Patrol Nismo Vs. Armada Nismo
Mere days after Nissan USA revealed the Armada Nismo, the related Nissan Patrol Nismo has had its world premiere. The Armada is badged as the Patrol in other markets such as Australia and the Middle East; it’s the latter region where Nissan chose to display the new Patrol Nismo, likely owing to that market’s preference for large, off-road-capable SUVs.
At first glance, the new Patrol Nismo looks identical to the Armada Nismo, but there is one major difference: Power. Yes, the Patrol Nismo gets even more grunt than the local Armada Nismo.
High-Output V6 Highlights New Patrol Nismo
The new Patrol Nismo produces 495 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque from its 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6. By comparison, our own Armada Nismo makes 460 hp and the same amount of torque. As Nissan points out, this is the “highest output for the VR35DDTT engine anywhere globally.” Looked at another way, the Patrol Nismo has a whole 75 more horsepower than the brand’s dedicated sports car, the thrilling Z Nismo.
Nissan says this higher output is based on feedback received from customers in the Middle East. A nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters helps to get the most out of that V6, and the Patrol also gets Nismo-tuned E-dampers that adjust the damping levels in real-time. Special tuning for the power steering and exhaust system also form part of the upgrades.
Looking at the spec sheets of the Armada Nismo and Patrol Nismo, we found one or two other differences. For instance, the Armada has a minimum ground clearance of 8.9 inches, while the Patrol comes in at 7.7 inches. And, while the Armada Nismo weighs 6,102 pounds, the Patrol Nismo is an even heftier 6,210 lbs. The Patrol boasts a slightly superior departure angle of 25.5 degrees, compared to the Armada’s 24.5 degrees.
In both cases, the Pro-4X is the Armada/Patrol model to get if you want a dedicated off-road SUV.
Related: The most reliable new full-size SUVs in 2025
Similar Styling, Inside And Out
Nissan
Like the Armada Nismo, Nissan went all-out with the styling of the Patrol Nismo. An exclusive Stealth Gray paint finish best complements the black 22-inch wheels and red accents around the body. It’s not all about butch looks, though; for instance, the front bumper sides have air curtains that divide airflow and ultimately reduce lift, while also increasing downforce. Air diffusers and rear side air splitters, meanwhile, improve rear downforce and grip.
The same black and red color scheme as the hottest Armada is found inside the Patrol Nismo. The combination of leather and suede evokes a sporty yet quality feel, and there are also carbon fiber elements.
The Patrol Nismo is also capable of seating eight occupants, so all your friends can come along on high-speed adventures and the occasional off-road jaunt.
Nissan says the new Patrol Nismo will be available in the Middle East from July, and local fans will have to live with the fact that our own Armada Nismo isn’t the best, most powerful SUV Nissan has to offer.
