This is mad. The latest Nissan Patrol (also known as Armada), which was September 2024, has received a Nismo version packing more power, retuned steering, sportier suspension and ‘a more evocative exhaust note’. Bodykit, sporty interior bits and the division’s signature Stealth Gray colour, too. Hot hatch treatment for a full-size beast of an SUV!
The Patrol Nismo’s 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 has been boosted by 35 hp to make 460 hp. No mention of torque, so it should remain at 700 Nm. Nissan says that revised engine programming and ‘careful fine-tuning’ of valve clearances enable the power boost. You’ll hear more of the engine through a retuned exhaust system, while Active Sound Enhancement within the cabin amplifies the engine notes further.
Enhancements under the hood are complemented by Nismo-exclusive tuning, with the SUV’s electric power steering reworked for a sportier feel, and the adaptive air suspension producing a more responsive driving experience. This big boy rides on 22-inch Nismo forged alloys and UHP rubber.
Looks wise, the latest Patrol’s look – which you can tell from a boxier shape and ‘E 3’ LED daytime running lights – is made more aggressive with a bodykit, side steps and rear spoiler by Nismo. Fender flares are standard for a wider stance. Also on are LED front fog lights and red-painted brake calipers.
The Patrol Nismo is offered in several exclusive colour choices: Nismo Stealth Gray, Nismo Stealth Gray with Super Black roof, and Black Diamond Pearl. One can also go for the regular car’s Everest White Pearl Tricoat and Everest White Pearl Tricoat with Super Black roof.
Inside, Nismo-specific quilted leather upholstery is finished in charcoal with red accents and stitching. Other additions include adjustable side bolsters for the front seats, which help hold occupants in place during spirited driving, plus aluminium pedals and multi-colour ambient lighting.
Launched late last year, the latest Patrol comes from a successful line of tough 4x4s by Nissan, with over 1.9 million units sold worldwide over seven generations. Nismo aside, the other variants (for the US-market Armada) are SV, SL, Platinum, Pro-4X, and Platinum Reserve grades.
Non-Nismo variants get the same 3.5L V6 but with 425 hp. The twin-turbo engine is coupled to a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. All grades have a standard towing capacity of up to 3,855 kg (8,500 pounds).
The Patrol’s first-ever Pro-4X variant gets all-terrain tyres, an off-road-specific front bumper with increased approach angle, underbody skid plates, electronic locking differential and adaptive electronic air suspension. It stands out at the trailhead with fender flares, 20-inch painted Pro-4X wheels and Lava Red accents across the body. The Pro-4X grade can be had with second-row captain’s chairs instead of a bench. Also, we rarely see Klipsch in cars, but the Patrol’s 12-speaker system is from this famous audio brand.
GALLERY: 2026 Nissan Patrol/Armada Nismo
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