Nissan has taken its already brawny Armada and injected it with a heavy dose of NISMO steroids, creating the most powerful SUV in its lineup. The heart of this beast remains the familiar 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6, but now massaged to deliver 460 Bhp and 71.38 kgm of torque – a significant 35hp bump over the standard model.
While these numbers won’t threaten proper performance SUVs, they transform the driving experience from “leisurely” to “surprisingly urgent,” with acceleration that feels more like a startled rhino than a sprinter – quick enough to pin passengers to their seats, if not rewrite physics textbooks.
The NISMO treatment extends beyond just power. Engineers have sharpened the steering response and stiffened the suspension, resulting in a SUV that corners with more composure than its 2.7-ton bulk would suggest. Massive 22-inch wheels wrapped in performance rubber complete the package, though their contribution to handling is modest at best.
Visually, Nissan’s designers raided the GT-R parts bin, adding aggressive front and rear splitters, a roof spoiler, and the obligatory red accents – all combining to give this family hauler some serious street presence. Remarkably, all these performance enhancements come without sacrificing the Armada’s core utility. The same robust nine-speed automatic transmission remains, capable of towing up to 3,855kg – enough for your boat, your neighbor’s boat, and perhaps a jet ski or two.
Ground clearance stands at a respectable 277mm, putting it nearly on par with the off-road focused Pro-4X variant. It’s this combination of everyday practicality with unexpected performance that makes the Armada NISMO such an intriguing proposition – a SUV that can handle the school run in the morning and put a smile on your face when the road gets twisty in the evening.
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At an estimated $75,000 (Rs 64.70 lakh), the Armada NISMO occupies an interesting space in the market. It’s not as razor-sharp as a BMW X5 M, nor as luxurious as a Range Rover Sport SVR. But for buyers who want a distinctive, powerful SUV that doesn’t compromise on practicality, Nissan’s most potent people-mover just might hit the sweet spot. The real question isn’t whether it can compete with dedicated performance SUVs, but whether Nissan’s loyal customers are ready for this kind of performance in their family haulers. Based on early reactions, the answer seems to be a resounding yes.
One can only wish Nissan would bring such thrilling models—whether the legendary GT-R, this brawny Armada NISMO, or even the mighty Patrol—to the Indian market. Imagine the roads here roaring with that twin-turbo V6 growl or the GT-R’s iconic exhaust symphony. For now, though, Indian enthusiasts will have to keep dreaming—or settle for a test drive abroad
