The new Armada is a giant leap forward for Nissan. Its comfort levels, active and passive safety features, and rigidity within the ladder frame and body structure are all vastly improved. It also bookends the automaker’s complete revision of its SUV->ke145 and crossover->ke288 lineups over the last three years, with new editions of the Pathfinder,->ke548 Murano,->ke552 and Rogue.->ke2176

As before, the Armada sits atop the Nissan SUV lineup as the flagship. It offers the highest levels of available luxury and comfort, especially in its range-topping trim, the Platinum. Lower trim levels include the “base” SV and mid-grade SL trims.

Update 2/5/2020: Nissan has updated pricing for the 2020 model year and introduced a new wheel package. Learn about the updated pricing and everything else you need to know in our “What’s New for 2020” section below.

2017 - 2020 Nissan Armada

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 - 2020 Nissan Armada
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 390 @ 5200
  • Torque: 401 @ 4000
  • Transmission: seven-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

What’s New for 2020?

The Nissan Armada hasn’t changed much at all since the current generation was introduced in 2017, however, for 2020 all trim levels (there are four of them) will come with heated exterior mirrors as standard equipment. There’s also a new 22-inch wheel package on offer that includes 275/50R22-inch all-season tires that will set you back $2,250 on any trim other than the Platinum, where it comes as standard equipment along with the Captain’s Chairs Package, Platinum Reserve Package, and Pearl White Paint.

With that said, pricing has also increased significantly since the Armada was launched in 2017. For 2020, the entry-level Armada SV in RWD form will set you back $47,100 - $2,700 than it was 2017. The range-topping Platinum trim will now set you back $63,530. Here’s a full breakdown of pricing and specifications





Exterior

The 2017 Armada clearly takes after the Nissan Patrol, going so far as keeping a similar grille design, upright windshield, kinked D-pillar, integrated side steps, and the arguably tacky fender vent.

Of course, the Armada gets its own flavor of styling for the U.S., including its own front grille and bumper, LED encrusted projector-beam headlights, trim-specific 18- and 20-inch wheels, rear tailgate design, and LED taillights. Seven exterior colors are available, including Hermosa Blue, Mocha Almond, Forged Copper, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Brilliant Silver and premium, three-coat Pearl White.

Handy exterior features include rain-sensing windshield wipers with a de-icing function, optional power liftgate (standard on SL and Platinum trims), standard two-inch receiver hitch out back, and Nissan’s 360-degree Around View Monitor. The camera system, along with the radar-based parking sensors, make easy work of maneuvering the large SUV.

Like the Patrol it’s based on, the Armada comes ready to tackle off-road situations. Underbody skid plates, the four-wheel independent suspension, and optional 4WD with low-range gears complement the relatively impressive approach, break-over, and departure angles.

Interior

Opening the Armada’s doors reveals an interior that is simply massive. Legroom in the first and second rows are limo-like, while the third row is designed for more than just kids. Headroom is the size of Texas, further by the optional panoramic moonroof. Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats mean comfort is top notch, aided by power-operation up front and manually reclining seatbacks for the second row. Even the third row seatback recline thanks to extra travel in the power-folding function. HVAC vents in the ceiling keep passengers in the second and third rows comfortable, while dash-mounted vents, along with heated and cooled seats, keep the driver and front passenger happy.

The Armada offers a maximum seating capacity of eight, though the second row can be had with dual captains chairs and a removable center console. This is the preferable option if you’re mostly carting adults. Those adults will love the heated seats as well. For the kids, an optional DVD system is available, with two seven-inch monitors and inputs via USB, VTR jacks, or CD-style DVD or BlueRay. Wireless headphones can keep volumes in check. The DVD system comes standard on Platinum models.

No matter what the seat, all passengers will enjoy the 13-speaker Bose sound system. Standard SiriusXM satellite radio comes standard, along with Nissan’s Navigation system with NavTraffic Real-Time Traffic Information. Besides the Bose stereo, Nissan says the interior has “library level” noise volumes. Acoustic glass on the windshield and front side glass, along with an extensive use of insulation, keeps outside noises to a minimum.

When hauling cargo is a priority, the third-row seats can be power-folded flat while the second row has quick-release latches near the headrests. With the third row folded, the Armada offers 49.6 cubic feet of volume. Fold both rows and the space expands to 95.1 cubic feet. Cargo volume is a bit cramped behind the third row, however, coming in at 16.6 cubic feet. That puts the Armada in close competition with the Chevrolet Tahoe.

The Armada’s interior comes in three color choices. Charcoal and Almond are offered in both cloth and leather, while Tan is available in leather only.

Drivetrain

Powering the Armada is a 5.6-liter V-8 that only shares its displacement figure with the outgoing engine. The engine is similar to the V-8 found in the QX80, but this is its first appearance in a Nissan product in the U.S. The V-8’s next appearance will be in the all-new Titan pickup truck.

The completely revised engine uses direct injection – or what Nissan calls its Direct Injection Gas system, or DIG for short – to provide better wide-open throttle performance, improved fuel economy, and cleaner emissions performance. The compression ratio has been increased from 9.8:1 to 11.2:1 thanks to a new piston design. Furthering efficiency and power is Nissan’s Variable Valve Event & Lift technology, or VVEL. It combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing with electronically controlled variable valve lift on both the intake and exhaust sides.

All told, the 5.6-liter V-8 kicks out 390 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 401 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Backing the engine is a seven-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control and Downshift Rev Matching. Its wider gear ratios and features like a fluid warmer and idle neutral control help increase fuel economy over the outgoing five-speed automatic.

For those who want 4WD, the Armada features Nissan’s All-Mode 4WD system. The electronically controlled, two-speed transfer case has four settings that include Auto, 2WD, 4WD High range, and 4WD Low range. Like with most part-time 4WD systems, power is sent to the rear tires until traction is lost. If set to Auto mode, torque is automatically sent to the front differential, providing power to all four wheels. When locked in 4WD, torque is evenly split between both front and rear axles. Low range gearing is set at 2.70:1, proving a decent crawl ratio for extra pulling power.

The Armada’s mpg numbers have yet to be released, but they should fall roughly inline with the Infiniti QX80’s EPA ratings of 14 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined. A 26-gallon fuel tank will provide a respectable driving range.

Safety

The 2017 Armada comes packed with both active and passive safety features. On the active side, it includes Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Cruise Control, Distance Control Assist, Forward Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Prevention and Warning, Blind Sport Warning, and Blind Spot Intervention.

On the passive side is Nissan’s Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage front air bags with seatbelt sensors and front passenger occupant classification, roof-mounted curtain airbags with rollover sensors, side-impact airbags, and front seat Active Head Restraints. Of course, each seating position comes with three-point seat belts while rear seating positions come with the LATCH car seat attachments. Front and rear crumple zones, an engine immobilizer, and a security system are included as well.

Prices

We originally predicted the 2017 Armada would carry a $45,000 base price, while the range-topping Platinum model would start around $55,000. Our speculation is impressively close with the base SV trim, but a bit under what Nissan lists the Platinum for.

The SV trim in 2WD form starts at $44,400. Opt for the mack-daddy Platinum in AWD, and the price shoots to $59,990. While expensive, this closely matches prices from the Armada's top competitors.

Armada SV 2WD

$44,400 USD

Armada SL 2WD

$49,150

Armada Platinum 2WD

$57,090

Armada SV 4WD

$47,300

Armada SL 4WD

$52,050

Armada Platinum AWD

$59,990


Competition

Chevrolet Tahoe

The venerable Chevy Tahoe has perfected the three-row, body-on-frame SUV and basically defines the segment. It offers plenty of room for seven – or eight in a pinch – while delivering all the latest tech and safety features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Tahoe comes powered by the 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. Both 2WD and 4WD versions are offered. The Tahoe is not cheap, however, with a base price around $49,000 and a max price that exceeds the $60,000 mark.

Read our full review on the Chevrolet Tahoe here.

Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition has long competed with the Tahoe for dominance in the large SUV segment. Unlike GM and now Nissan, Ford has taken a different road to horsepower. The only engine is the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 with an impressive 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. The rest of the Expedition is more conventional, with three rows of seats, plenty of room for eight, and the ability to tow large amounts. Like the Tahoe, the Expedition is pricy. It starts at nearly $48,000 and can grow to nearly $65,000. Remember, this isn’t even the Lincoln navigator – just as the Tahoe isn’t the Cadillac Escalade…

Read our full review on the Ford Expedition here.

Conclusion

Nissan’s new wave of trucks and SUVs is impressive. With the new Titan, Titan XD, the updated crop of crossovers, and now the new Armada, it’s hard to ignore the Tennessee-based automaker. In terms of patriotism, the Armada does hold sad news. This new generation will be made in Kyushu, Japan. This does make room for both versions of the Titan pickup at the Canton, Mississippi plant, however.

Regardless of its construction location, the new Armada promises to be a formidable contender in the full-size SUV segment. We can’t wait to get our hands on it. The 2017 Armada will go on sale in the summer of 2016.

Update History

Update 08/15/2016: Nissan has released pricing for the 2017 Armada. Check out the “Price” section below for all the details.

Updated 02/16/2016: We added a series of new images taken during Armada's official debut at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. Check the "Pictures" tab to see them.