In 2015, Nissan defied convention by launching an SUV adorned with the Nismo badge—the Patrol, known as Armada in the United States. To cater to the Middle East market, Nissan has infused this vehicle with additional power and bestowed the Nismo version with a more aggressive design. In 2021, the full-size high-performance SUV received a facelift, and the next-generation model is expected to maintain the Nismo version, destined to be a beast.
Nissan's global design vice president, Alfonso Albaisa, remarked on the next Patrol Nismo: “When I first saw it, I couldn't sleep for four days because those design sketches took away my will to sleep; it embodies a monster in itself.”
It remains unclear whether the new Patrol Nismo will offer a similar version named Armada in America, as the previous generation did not. We know that the 428-horsepower V-8 engine will not return. Like the less powerful versions of Patrol/Armada, the new Nismo will utilize a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with twin turbochargers. Notably, the Patrol is offered in some markets with a base 3.8-liter V-6 engine.
The 2025 Armada borrows its six-cylinder engine from the Infiniti QX80. Compared to the Nismo version, it provides 425 horsepower, which is already 25 horsepower stronger than the old 5.6-liter engine. Logic tells us that the hotter version will deliver even more power. Albaisa declined to discuss numbers but stated, “Clearly, there is more power and torque.”
On the other hand, he understands that people will miss the powerful sound of the V-8 engine. Albaisa hinted that Nissan might or might not resort to the trick of pumping artificial sound through speakers. When the larger Patrol arrives, it will join the fully electric Ariya in Nissan's Nismo SUV lineup. In the past, Nissan also had the Juke Nismo and even the Juke-R with a GT-R engine, but only a few units were sold.
Adrian is an Editor. Psychology graduate with over 4 years in the automotive industry, 3 in front of the camera. Occasionally seen at his family owned tyre shop. He will only buy cars that pass the big bottle test.
