Nissan Armada Review: Luxury Meets Capability

Nissan Armada: The Value Leader in Full-Size SUVs

The Nissan Armada stands as a compelling proposition in the competitive full-size SUV segment, offering a rare combination of luxury appointments, impressive towing capacity, and surprising value. Sharing its platform with the more expensive Infiniti QX80, the Armada delivers near-luxury quality at mainstream pricing, undercutting rivals like the Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Toyota Sequoia by thousands of dollars in comparable trims.

While the Armada isn't without compromises—particularly in third-row space and fuel efficiency—it represents one of the most complete packages for buyers seeking a traditional body-on-frame SUV without the premium brand price tag. Recent updates have enhanced its safety technology and convenience features, though some elements of its infotainment system feel overdue for modernization.

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Exterior Design: Commanding Road Presence

The Armada's exterior styling makes no apologies for its substantial dimensions. From its bold, chrome-accented grille to its high beltline and slab-sided profile, this SUV announces its capability before you even turn the key. Design elements like the crescent-shaped D-pillar and fender vents connect it visually to Nissan's global Patrol SUV, while standard running boards (painted dark on most trims) provide necessary assistance for accessing the cabin.

Wheel Options and Stance

• SV trim: 18-inch alloy wheels (appear undersized for the body)
• SL and above: 20-inch alloys fill the wheel wells more appropriately
• Platinum Reserve: Unique 20-inch chrome-finish wheels

With 9.1 inches of ground clearance, the Armada sits noticeably higher than car-based three-row crossovers, contributing to its imposing stance but creating step-in challenges for shorter passengers. The design cleverly masks its 121.1-inch wheelbase length, though parking this 208.9-inch-long vehicle in urban settings requires patience and ideally, the available 360-degree camera system.

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Interior Quality: Luxury at Mainstream Prices

Where the Armada most clearly punches above its weight class is in interior execution. The cabin materials, particularly in Platinum and Platinum Reserve trims, rival what you'd expect from luxury brands costing $20,000 more. Soft-touch surfaces, premium leather, and thoughtful details like padded armrests and premium headliner materials create an environment that feels special from the moment you enter.

Seating Configurations

The Armada offers two seating arrangements across its four trim levels:

1. 8-passenger: Standard 60/40 split second-row bench
2. 7-passenger: Optional second-row captain's chairs ($450)

While the captain's chairs enhance second-row comfort with a center console (including storage and cupholders), they eliminate the center walk-through to the third row. Access requires tilting the second-row seats forward—a manual process that's simpler than some power systems but less convenient than the Expedition's one-touch mechanism.

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Third-Row Reality Check

The Armada's third row presents the vehicle's most significant compromise. Despite the SUV's substantial exterior dimensions, rear seat accommodations lag behind key competitors in several critical measures:

In practical terms, the Armada's third row works best for children or occasional adult use. The power recline function helps somewhat with comfort, but the low seat cushion creates an awkward knees-up position. Storage behind the third row is adequate for grocery runs but may prove limiting for family vacations compared to the segment-leading Expedition.

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Technology: A Tale of Two Eras

The Armada's technology suite presents a curious mix of cutting-edge and dated elements. On the advanced side, higher trims offer:

• High-resolution around-view monitor
• Video rearview mirror with large display area
• Rear-seat entertainment with dual 8-inch screens
• Wireless charging pad
• Wi-Fi hotspot capability

Yet these modern conveniences share space with some surprisingly old-school components:

• 8-inch touchscreen (small for the class)
• Outdated graphics and interface
• Monochrome driver information display
• No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
• Overabundance of physical buttons

The infotainment system's placement high on the dashboard requires an uncomfortable reach, and the graphics look dated compared to systems in newer competitors. The inclusion of numerous USB ports (front and rear) helps mitigate the lack of smartphone integration, but this remains a notable omission in an otherwise well-equipped vehicle.

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Performance: V8 Power with Traditional SUV Dynamics

At the heart of every Armada lies a 5.6-liter V8 engine producing 390 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers:

Fuel Economy Realities

The Armada's EPA estimates tell a predictable story for a large V8-powered SUV:

• RWD models: 14 mpg city / 19 mpg highway / 16 mpg combined
• 4WD models: 13 mpg city / 18 mpg highway / 15 mpg combined

These figures place the Armada at the lower end of its class, though real-world driving often yields slightly better highway numbers with careful throttle management. The 26-gallon fuel tank provides reasonable range between fill-ups despite the thirsty engine.

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Towing and Hauling: Where the Armada Shines

The Armada's body-on-frame construction and powerful V8 combine to create one of its most compelling advantages: class-leading towing capacity. With proper equipment, the Armada can pull up to 8,500 pounds—surpassing both the Tahoe (8,400 lbs) and Expedition (6,600 lbs in standard length).

Towing Features

• Standard self-leveling rear suspension
• Available integrated trailer brake controller
• Tow/haul transmission mode
• Large side mirrors (optional extendable)
• 360-degree camera system aids hitching

During real-world towing tests, the Armada demonstrates confident stability with substantial loads, though the transmission occasionally hunts for gears on grades. The standard self-leveling suspension helps maintain proper ride height whether towing or carrying heavy cargo, a feature not always found at this price point.

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Driving Dynamics: Comfort Over Sport

Behind the wheel, the Armada prioritizes ride comfort over agile handling—a traditional approach for full-size SUVs. The independent double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension soak up road imperfections effectively, though body roll becomes pronounced during enthusiastic cornering.

Driving Characteristics

• Plush, comfortable ride quality
• Noticeable body lean in turns
• Light steering with moderate feedback
• Confident braking performance
• Significant turning circle (41.3 feet)

The speed-sensitive steering provides adequate feedback at highway speeds but feels overly light at parking lot paces. Four-wheel disc brakes bring the Armada's substantial mass to rest confidently, with a linear pedal feel that inspires confidence when towing or descending grades.

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Safety and Driver Assistance

Recent updates have significantly enhanced the Armada's safety technology offerings. All models now include:

• Automatic emergency braking
• Forward collision warning
• Adaptive cruise control
• Rear door alert system

Higher trims add more comprehensive protection:

• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist

Crash Test Performance

The NHTSA awarded the Armada an overall four-star safety rating, with five stars in frontal crash tests but just three stars for rollover resistance—typical for tall, heavy SUVs. The IIHS has not fully evaluated the current generation, though its structure and safety systems suggest competitive performance.

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Trim Level Breakdown and Value Proposition

The Armada's four trim levels offer progressively more luxury features while maintaining strong value compared to competitors:

Even the top Platinum Reserve trim undercuts similarly equipped versions of the Expedition and Tahoe by $5,000-$8,000, while offering comparable or superior interior luxury. The SL trim represents perhaps the best balance of features and value for most buyers.

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Competitive Landscape

The Armada competes in a shrinking but still relevant segment of traditional body-on-frame SUVs. Key competitors include:

Ford Expedition

Advantages: More spacious third row, better fuel efficiency with turbo V6, more modern tech

Disadvantages: Lower towing capacity, higher price when comparably equipped

Chevrolet Tahoe

Advantages: More configurable interior, available longer Suburban version

Disadvantages: Less powerful base engine, similar pricing for less luxury

Toyota Sequoia

Advantages: Toyota reliability reputation, available TRD off-road package

Disadvantages: Dated platform, poor fuel economy, tight third row

The Armada's strongest selling points against these competitors remain its combination of near-luxury interior quality, class-leading towing, and aggressive pricing—particularly at higher trim levels where the value equation becomes most compelling.

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Final Verdict: Who Should Consider the Armada?

The Nissan Armada makes the most sense for buyers who:

• Prioritize towing capability in a full-size SUV
• Want luxury interior quality without the premium brand price
• Don't regularly need maximum third-row space
• Appreciate traditional V8 power and characteristics
• Value strong standard features at every trim level

It may not be the ideal choice for those who:

• Require frequent third-row adult accommodations
• Prioritize cutting-edge infotainment technology
• Need maximum fuel efficiency
• Prefer car-like handling dynamics

Ultimately, the Armada delivers where it matters most for traditional SUV buyers—capability, comfort, and luxury—while asking significantly less at the dealership than many competitors. For the right buyer, these strengths outweigh its few but notable compromises.