That big gawping grille, red accents, contrast-cut wheels, a million NISMO badges — this might be the most inelegant new vehicle on sale today. I don’t think it looks cool, nor do I think it even comes off as all that aggressive, but points should be awarded for its general irreverence, and for Nissan offering stateside what is by all accounts a Saudi-market product.
Related: 2026 Nissan Armada NISMO: Say Hello to Your New GT-R Hauler
How Different Is the Armada NISMO Compared to a Regular Armada?
- Takeaway: The Armada NISMO is not as different as you might expect.
It’s certainly striking, to say the least. But most of its strangeness bleeds only slightly beyond skin-deep; other than the outrageous body kit, NISMO tweaked the adaptive air suspension for stiffness and quickened up the power steering. Power from the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 swells to 460 horsepower, up 35 hp over the standard engine, while the 516 pounds-feet of torque is unchanged.
It’s a nice boost, but do consider this is essentially a port-over of the Infiniti QX80’s 450-hp engine tuning. The QX80 and Armada share a platform, drivetrain and much of their interior structure, and product engineers at the NISMO’s debut in June confirmed its extra power is almost entirely due to software, with that extra 10 hp most simply explained by the NISMO’s burblier (and less restrictive) exhaust. However, with more power comes more (financial) responsibility: The NISMO requires premium fuel whereas other Armadas can run on regular.
The sum of these “Warning: Extremely Spicy!” projections is an experience that could and should have gone further. Straight-line speed is more than sprightly enough for a 3-ton three-row, but don’t expect to beat a Z or GT-R down the on-ramp. The piped-in exhaust sound is modest fun, too, but it quiets down at highway speeds or when you’re simply loafing around town.
Is the 2026 Nissan Armada NISMO Still Comfortable?
- Takeaway: Despite its stiffer suspension, the Armada NISMO is nearly as comfortable as the rest of the lineup.
Actually, loafing is what it does best. Despite the additional suspension stiffness, the NISMO’s air suspension tuning should be standard fare on so-equipped Armadas. The NISMO’s ride is never harsh or punishing, and it remains composed even when rumbling over broken pavement — a surprising outcome given the large 22-inch wheels and thinner 50-series sidewalls.
Pushed on some (paved) desert back roads, the NISMO rewards with medium-speed roadholding that’s excellent for its size, bulk and capabilities, but not so much in context with what the NISMO badge traditionally offers. Body roll is managed reasonably well, but again: What are we doing here? Are we really expecting buyers to hit the canyons?
No, but at least they have the option to break from daily mundanity without sacrificing passenger space, cargo room, comfort or the regular Armada’s 8,500-pound towing capacity. Just about the only thing that’s dinged when compared to the rest of the lineup is its off-road capability, with the NISMO’s sport tuning cutting 0.7 inch of ground clearance compared to other air-suspension-equipped Armadas.
Is the 2026 Nissan Armada NISMO Still Good Off-Road?
- Takeaway: Though we’ve yet to test it off-road, good overall ground clearance and standard 4WD means it should be reasonably capable off-road with the right tires.
Still, the NISMO’s 10.9 inches of maximum ground clearance are more than usable for rugged two-track trails provided you ditch the “performance” tires for either regular all-seasons or all-terrains. 4WD is retained, as are the terrain modes. Beyond the capability front, the NISMO sits toward the upper end of the Armada range, offering plush seating surfaces and heaps of creature comforts regardless of seating row. Finally, if you’re not in the mood for the NISMO’s extra, ah, character, the rest of the Armada lineup soldiers on for the 2026 model year mostly unchanged, with the ritzy Platinum Reserve and rugged Pro-4X grades among its available trims.
So, I’m changing my “Why?” to “Why not?” Cars should have character, and as automakers continue the race toward a vehicular monoculture, we’ll look back on silly cars like the 2026 Nissan Armada NISMO with fondness. It’s not for everyone, but the automotive world is a better place for it.
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