For 2025, the redesigned Armada trades its thirsty V8 engine for a more efficient and powerful 425-hp, twin-turbocharged V6 and gains an off-road-focused Pro-4X trim.
Buyers can choose seating for seven or eight.
There is decent cargo room behind the third row.
This mammoth SUV shares its underlying design with the more luxurious Infiniti QX80.
The Armada is quick and quiet, but the ride is quite stiff.
Handling is ungainly.
High end versions that have active suspension can lower the ride height for easier access.
The steering wheel buttons provide shortcuts for interacting with the touchscreen and driver's information screen, but they are fussy to use.
The push-button gear selector is not intuitive.
In most versions, when off-road driving modes are engaged, a front camera displays a live video of what's directly in front of the bumper.
The Armada is good for 8,500-pound towing capacity.
Notable Changes
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2017-2024
2017 Model Redesign Year
This less expensive version of the Infiniti QX80 is powered by a slick and powerful 390-hp, 5.6-liter V8.
We got a paltry 14 mpg overall, however.
Though the soft suspension absorbs bumps well, the body jostles frequently.
Handling is clumsy, with slow steering and pronounced body roll, but it's ultimately secure.
Inside, the spacious cabin has a premium feel, particularly in Platinum trim.
Controls are a bit dated, and it's a long reach to some buttons and knobs.
Seven- or eight-passenger seating configurations are available, and the third row can power fold and unfold.
Available in rear-wheel or full-time four-wheel drive, the Armada can tow a generous 8,500 pounds. Updates for the 2019 model included standard forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Armada received a freshening for 2021, the engine now has 400 hp.
Standard safety features include Nissan's Shield 360. This suite includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, lane departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Also, dual-zone automatic climate control is standard on all trims. Updates for 2022 include one-touch folding third-row function for power seat-equipped models.
Based on the Titan pickup, the full-size Nissan Armada SUV debuted in 2004, with seating for up to eight.
Unlike the Titan, it features an independent rear suspension, which improves the ride considerably.
Power comes from a smooth-revving, but noisy 5.6-liter, 305-hp V8 with a slick five-speed automatic transmission.
This powertrain makes the Armada quick, but it returns just 13 mpg overall.
Handling is relatively responsive, but the ride is quite stiff and interior quality is unimpressive.
Children may have trouble reaching the high-mounted rear door handles.
There's lots of rear cargo space and with its available tow package, towing capacity is generous.
While competitive in its early years, this long-running design grew outdated over time, falling behind on refinement and finesse.
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