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Auto review: Nissan's full-size Armada NISMO is a bold win

Marc D. Grasso, Boston Herald on

Published in Automotive News

As consumers continue to look for big vehicles across all manufacturers’ footprints, Nissan continues to provide excellence with its flagship Armada SUV.

Recently, tested the NISMO edition, which boasts great exterior aesthetics and serious interior flare for those NISMO brand followers ready for all the craze. NISMO stands for Nissan Motorsport, the automaker's in-house tuning and performance division.

Powered by a NISMO-tuned 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine with 460 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, the Armada means business on and off the road. We had no problem getting up to speed and enjoyed the power of the Armada NISMO.

On the inside, there is a 14.3-inch digital dashboard, a 14.3-inch color touch-screen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto and SiriusXM and Klipsch Premium Audio system with 12 speakers. Also included are 12-way power driver and passenger seats. The four-way power lumbar and massaging/heating functions were amazing. The suede-appointed red seats did not do the NISMO justice on paper, but when driving, they were really great. Second-row captain seats and 3D-enhanced surround view cameras were just a few of the items we appreciated on our week-long test.

The Armada NISMO rides on 22-inch forged and machined NISMO alloy wheels with all-season tires. Among the slew of NISMO upgrades are the distinctive grill and front fascia, side steps and over fenders, rear fascia and spoiler and LED lights. A panoramic moonroof also adds to the allure.

The NISMO line is the upper echelon of Nissan's exterior and interior aesthetic upgrades. As the Armada is the brand's flagship vehicle, adding a NISMO makeover was a no-brainer.

 

The Armada continues to gain traction in the seven-seater people-moving category, despite a longstanding reputation for poor fuel economy with the big V-8 engine. But in the 2026 test drive, with the twin-turbo V-6, we averaged just under 19 miles per gallon, which is really respectable compared to the competition and a great win for consumers.

2026 Nissan Armada NISMO Intelligent 4WD

MSRP: $79,530

MPG: 16 city / 19 highway / 18.9 as tested

As Tested: $83,735


©2026 the Boston Herald. Visit the Boston Herald at www.bostonherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

 

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