A full-size three-row SUV that sits atop the Pathfinder three-row crossover is the 2024 Nissan Armada. The Armada is a unique SUV with a powerful V8 engine that can be considered truck-based, making it a rare find in the market. Nissan’s largest SUV can accommodate seven to eight passengers and a significant amount of cargo when the rear seats are folded down. The Armada might be a fantastic alternative for you if you’re looking for a large, traditional sport-ute
Nissan’s premium full-size, body-on-frame, three-row SUV is called the Armada. After 2024, the Japanese company will no longer offer the Titan full-size truck. However, rumors claim that a third version of the truck-based Armada will continue to be produced to compete with SUVs like the Toyota Sequoia.
The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, Ford Expedition and Expedition Max, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, and Toyota Sequoia are some full-size SUVs with which the Armada competes. The Armada can be compared to its more luxurious counterpart, the Infiniti QX80, through cross-shopping its higher trim levels.
The third-generation Nissan Armada will drop its 5.6-liter Endurance V8 engine, similar to the Toyota Sequoia’s previous drop. According to Automotive News, Nissan will replace the Armada’s 400-horsepower engine with a more potent and effective twin-turbocharged V6. A new 9-speed automatic transmission will be paired with the engine.
Overview
The dated Nissan Armada is steadfastly retro and proud of it. Its body-on-frame architecture, three rows of seats, naturally aspirated V-8 engine, and a maximum towing capacity of 8500 pounds make it the manufacturer’s largest SUV. A limited-slip rear axle is standard, and all four specification levels offer the option of four-wheel drive. All Armadas are well-equipped, but the higher grades include luxury items like heated quilted leather seats, displays for the rear seats that can be installed on the headrests, and open-pore wood trim pieces without going overboard and directly competing with the Infiniti QX80, with which it shares a platform and a powertrain.
The Armada’s cost and fuel economy rating of 16 mpg combined are competitive with models like the Chevy Tahoe, Jeep Wagoneer, and Ford Expedition. The Armada’s powerful engine and antiquated platform still need enough of fuel to stay on track, and the laws of physics still hold true. Despite this, the Armada has a certain cachet due to its style and relative uniqueness when compared to the fleet of Tahoes and Wagoneers that are constantly cruising primary school pickup zones.
Will the Nissan Armada’s drivetrain change in 2024?
In addition to the outward appearance, the powertrain is the main news. The 5.6-liter V8 has been replaced by a twin-turbo V6 engine that has 424 horsepower. This has greater power than the 400 horsepower of the V8. There was no information on whether a hybrid version would be available.
A nine-speed automatic transmission supports the V6. This information comes after Toyota switched its Land Cruiser from a V8 to a twin-turbo V6. The 2024 Armada will continue to be a three-row full-size SUV with body-on-frame construction and standard all-wheel drive.
2024 Nissan Armada: Comfort
A somewhat calm and solitary driving experience is provided by the Armada. Although the wide front seats are comfy, they don’t have much bolstering to keep you in position when turning. Despite being amply padded, the second-row captain’s chairs cannot be moved forward or backward to increase legroom. By today’s standards, the third-row seats are inadequate.
The climate settings are simple, and although we would have liked larger vents for such a huge cabin, we were more dissatisfied with the climate system’s inability to maintain a constant temperature when in auto mode. The ventilated seats in our test Armada were likewise extremely noisy and offered little cooling.
The ride is undoubtedly of a soft nature. This is advantageous for navigating mild to moderate humps. On larger undulations, however, where there will be considerable jostling and shuddering, it becomes a liability. Other SUVs have a tighter, more controlled feeling.
2024 Nissan Armada: Interior
The room is adequate in the front seats, but it gets worse as you move back. The third-row seat is situated low to the floor and is challenging to enter and exit, while the second-row captain’s chairs are fixed in place (they won’t slide like those in some rival SUVs). Even for individuals of ordinary stature, the side assist steps are essentially necessary because the Armada has a high riding height.
New climate controls and a sizable infotainment screen can be seen on the Armada’s dash. The Armada has good external visibility; however, the large mirrors and thick front roof pillars can obscure your view when making abrupt left turns. The surround-view camera system that is available greatly reduces the tension associated with parking.
2024 Nissan Armada: Technology
Although the touchscreen is large, the graphics aren’t as up-to-date as we’d like. The system’s startup takes some time as well. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are features that come as standard. Either interface is preferable to Nissan’s native, awkward infotainment system. The placement of the USB and power ports isn’t ideal, especially for second-row passengers, and they aren’t as numerous as we would expect from a huge SUV.
There are, fortunately, several common, improved safety measures. In our tests, they all performed satisfactorily. Although both features of the adaptive cruise control are a touch sluggish to respond to, they both brake and accelerate smoothly.
Capacity for Towing and Payload
Both the two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions of the 2024 Nissan Armada are capable of towing up to 8,500 pounds. That’s a lot more than competitors like the Chevy Suburban and Tahoe. Although the Armada’s 8500-pound rating should be adequate for the majority of customers, the modern Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia, and Jeep Wagoneer can tow more.
Connectivity and Information
The prominent 12.3-inch touchscreen entertainment system perched atop the dashboard is unmistakable. It still has bright, readable icons despite recently being outsized by the screen in the new Sequoia and other rivals. It also gets credit for having rotary controls for volume and tuning. Navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay are all standard features. Front and back USB type A and type C connections, a 120-volt outlet, and wireless smartphone charging are all available on models SL and higher. A 13-speaker Bose audio system is in the entry-level SL model, while a rear-seat entertainment system with two 8.0-inch displays is also in the top-tier Platinum trim.
Value
The Armada has a price similar to other large SUVs; however, the quality of the interior materials and outdated technology fall far short of modern standards. The Armada should be appealing if a potent V8 engine and strong towing capacity are important to you. It will be a letdown for those with more traditional wants. The Nissan warranty is only fair.
Wildcard
The Armada’s exterior appearance is appealing, and the interior is as close to being near-luxury as Nissan can make it. The Armada excels at making the Infiniti QX80, its corporate twin, appear pricey if there is one thing it does well. The Armada doesn’t really have any vices, but aside from its powerful and thunderous V8 engine, it also doesn’t really excel in anything.
Summary
Since its introduction for the 2017 model year, Armada has undergone a mid-cycle facelift for the 2021 MY. According to reports, its replacement will arrive at dealers across North America by the end of 2023. If so, it would be a 2024 MY with far higher mileage figures than the current model.
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