2021 Nissan Armada
In a world where the largest SUVs rule the school driveway, one such vehicle seems to have been left out of the conversation.
The Nissan Armada is just as practical and capable as the other vehicles in its class. It is also distinctive, powerful, and offer plenty of comfort for up to eight passengers. Sounds like a great vehicle to us!
For 2021, Nissan gave their Armada a much needed update. Will it be enough for you to consider it for your next family SUV?
Compared to other Nissans - save for the Titan full-sized pickup truck, the Armada’s size can be imposing. It is a large SUV that commands presence. However, the mid-cycle refresh gave it a softer personality – and that will definitely welcome new customers to it. The new LED headlamps, grille, and the newest Nissan logo are a part of the welcome you will receive from this big SUV.
The side profile is tall with a luxurious look across each side,. The side window profile is unique with its C-pillar glass signature. The rear liftgate area is chunky, but very nice to look it. The refreshed details in the taillights and rear trim give the Armada a more upscale look.
Step inside, and the size becomes evident to the driver. The instrument panel was given some updates, including a new wide infotainment touchscreen on top of the center stack and the new Nissan logo on the steering wheel.
The rest of the Armada’s instrument panel is full of curves and clean instrumentation. The steering wheel controls may look dated, but they work very well. However, we wished the 4WD controller was closer to the driver and that the infotainment controls on the center console would be updated to match the new screen.
Our SL tester came with the available second-row captain’s chairs, which still offers a seven-seat passenger experience. Creamy Almond leather adorned all three rows of seating, which made for a luxurious experience. The front and second row seats are large, offering comfort over support. You do have a power lumbar support for the driver, however.
There is no shortage of storage across the first two rows. The large center consoles offer up plenty of hidden space for games, food, and extra supplies for road trips. The third row is good for children and accessible through a single-lever flip-and-fold mechanism through the second row seats.
Cargo space is very generous, starting with 16.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row. Fold both the third- and second-row of seats, and you have a maximum cargo capacity of 95.4 cubic feet.
Power for the Armada comes from a 400-horsepower 5.6-liter Endurance V8 engine, with 413-pound-feet of torque. This powerful engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission and a two-speed four-wheel-drive system. This large SUV can also tow up to 8,500 pounds. Power comes on smooth, and the transmission does a great job to keep the Armada on task.
For a large SUV, do not expect great fuel economy numbers. We averaged 14.2 MPG in our care.
What surprised us about the Nissan Armada was the smooth ride and great suspension that managed rougher road surfaces with superior poise. Handling is controlled, but with some low limits. Expect some lean and roll through the turns. It maneuvers just fine for a vehicle of its size.
The steering system is fine, but it may require more turns of the wheel to manage tighter maneuvers. However, we like the on-center feel and precision of the system overall. The brakes were also superb with great stopping power in normal and panic situations. Pedal feel is solid.
The 2021 Nissan Armada comes in three trims, plus a special Midnight Edition. Pricing starts from $55,600 for the SV model with rear-wheel-drive. Our four-wheel-drive SL tester came with a sticker price of $62,630.
There is a specific customer for the Armada, as it can carry more passengers and cargo for growing families. The Armada has been compared to the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia and Land Cruiser. That group will soon be joined by the new Jeep Wagoneer in the near future.
If you are looking for a large 7-8 passenger SUV that offers plenty of style and utility, give the 2021 Nissan Armada a good look. You might be missing out on one of the better vehicles in its class right here.
Story Credits: CarSoup Editors
