Nissan's Upcoming Nismo SUV Has Just Arrived Dressed Only in Red Accents | Carscoops

      The most athletic variant of the vehicle known as the Armada has been spotted without camouflage while being delivered to dealerships in the Middle East.

      Images of the new Nissan Patrol Nismo have appeared online before its official launch.

      This performance-oriented SUV boasts a completely reworked body kit with an aggressive design.

      It is expected to feature a twin-turbo V6 engine and presumably will come with a sport-tuned suspension system.

      A well-known name in the full-size SUV segment is set to receive a more dynamic and sporty upgrade. Nissan’s longstanding Patrol, recognized in the US as the Armada, is getting ready to unveil a new Nismo variant designed to inject some performance character into the lineup. The first undisguised models have already been observed en route to Nissan dealerships in the Middle East, indicating that the official announcement is imminent.

      The 2026 Patrol Nismo distinctly differentiates itself from the standard version with a reimagined body kit that emphasizes sporty aesthetics. At the front, there is an expansive honeycomb grille, flanked by chrome-trimmed side intakes and a red-accented splitter.

      Along the sides, protective coverings are currently concealing the alloy wheels, but several other design elements are clearly apparent. Fender extensions, side gills branded with Nismo, and red-edged side skirts running beneath the integrated steps all contribute to the more aggressive appearance.

      At the rear, a larger roof spoiler sits above a restyled bumper featuring a faux diffuser and a central F1-style brake light. Similar to the standard Patrol, the exhaust outlets are likely hidden beneath the bumper.

      Overall, the new Patrol Nismo presents a notably more aggressive stance than the previous 2021 version, showcasing sharper lines and more striking details that firmly embrace the performance theme. Some design elements may challenge the taste of certain buyers, but that appears to be intentional.

      While the Toyota Land Cruiser GR Sport (the 300 model, not the smaller 250 available in the US) maintains its off-road emphasis, the Patrol Nismo is positioned as the only model in its category that clearly favors a road-oriented, sportier focus.

      More Than Just a Styling Package

      In addition to the visual enhancements, the new Patrol Nismo is anticipated to come with mechanical upgrades aimed at improving on-road performance. Nismo-tuned suspension and steering systems could provide the traditional ladder-frame SUV with increased confidence in corners, with potentially upgraded brakes to manage the added enthusiasm. While it won’t suddenly handle like a sports sedan, it may at least stop feeling like a yacht in a storm.

      Regarding the powertrain, the badging on the front fenders indicates that this model will likely feature a turbocharged V6 engine, replacing the naturally-aspirated V8 of its predecessor. Though Nissan has yet to confirm specifics, it is expected to utilize the same twin-turbo 3.5-liter engine found in the standard model, delivering 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Whether the Nismo version generates a bit more power is still uncertain, but regardless, the power will be distributed to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission.

      Nissan has not specified an official launch date for the new Patrol Nismo, but with production-ready prototypes already appearing at dealerships, the complete reveal seems imminent. The bigger question remains whether this generation will finally expand beyond its regional confines. The last Patrol Nismo was exclusive to the Middle East, and thus far, Nissan has not indicated any changes to that strategy.

      The previous Nissan Patrol Nismo debuted in 2021.