introduction
If you’re looking for a full-size three-row SUV but don’t want one of the usual Ford or Chevy models, the Nissan Armada could be right for you.
The body-on-frame structure and all-wheel drive remain, making it a traditional SUV well suited for towing or occasional off-road driving.
The Armada was completely new last year and is getting a major update this year: a Nismo mode.
styles
The Nissan Armada is a three-row SUV with seating for eight passengers, available in six main models: SV, SL, Platinum, Pro-4X, Platinum Reserve and Nismo.
Drivetrain
The entire range features a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 direct-injection gasoline engine that develops 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive as standard, with the option of all-wheel drive depending on the version.
Interior style
The Armada is large and elevated, so shorter drivers and passengers may have difficulty getting in and out. However, the third row has reclining seats, good ventilation openings and enough space for adults with a height of 1.80 m to be able to travel comfortably even on longer journeys.
I like the interior design of the Armada. It has physical controls for the main functions of the climate system, volume, track selection and much more. It also has some of the most comfortable and supportive front seats in its class.
Add to that a wonderfully smooth ride and a surprisingly quiet cabin, and the Armada can easily do double duty as a family car and mile-muncher.
The Armada offers between 20.4 and 97.1 cubic feet of storage space, depending on the number of seats folded down. Additionally, the rear cargo area isn’t as spacious as some competitors.
I was disappointed that the door pockets were so flat and narrow. Plus, the cup holders can’t hold much more than a 16-ounce soda bottle. The center console is deep and there is a compartment under the center console area for larger items like wallets or large water bottles, but they don’t hold or move well.
On the plus side, the Armada can tow up to 8,500 pounds. That’s certainly enough to haul most small and medium-sized boats or trailers that the owner is likely to want to tow.
technology
The Armada offers extensive infotainment functions and driving aids as standard. My Pro-4X test vehicle featured a large central touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, head-up display, and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration.
The technology is mostly easy to use, but the menus and commands of the digital instrument cluster require some time to get used to. This is because the system itself is not very well organized and you have to spend some time trying it out to get used to everything.
Security
For safety, the Armada comes standard with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 package, which includes automatic emergency braking (with pedestrian detection), rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot warning, lane change warning and assist, rear automatic braking and automatic high beams.
You can also add custom cruise control with total stop function, ProPILOT Assist 2.1 (hands-free assisted highway driving in certain versions), a 360° camera with “Invisible Hood View” to virtually see under the front, and hill descent control, underlining its profile as one of the most complete large SUVs in terms of assistance.
On the way
The Armada’s 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine delivers plenty of power in all driving conditions. My Pro-4X test vehicle is faster than a base V8-powered Chevy Tahoe and only slightly slower than a Toyota Sequoia. The Armada’s automatic transmission shifts gears smoothly and quickly.
In my emergency braking test, the Armada needed just 117 feet to stop from 60 mph, much better than other large SUVs, and it’s easy to make smooth stops in normal driving. The new Armada wraps around you and feels smaller and lighter than its three-ton weight suggests.
In general, I also like the Armada’s driver assistance systems. The only downside is the lane departure warning system. I found it intrusive and directed the Armada in ways it didn’t want, such as throwing us off the track it wanted. I also had trouble keeping the Armada on track even when driving straight ahead.
Diploma
The new Nissan Armada presents itself as an all-round successful large SUV: powerful, comfortable, with a good level of technology and safety and plenty of space for large families.
It’s not the most efficient or luxurious in its segment, but the leap over the previous model is notable, and its combination of comfort, towing capacity and ease of handling make it a very sensible option for those who need a large and versatile vehicle.
Price: Starting at $58,733
Consumption: 15 MPG city – 18 MPG highway