Nissan gives its land yacht of an SUV the Nismo treatment

The automaker is bumping the three-row SUV’s horsepower by 35 to 460 hp, plus giving it other performance and visual upgrades.

2026 Nissan Armada Nismo at race track — *Nissan has launched the 2026 Armada Nismo. – Nissan Canada photo*

Nissan is launching a Nismo version of its largest SUV.

Nismo is the company’s in-house performance division, which typically creates more intense versions of the company’s sports cars, such as the Z or now-discontinued GT-R.

For 2026, the Nissan Armada three-row SUV will also be available in Nismo trim.

“The exhilarating new Armada Nismo complements the rugged Pro-4X and luxurious Platinum Reserve, demonstrating how Nissan gives our customers more of what they need and want,” said Vinay Shahani, senior vice president, U.S. marketing and sales, Nissan Americas, in a news release. “Whether it’s the road, the road less travelled, or no road at all, there’s an Armada for every adventure.”

Nissan Armada Nismo and Nissan Z Nismo — *The Nissan Armada is joining the Nissan Z with a new Nismo variant. – Nissan Canada photo*

Performance upgrades

The Nismo version of the Armada is gaining various performance upgrades and design updates compared to other versions of the three-row SUV.

For starters, the Nismo model gets a 35-horsepower bump to 460 hp (when using premium fuel) from its twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine. That’s also 10 hp more than the Armada’s more expensive sibling, the Infiniti QX80, gets from the same engine.

Nissan Armada Nismo V6 engine — *The Armada’s twin-turbo V6 gets a power boost in the Nismo version. – Nissan Canada photo*

The Nismo model also gets a louder, less restrictive exhaust.

Engineers also retuned the electric power steering and adaptive electronic air suspension for more engaging and direct handling, Nissan said.

Nismo-specific forged wheels with Nismo-exclusive high-performance tires are said to improve traction and responsiveness.

2026 Nissan Aramda Nismo rear — *The Nismo model gets unique exterior design elements to distinguish it form other Nissan Armadas. – Nissan Canada photo*

Design changes

The Nismo model of the Armada also gets a distinctive look on the exterior.

You’ll notice a new front and rear fascia, grille, side steps, rear spoiler and fender flares as well as red-painted brake calipers.

The SUV is also offered in an exclusive Stealth Gray paint option.

Interior

On the inside, the Nismo model includes adjustable bolsters for the front seats, aluminum pedals and seats featuring quilted leather and red accents.

2026 Nissan Armada Nismo seats — *The Nissan Armada Nismo gets unique interior elements. – Nissan Canada photo*

Armada options

With the addition of the latest variant, the 2026 Nissan Armada will be available in the following grades: SL, Pro-4X, Platinum, Nismo and Platinum Reserve.

The Pro-4X is intended to be the off-road version and the Platinum Reserve sits at the top of the luxury ladder.

Pricing will be announced later this summer.

For updates, visit the Nissan Canada website.