2026 Nissan Armada Nismo Review
The 2026 Nissan Armada Nismo has become my SUV of the year. This review explains why it stands out and why, despite everything, it remains better than most full size SUVs launched this year.
Exterior Design and Presence
The Armada Nismo is built to look like a race inspired full size SUV. Nissan has given it a full Nismo treatment that includes:
Red stripes across the body
A wide body kit with aggressive side skirts
A massive front end that looks like a solid wall
A large rear spoiler and a clean diffuser
Subtle black chrome detailing
Nismo branding on the front, rear, doors, wheels and seats
One of the most unique design touches is that the side skirt is built into the side step itself. Instead of a typical add on kit, it feels fully integrated. Something you do not see often.
Adjustable Ride Height
One of the coolest party tricks is the air suspension. When you put the SUV in park and let it settle, it drops all the way down. The wheels tuck fully into the fenders and the SUV sits extremely low. You cannot lower it while driving, but when parked, the stance is unbeatable. This is a big part of its attitude and I feel everyone should appreciate it.
Wheels and Tyres
It comes with 22 inch wheels. The Nismo wheels are lighter and have Nismo branding.
Paint and Colors
The SUV seen in photos originally looked blue due to incorrect lighting during early press photos. In real life, this grey paint works well. You can also get white or black with or without a black roof. The grey matches the Nismo Nissan Z.
Lighting
Tail lights run fully across the rear
Headlights turn amber when using indicators
DRLs are decent but not the most striking
Nissan has also placed the license plate outside the front radar housing, so it does not look awkwardly centered.
Engine and Performance
The Armada Nismo is powered by a 3.5 litre twin turbo VR35T V6. This engine produces:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 460 hp (35 hp more than standard Armada) |
| Torque | 516 lb ft |
| Transmission | 9 speed automatic |
| Max Towing | Up to 8,500 pounds |
The VR35T is related to the GTR engine family. It delivers strong acceleration, especially at higher RPMs. The power delivery feels consistent in all drive modes, even Eco. It does have pumped in sound through the cabin speakers, and while the exhaust note is clean, it is quieter than expected.
Transmission and Handling
The 9 speed automatic is not the crispiest for manual mode downshifts, so leaving it in automatic is the best experience. The retuned suspension with air ride keeps the Armada comfortable in all situations. It is very family friendly.
Launch Control
There is no dedicated launch control, but flooring it delivers strong performance.
Interior and Practicality
Inside, Nissan has kept things familiar and functional. This is important because many modern full size SUVs are experimenting with unusual layouts.
What I Like Inside
Normal circular steering wheel
Traditional gauge cluster with tachometer on the left and speedometer on the right
Customisable driver display with air suspension height indicator
Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay
One touch remote start on the key fob
Door handles with auto lock and unlock
Folding mirrors
Propilot Assist 2.1 driver assist
Comfortable seats with dark red Nismo upholstery
Functional air vents that cool the brakes
The red interior is rich and dark, not cheesy. You can see Nismo branding on all four seats.
Infotainment Notes
Apple CarPlay is wired and wireless, although voice messages sometimes fail to send. This might be software related since the issue also appeared in the QX80.
Comfort and Family Use
It is a proper three row SUV. If you need sliding doors, a minivan still makes more sense for tight parking spaces and kids, but the Armada works fine as a family SUV.
Small Details
Climate controls are physical, except air direction which is in the touchscreen
Drive mode selector is a dial
Four wheel drive controls are straightforward
Steering wheel gets a red top marker and perforated grip
You can see the air suspension’s off road or aero height depending on your speed
Why This Is My SUV of the Year
Reasons:
It looks better than anything else in the segment
It has personality
It has real presence on the road
It sits extremely low when parked
It has real power
It is comfortable for family use
It has normal and practical interior design
It offers Apple CarPlay
It is less fussy than newer luxury SUVs with awkward steering wheels or missing features
It combines performance, character, practicality and unique visual drama in a way no other SUV does.
2026 Nissan Armada Nismo FAQ
What makes the 2026 Nissan Armada Nismo look different from the regular Armada?
The 2026 Armada Nismo gets an aggressive race inspired design with red accents, a wide body kit, built in side skirt steps, a large front fascia, a rear spoiler and diffuser, black chrome trim and Nismo badges on the front, rear and sides. It also sits extremely low when fully lowered using the air suspension which gives it a tucked wheel stance.
Does the Armada Nismo have adjustable air suspension?
Yes, it has an air ride system that lowers the SUV when parked. You must stop completely and shift to Park for it to drop to its lowest height. It cannot be lowered while driving. There is also an off road height that raises the SUV significantly when needed.
What engine does the 2026 Nissan Armada Nismo use?
It is powered by a 3.5 liter twin turbo VR35T V6 producing 460 horsepower and 516 pound feet of torque. This is 35 horsepower more than the regular Armada. It is paired with a nine speed automatic transmission.
How does the Armada Nismo sound?
The exterior exhaust note is quiet and the exhaust tips are hidden inside the diffuser. Inside the cabin there is pumped in audio which makes it sound fuller. Some reviewers still feel the Nismo version deserves a louder exhaust.
What wheels and tires come with the Armada Nismo?
It comes with 22 inch Nismo branded wheels. The review model was running summer tires, but owners are recommended to use suitable winter tires such as the Viking Contact 8 in colder weather.
Is the interior of the Armada Nismo different?
Yes, it features a dark red interior with Nismo seats on all four positions, a normal circular steering wheel with red stitching and a red top marker, and a familiar Nissan layout with physical climate controls, wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and a clear digital display showing air suspension status.
Does the 2026 Armada Nismo support wireless Apple CarPlay?
Yes, it supports both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay. However, the reviewer noted occasional glitches during voice message dictation which may depend on the phone's software version.
How much can the Armada Nismo tow?
The SUV can tow up to 8,500 pounds when properly equipped, which is competitive with other full size body on frame SUVs from Ford and GM.
Is the Armada Nismo practical for family use?
Yes, it is a large three row SUV with a comfortable ride and plenty of space. The reviewer even transported a full Christmas tree with seats folded down and reported no mess or issues. It also includes conveniences like remote start, normal door handles with auto lock and unlock and folding mirrors.
Why was it chosen as SUV of the year in the review?
It was chosen because of its unique styling, lowered stance, performance improvements, normal functional interior, towing capability, and the overall fun factor. According to the reviewer, it looks cooler than every other SUV and delivers a memorable driving experience.
