The Nismo badge has long been associated with small, quick, and agile machines – think GT-R, 370Z, and more recently, the Z Nismo. But now, Nissan’s performance division has aimed its sights much, much higher – literally – with the debut of the 2026 Nissan Patrol Nismo. Yes, a full-size SUV with a Nismo badge. And no, this isn’t just a cosmetic package. This is a serious, full-bodied, high-powered hauler with enough muscle to outgun some of the biggest names in the game.
Let’s get the specs out of the way: under the hood sits the same 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 found in the standard Patrol, but here it’s been tuned to deliver 495 horsepower – a 70-hp increase over the base model – while torque stays the same at a healthy 700 Nm. The extra power comes courtesy of revised engine mapping, tweaked valve clearances, and a free-flowing exhaust system that’s been engineered to growl with more purpose. That sound is piped into the cabin through an Active Sound Enhancement system, so you feel every bit of performance even if you’re just running errands.
Power is sent through a 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, and you can choose between rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Towing? Still a solid 8,500 pounds. Ground clearance is slightly reduced (from 9.9 to 8.9 inches) to improve on-road stability, underscoring this Patrol’s more performance-focused intent.
Of course, Nismo didn’t stop at engine tuning. The electric power steering and adaptive air suspension have also been retuned for sharper response. It won’t turn the Patrol into a sports car – this is still a 6,100-pound SUV – but expect it to feel tighter and more composed than your typical full-sizer.
The new 22-inch forged wheels are exclusive to the Patrol Nismo and wear 275/50 high-performance all-season tires. These not only enhance the look but also bring meaningful gains in grip, braking, and responsiveness.
Visually, the Patrol Nismo makes zero effort to fly under the radar. It borrows plenty of attitude from the GT-R Nismo and Z Nismo, including a roof-mounted rear spoiler, unique front and rear bumpers, wider fender flares, and red accenting throughout. New LED fog lamps, Nismo badging, and red-painted brake calipers round out the package.
The most eye-catching finish? A Stealth Gray body with a Super Black roof, though Black Diamond Pearl and Everest White Pearl are also available, with or without the black top.
Inside, the cabin keeps up the sporty theme. You get Nismo-exclusive quilted leather seats in charcoal and red, adjustable side bolsters, aluminum pedals, and even a red 12 o’clock marker on the steering wheel—because why not? Front massaging seats are included too, a feature otherwise reserved for the top-end Platinum Reserve.
Nissan hasn’t released official pricing yet, but expect the 2026 Patrol Nismo to add a considerable amount because of the performance and visual upgrades. It will arrive at American dealerships this fall, marking the first time American buyers get a proper performance version of this big, brawny SUV. For the Philippines, however, it’s unclear whether the hotted-up Japanese full-size SUV will ever reach our shores.
