Armada NISMO - Official Colors, Options, & "Perfect Spec" Discussion

Alright everyone, since all we can do is wait, let's talk about something we can actually see in the press photos: colors and specs. This is the fun part where we get to "build" our perfect SUV in our heads.

So far, it looks like the main color choices are Black Diamond Pearl and that new NISMO Stealth Gray. And you can get a black contrast roof with either. The wheels are those awesome 22-inch forged alloys, and the interior seems to be one-spec: Charcoal leather with red NISMO accents.

For me, it's a no-brainer. I'm building my "perfect spec" as:

• Exterior: NISMO Stealth Gray
• Roof: Super Black Contrast Roof
• Options: Whatever package includes the panoramic moonroof and the upgraded Klipsch sound system.

The gray with the black roof and all the red trim just looks so menacing and purposeful. The black-on-black is a classic, but I think the gray shows off the new lines better.

What's everyone else's "perfect spec"? What are you hoping for in the options packages?

ArmadaBound said:

Alright everyone, since all we can do is wait, let's talk about something we can actually see in the press photos: colors and specs. This is the fun part where we get to "build" our perfect SUV in our heads.

So far, it looks like the main color choices are Black Diamond Pearl and that new NISMO Stealth Gray. And you can get a black contrast roof with either. The wheels are those awesome 22-inch forged alloys, and the interior seems to be one-spec: Charcoal leather with red NISMO accents.

For me, it's a no-brainer. I'm building my "perfect spec" as:

• Exterior: NISMO Stealth Gray
• Roof: Super Black Contrast Roof
• Options: Whatever package includes the panoramic moonroof and the upgraded Klipsch sound system.

The gray with the black roof and all the red trim just looks so menacing and purposeful. The black-on-black is a classic, but I think the gray shows off the new lines better.

What's everyone else's "perfect spec"? What are you hoping for in the options packages?

Click to expand...

That Stealth Gray does look fantastic in photos. My only concern with a matte-style or satin-finish paint like that is the upkeep. I've heard they can be a nightmare to maintain. You can't just run it through a car wash, and bird droppings or tree sap can permanently etch the finish if you don't get them off immediately.

For practicality, especially here in the Florida sun, I think I'd have to go with the Black Diamond Pearl without the black roof. It'll be easier to care for and won't absorb as much heat. It's the less exciting choice, I know, but probably the smarter one for a daily driver. I do love those wheels, though. They look great.

ArmadaBound said:

Alright everyone, since all we can do is wait, let's talk about something we can actually see in the press photos: colors and specs. This is the fun part where we get to "build" our perfect SUV in our heads.

So far, it looks like the main color choices are Black Diamond Pearl and that new NISMO Stealth Gray. And you can get a black contrast roof with either. The wheels are those awesome 22-inch forged alloys, and the interior seems to be one-spec: Charcoal leather with red NISMO accents.

For me, it's a no-brainer. I'm building my "perfect spec" as:

• Exterior: NISMO Stealth Gray
• Roof: Super Black Contrast Roof
• Options: Whatever package includes the panoramic moonroof and the upgraded Klipsch sound system.

The gray with the black roof and all the red trim just looks so menacing and purposeful. The black-on-black is a classic, but I think the gray shows off the new lines better.

What's everyone else's "perfect spec"? What are you hoping for in the options packages?

Click to expand...

This highlights another key difference between a mainstream performance vehicle and a true luxury one: the breadth of choice.

While the NISMO colors are certainly striking, the palette is extremely limited. When configuring a BMW X7 or a Range Rover, one is typically presented with a dozen standard colors, several premium metallic options, and often a bespoke "paint-to-sample" program for a truly unique vehicle. The interior options are even more extensive, with multiple leather colors, wood trims, metal finishes, and headliner materials.

The NISMO offers a set "look". You are buying into a pre-packaged aesthetic. A luxury vehicle, by contrast, offers a canvas for you to express your own taste. It’s a fundamentally different approach to customization.

QX_Luxury said:

This highlights another key difference between a mainstream performance vehicle and a true luxury one: the breadth of choice.

While the NISMO colors are certainly striking, the palette is extremely limited. When configuring a BMW X7 or a Range Rover, one is typically presented with a dozen standard colors, several premium metallic options, and often a bespoke "paint-to-sample" program for a truly unique vehicle. The interior options are even more extensive, with multiple leather colors, wood trims, metal finishes, and headliner materials.

The NISMO offers a set "look". You are buying into a pre-packaged aesthetic. A luxury vehicle, by contrast, offers a canvas for you to express your own taste. It’s a fundamentally different approach to customization.

Click to expand...

Yes, the limited palette is telling. With German performance vehicles, the exterior color is just the beginning. The real customization comes from the interior. For instance, on my wife's X5, we could choose from multiple leather grades and colors, several wood and carbon fiber trim options, and even select the color of the contrast stitching. It allows you to create a vehicle that feels truly personal.

The NISMO's "one-size-fits-all" interior, with its mandatory red accents, is a very different philosophy. It seems less about personal expression and more about ensuring everyone knows you bought the "sporty" one. It's a bit loud for my taste. I would prefer a more subtle, high-quality dark leather interior without the aggressive red details.

Y'all are talking about paint and stitching, but I'm looking at the options list from a different perspective: utility.

From what I can tell, the NISMO is only available in the 7 passenger configuration with captain's chairs. That's a deal-breaker for me right there. My Expedition has the second row bench, which means I can seat eight people. That comes in handy more often than you'd think with a big family.

It seems like Nissan is so focused on the sport aspect that they're forgetting the utility part of SUV. They're limiting their audience by not even offering an 8 seat option. That's a practical advantage for the Expedition that no amount of fancy gray paint can overcome.

TrailHybrid said:

That Stealth Gray does look fantastic in photos. My only concern with a matte-style or satin-finish paint like that is the upkeep. I've heard they can be a nightmare to maintain. You can't just run it through a car wash, and bird droppings or tree sap can permanently etch the finish if you don't get them off immediately.

For practicality, especially here in the Florida sun, I think I'd have to go with the Black Diamond Pearl without the black roof. It'll be easier to care for and won't absorb as much heat. It's the less exciting choice, I know, but probably the smarter one for a daily driver. I do love those wheels, though. They look great.

Click to expand...

You bring up a fantastic point about the maintenance of satin/matte paint like that Stealth Gray. It looks amazing under the showroom lights, but it's not practical for a vehicle that's going to be used for family duty. A single forgotten bird dropping or a trip through an automatic car wash can ruin a $1,000+ paint option.

For my money, the perfect spec is the one that's easiest to live with. That means the standard Black Diamond Pearl paint that can be easily polished and corrected. I'll also be adding all-weather floor mats the second I get it home to protect the interior from the kids.

My perfect spec is all about durability. The fun of the performance would be completely erased if I had to constantly worry about ruining the fancy paint job.

Wow, a lot of very practical points being made here. I guess I'm just looking at this from a different angle.

To @Das Auto Fan and @QX_Luxury, I get the argument about limited choices, but I see it differently. The NISMO isn't trying to be a bespoke luxury barge with a million combinations. It's a purpose-built performance model. The single interior option isn't a limitation; it's a statement. NISMO has decided this is the "correct" performance-focused look, and I agree with them. It saves me from wasting time on a configurator and lets me focus on the driving.

To @BigTex, you're right, the Expedition has an 8-seat option, which is great if you're running a school carpool. But I see the NISMO's standard captain's chairs as a feature, not a bug. It makes the second row more comfortable and premium for the passengers you do have, and it provides easy access to the third row. It's a more luxurious and sporty layout. It's not a bus; it's a high-performance SUV, and seven seats is plenty for my mission.

And to @DIY_Dad and @TrailHybrid, I hear ya on the paint care. Special things require special care. I'll gladly spend a little extra on a proper ceramic coating designed for satin paint to protect it. It's worth it to have the most unique-looking and best-performing SUV in the parking lot. That Stealth Gray is non-negotiable for me! I also find gray to be a color that looks cleaner longer than most. Gray and/or silver.

BigTex said:

Y'all are talking about paint and stitching, but I'm looking at the options list from a different perspective: utility.

From what I can tell, the NISMO is only available in the 7 passenger configuration with captain's chairs. That's a deal-breaker for me right there. My Expedition has the second row bench, which means I can seat eight people. That comes in handy more often than you'd think with a big family.

It seems like Nissan is so focused on the sport aspect that they're forgetting the utility part of SUV. They're limiting their audience by not even offering an 8 seat option. That's a practical advantage for the Expedition that no amount of fancy gray paint can overcome.

Click to expand...

The seating capacity point is something I hadn't even considered. My wife and I have three kids, so a 7 seater works, but when you want to bring even one of their friends along to a game or a movie, you're suddenly out of seats. The 8 seat option in the Sequoia or Expedition is a huge piece of real-world flexibility.

This discussion is highlighting a very clear trend for me. In almost every category - ride comfort, paint care, seating capacity, interior subtlety - the Armada NISMO requires you to make a practical sacrifice for the sake of performance. I'm still leaning that way because the performance is so compelling, but my eyes are much more open to what the day-to-day compromises will be. This has been really helpful.