This year’s Nissan Armada has a lot going for it with improved electronics that keep it controlled under rough riding as well as on city streets.
With twin turbo power, its V6 engine develops an impressive 425 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft of torque, enough to power through wilderness trails with ease or tow up to 8,500 pounds.
While some rival SUVs have shifted to unibody construction, Nissan keeps its body-on-frame, a more rugged welded ladder frame for off-road and everyday travel.
We put it through its paces off road and came away with a positive feeling about the new Armada.
Our Pro-4X trim featured four-wheel drive with electronic air suspension and locking rear differential. It tackled large ruts in roadways and steep off-road inclines of 35 degrees and more with little effort.
Armada’s 9.6-inches of ground clearance and underbody metal skid plates provided added protection for our maneuvers. Its Terrain mode selector worked its magic with 20-inch alloy wheels shoed with all-terrain tires while cameras provided up close views of obstacles.
Some critics point to a bouncy ride traveling over rough pavement, although our experience showed good composure. In repeated panic stops, the Armada stopped with minimal pitch and braking remained firm throughout.
The Armada is available in base SV, SL, Platinum, Pro-4X, new powerful NISMO and Platinum Reserve with prices starting at $60-$82,000 for upper trims.
Interior cabin treatment is posh with our tester featuring quilted leather-appointed seats in its three rows with lava red stitching and interior accents. Third row access is made easy but full-size adults will find its space cramped.
Headliner mounted cooling and heating vents are well-positioned. Power controls at the liftgate manage seat positions for third and second rows. Driver and passenger seats are heated and ventilated and have 12-way power adjustments and lumbar for that just-right position.
A pair of 14.3-inch digital screens house engine vitals and infotainment apps and there are numerous USB ports throughout the cabin. Seating will accommodate seven or eight passengers depending on configuration.
Our tester included a standard Klipsch premium system with 12 speakers for audiophiles looking for full sound quality.
Wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Google built-ins apps are standard on upper trims and there are a number of useful knobs and buttons to replace drilling down in some rival SUVs screens.
There is an optional dash cam and in-car camera that negates the need for third party equipment. It is integrated with Nissan Connect, a subscription-based service that is required to operate the system.
The interior camera is useful for rideshare drivers with passenger incidents or security while parked. Some models include night vision or infrared lighting so the interior is clear at night. Parking surveillance records impact or motion when your vehicle is parked.
Standard driver assist features include adaptive cruise control, lane management, blind spot intervention and ProPilot Assist – a hands-free highway system that keeps the SUV in its lane, brakes and accelerates with traffic and keeps you a safe distance from traffic ahead.
There are alternatives to consider in your large SUV shopping including the Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia and Jeep Wagoneer.