Cars
Nissan Armada Levels Up With NISMO and Luxe Choices
Nissan is taking its biggest SUV into new territory with the arrival of the 2026 Armada, now offered in six grades including the first-ever Armada NISMO.
A Nissan for Every Adventure
Buyers can choose between the versatile SV, well-equipped SL, premium Platinum, rugged PRO-4X, sporty NISMO, and top-trim Platinum Reserve. Each one carries a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with a 9-speed automatic and towing capacity up to 8,500 pounds. Standard output is 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft torque, but the NISMO squeezes out 460 hp when fed premium fuel.
NISMO Muscle
The Armada NISMO is the most powerful Armada ever. Engineers retuned the steering, suspension, and exhaust for sharper response and a more aggressive sound inside and out. It rolls on 22-inch forged alloys wrapped in performance tires, while unique fascia, fender flares, and rear spoiler give it a bolder stance. Inside, quilted leather with red accents, sport seat bolsters, aluminum pedals, and ambient lighting complete the makeover.
Off-Road Grit
Meanwhile, the PRO-4X caters to trail seekers with all-terrain tires, skid plates, locking differential, and 8 selectable drive modes. It also gains an option for second-row captain’s chairs this year.
Luxury Flagship
For those who’d rather glide in comfort, the Platinum Reserve offers massaging front seats, heated second row, and Nissan’s Biometric Cooling system. Quilted leather, a stitched steering wheel, and ambient lighting elevate the cabin.
Tech for Road and Trail
Across the lineup, Nissan loaded in modern features like dual 14.3-inch Google-integrated displays, an available Klipsch 12-speaker audio setup, ProPILOT Assist 2.1 for hands-off freeway driving, and driver aids such as Invisible Hood View and 3D Around View Monitor. Safety Shield 360 comes standard.
Pricing
In the U.S., prices start at $58,840 (₱3.35 million) for the SV 4×2 and top out at $80,550 (₱4.59 million) for the Platinum Reserve 4×4. The NISMO slots just below the flagship at $79,530 (₱4.54 million), while the off-road PRO-4X is priced at $74,300 (₱4.23 million). Add $2,190 (₱125,000) in destination fees.
Nissan Armada in PH?
So far, Nissan has made no official statement on whether the 2026 Armada—or its NISMO version—will ever be launched in the Philippines. Import costs, taxes, and logistics could easily push the ₱4M-plus U.S. pricing much higher here. But since the Philippines has zero import tariff on U.S.-made vehicles, does that make it more realistic for Nissan to bring in the Armada NISMO? Or do you think local buyers would still stick with the Patrol, Land Cruiser, or Expedition?
🚙 2026 Nissan Armada – Key Highlights
- Grades Offered: SV, SL, Platinum, PRO-4X, NISMO, Platinum Reserve
- Engine: 3.5L twin-turbo V6 (VR35DDTT)
- Standard Output: 425 hp & 516 lb-ft torque
- NISMO: 460 hp (+35 hp with premium fuel)
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic with paddle shifters
- Towing: Up to 8,500 lbs (≈ 3,855 kg) across all trims
Fuel Economy:
- 2WD: 16/20/18 mpg → 6.8 / 8.5 / 7.6 km/L (city/hwy/combined)
- 4WD: 16/19/17 mpg → 6.8 / 8.1 / 7.2 km/L
- NISMO (4WD only): 16/19/17 mpg → 6.8 / 8.1 / 7.2 km/L
- PRO-4X (4WD only): 15/18/16 mpg → 6.4 / 7.6 / 6.8 km/L
Subaru has officially brought in the sixth-generation Forester, marking the compact SUV’s debut as a full hybrid in the Philippine market. Motor Image Pilipinas, the brand’s exclusive distributor, hopes this launch will reenergize its presence among family SUVs.
At the core is the second-generation e-Boxer system, Subaru’s first strong hybrid setup. It pairs the familiar 2.5-liter Boxer engine with two electric motors. The gasoline unit generates 164 hp and 209 Nm, while the motors contribute up to 122 hp and 270 Nm, combining for a maximum 197 hp. That makes it the most powerful Forester since the turbocharged XT. A 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery enables short stints of all-electric driving, while a 63-liter tank helps stretch range to 1,000 km.
Despite the hybrid tech, Subaru sticks to its roots. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Lineartronic CVT come standard, with off-road aids like Dual X-Mode, Hill Descent Control, and Active Torque Vectoring intact. The SUV also benefits from the tougher Subaru Global Platform, which is now 10 percent stiffer thanks to a full inner frame design. Steering precision improves with a dual-pinion system adapted from the WRX.
Design-wise, the new Forester looks sharper and cleaner but remains recognizable. The Philippine-spec 2.5 i-S e-Boxer Hybrid wears 19-inch alloys, roof rails, and C-shaped LED headlights with cornering lamps. A panoramic sunroof and a hands-free tailgate are standard. A Forester-exclusive shade, River Rock Pearl, joins the color palette.
Inside, Subaru blends rugged with refined. Scratch-resistant panels meet suede-and-leather seats, both front units equipped with power adjustment. Comfort and convenience come from dual-zone climate control, rear vents, wireless charging, and a 360-degree camera. The centerpiece is an 11.6-inch portrait-style touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Safety tech takes a leap with EyeSight 4.0. It uses three cameras to provide nine driver-assist features, including lane centering, adaptive cruise, and emergency steering. A new Driver Monitoring System adds facial recognition to warn against distraction or drowsiness and can store profiles for five drivers. The system can even stop the vehicle if the driver becomes unresponsive.
Priced at P2,498,000, the Forester 2.5 i-S e-Boxer Hybrid comes with a five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty and eight years of coverage for the hybrid battery. For buyers looking at hybrids, it now stands as one of the few with a standard all-wheel-drive system, keeping Subaru’s identity intact while embracing electrification.
Volkswagen’s sales operations in the Philippines wind down this month as Ayala’s Automobile Central Enterprise Inc. ends its distribution deal with Volkswagen AG after a 12-year run. The last dealership in Bonifacio Global City is set to operate until September 30, 2025.
Vehicle servicing, maintenance, and warranty support will continue to be available through the Alabang Service Center, Pampanga Service Center, and other authorized service touchpoints. Customers may book service appointments via this volkswagen.service@acmobility.ph. For Pampanga customers, please contact 0918 8542379 or email hbsicat@lausgroup.com.ph.
The move follows Ayala’s exit from Maxus distribution in August, signaling a portfolio shift while customer care stays in place for Volkswagen users.
Volkswagen under Ayala began in 2013, bringing in nameplates from the Jetta and Tiguan to the Golf GTI, then pivoting in 2018 to China-built models like the Santana and Lamando, and later the T-Cross, Multivan Kombi, and Tharu.
Public posts from Volkswagen Philippines and multiple outlets confirm the closure timeline and aftersales arrangements.
BYD has officially brought the Tang DM-i to the Philippines, marking another step in its electrified lineup. The grand launch took place today, September 17, 2025, at the SPACE in Ayala One.
The Tang DM-i enters the local market at ₱2,098,000, offering Filipino buyers a premium plug-in hybrid SUV that blends luxury, versatility, and sustainable technology.
BYD first introduced the all-electric Tang in 2024, showcasing a global-standard SUV that combined comfort, technology, and performance. The DM-i version builds on that success by answering customer requests for flexibility. “Our mission is not just to introduce vehicles, but to listen, respond, and deliver solutions that fit Filipino needs,” said Bob Palanca, Managing Director of BYD Philippines.
Palanca explained that while many drivers are eager to shift fully to EVs, others want the reassurance of hybrid capability during the country’s transition to clean mobility. The Tang DM-i is designed precisely for that balance, powered by BYD’s advanced Super DM-i technology, which allows drivers to enjoy electric driving while still being equipped for longer-distance travel.
The SUV carries over the luxury, comfort, and advanced features of the original Tang, but now with an added layer of adaptability. From everyday city commutes to long family drives, the Tang DM-i positions itself as a versatile choice for Filipinos seeking both sustainability and practicality.
BYD emphasized that this launch is part of its larger mission to make advanced mobility accessible in the Philippines. “The Tang DM-i is not simply another SUV in our lineup. It is a smarter and more adaptable choice, reflecting our belief that sustainable mobility must also be practical and flexible,” Palanca added.
With the new model, BYD hopes to further strengthen its foothold in the country and bring more Filipinos closer to the future of mobility.
