The 2026 model year ushers in the Nissan Armada NISMO, the first-ever NISMO variant of Nissan’s full-size SUV. This performance-oriented trim is more than just an appearance package. Its turbo V6 gets upgraded to a 460-horsepower output, and it gets other performance upgrades like better exhaust, suspension, and steering as well as performance tires. The introduction of the Armada NISMO begs the question: Should GM offer a similar performance variant of the Chevy Tahoe?
As it stands, the closest GM rival to the Nissan Armada NISMO is the Chevy Tahoe RST. In its base form, the Tahoe RST is little more than a Tahoe LT with a sporty appearance package. However, it does unlock some options that you can’t get on an LT, like the 6.2L V8 L87, 24-inch wheels, the RST Capability Package, and the RST Performance Edition (RPO code WPK), which requires the L87 and 4WD.
A few performance upgrades that come with the RST Performance Edition include the High-Performance Suspension Package (Z60), Heavy-Duty front Brembo brakes (J49) with Torch Red front and rear calipers (J6F), a cat-back performance exhaust system, and a Performance Air Intake System.
When optioned as such, a 2025 Chevy Tahoe RST Performance Edition starts at $83,815. Pricing is forthcoming for the 2026 Nissan Armada NISMO, but it will likely be priced in the same neighborhood as the premium Platinum and rugged PRO-4X trims, around the mid-$70k range.
Comparing performance, the Chevy Tahoe RST Performance Edition produces 433 horsepower and 467 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the turbo V6 in the Armada NISMO cranks out 460 hp and 516 pound-feet of torque. According to our math, that’s better performance at what will likely be a lower cost of entry for the Nissan compared to the most comparable Chevy.
So, should GM make a Chevy Tahoe that’s more comparable to the Nissan Armada NISMO? Will the truck version of the next-gen Small Black V8 in development right now get the max horsepower rating higher than 460? Should the Tahoe take the turbo 6-cylinder route that the rest of the full-size SUV class has taken? Let us know your ideas in the comments.
Comments
GM doesn’t have the guts to do anything performance oriented except for the Corvette. Yet more market the just pfft away
Never driven an Escalade V, I see.
PFFT??? Are you taking a DUMP??? Since you are full of it.??
No. Most of the comments I’ve seen about the Armada NISMO say that it’s laughable and desperate.
Armand NISMO. ???? Who is dat. Or is dat new bar drink.??? Makes about as
much sense sas your comment, BUTT everyone is entiled to your COMMENT.
No.. the one SUV Chevy needs to build is a 2 DOOR Tahoe w/3.0L diesel and/or 5.3L V8.
Right because a two for SUV makes a lot of sense.
It just old people, spewing the same BS they always do. Because back in their day a blazer was only two doors, why would you need more?
As an OLD PERSON. I see with age comes experiance. You are SPEWING
“BULLONEY ” as a 5 year old. You abviously are starting early.
YOU PUNK YOU. OUT maybe OUTHOUSE??
GM has completely lost the plot. Why wouldn’t they do something with one of their brands to compete with a mid-sized SUV from Europe, they have nothing to compare with a SQ7/SQ8 or X M5, just give us a strong 500hp mid-sized 7-seater and watch the orders roll in!
G.M. lost the plot. ??? Latest figures is . G>M> sales booming .Better then other Auto
manufaturers. GREAT you are not running the company or G.M. would be loosing
more then THE PLOT> You silly person YOU
Well in GM’s case, they’ve already built something like this and it’s called the Escalade V. Doubt they’d want to invest any energy with going this route with the Tahoe.
For the record, GM should never do anything to rival a Nissan Armada. Armada had 3% market share last year…GM had about 70% market share of large SUVs.
GM is under no threat from Nissan. Armada sales are very low , and the buyer of an Armada, is not interested in GM products anyway.
Why? How fast are you realistically going to go? What are you going to do? Get to the next red light faster (like most drivers)? You’re not racing or tracking these vehicles, as you’ll flip them faster than you can say, “Oh, Sh—!”
The 6.6L L8T makes 464-lb/ft in my 2500 HD and gets the job done just fine towing and hauling more than any of these vehicles will ever do.