The 2021 Nissan Armada, which had its most recent facelift for the 2017 model year, receives a much-needed upgrade to keep up with other full-size SUVs that have recently undergone similar changes, such as the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL. The Armada and the Infiniti QX80 are based on the same global model, the Patrol, and share a same platform.
Nissan significantly updates the Armada for the 2021 model year, adding:
- 12.3-inch color touchscreen display that is new and standard.
- New LED headlights, a new grille, hood, front fenders, and front and rear bumpers.
- interior redesign using modern materials and technologies
- newly released Midnight Edition box with a number of unique “black-out” elements on the outside and inside.
- Wi-Fi hotspot as standard and a wireless smartphone charging station as an option
- Daytime running lights now come standard with LEDs.
- new exterior design that has a more chiseled, rough appearance
- Trailer sway control and a new trailer brake controller are both available.
S, SV, SL, and Platinum are the four trim levels offered for the 2021 Nissan Armada. Two-wheel drive (2WD) is the default; four-wheel drive (4WD) is an optional $3,000 feature on all trim levels. Prices for an Armada S 2WD start at $48,600 and go up to $68,000 for a Platinum 4WD. The $1,495 destination fee is not included in these pricing.
In This Article...
Armada has all-wheel drive, right?
The Armada’s sole engine is a potent 5.6-liter V-8 paired with a refined seven-speed automated transmission. On premium fuel, the engine can produce up to 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. Every model can tow 8500 pounds and works with either rear- or all-wheel drive. Although we haven’t put a track-tested Armada with the additional power through its paces, we have driven one and enjoyed its easy propulsion. Due to its completely independent suspension, the Armada drove remarkably well considering its size, but it couldn’t compete in terms of handling with the more agile Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.
Even though our test vehicle traveled on 22-inch wheels, the ride was quiet and comfortable (18-inchers are standard). Although it had a soft ride, this did not impair our sensation of control. However, the steering was sluggish and inaccurate, allowing the SUV to wander on the highway like a member of its Spanish namesake. In addition to performing well in our emergency braking test, the Nissan’s brake pedal provided pleasant feel and reliable feedback.
Nissan Armadas have four-wheel drive.
Taking the Nissan Armada 2022 The Nissan Armada is a capable off-roader when fitted with 4-wheel drive, despite the lack of any special off-road trims or option packages.
What Nissan Armada issues are most typical?
The Nissan Armada has been one of the brand’s most well-liked full-size SUVs ever since its debut in 2004.
The lifespan of the Nissan Armada has already been discussed; now it’s time to look at the most frequent problems owners have encountered.
The Nissan Armada’s superior engineering has a number of benefits, but there are several persistent problems that have plagued Armada models over time.
In light of this, the following list of the top 10 Nissan Armada issues is provided:
Are Nissan Armadas dependable vehicles?
With a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, the Nissan Armada is ranked second among 14 full-size SUVs. It has cheaper ownership costs than the national average due to the $550 average yearly repair cost. When compared to all other vehicles, the frequency and severity of repairs are both about average.
Is the Infiniti QX80 the same as the Nissan Armada?
A full-size premium SUV is the 2019 INFINITI QX80, while a basic full-size SUV is the 2019 Nissan Armada. Despite the fact that they are both built on the same foundation, you’ll find that they differ greatly in a number of areas.
Has Nissan abandoned the Armada?
Through 2005, a facelift was planned, and it was unveiled in early 2007 for the 2008 model year.
The most recent Nissan Armada Platinum variant has a CF (Compact Flash) memory card slot and a 9.3 GB hard drive for music storage. Additionally, the Platinum model has third-row seats that automatically fold and a motorized liftgate.
The Armada’s SE and Off-Road trim levels were eliminated for the 2011 model year in favor of a tier structure consisting of SV (basic trim), SL (middle trim), and Platinum (top trim). Nissan stopped using the Armada platform for the Japanese-made Infiniti QX56.
In addition to a Platinum Reserve trim package, all vehicles now come standard with Bluetooth and satellite radio for the 2013 model year. NavWeather, Zagat Survey, Bluetooth audio streaming, one USB connection, and a 40 GB hard drive were added by navigation. The back of the front head restraints have screens fitted for the Nissan DVD Entertainment System.
Only left-hand-drive versions of the Nissan Armada (TA60) were offered for sale in the United States (including all US territories), Canada, Mexico, and the Middle East.
Is the Pathfinder smaller than the Nissan Armada?
The Armada is nearly 1,000 pounds heavier and much bigger than the Pathfinder in terms of size. Additionally, it has up to 2.2 more inches of ground clearance than its smaller, more family-oriented brother, making it more capable off-road.
What does a Nissan Armada have high mileage?
In general, the Nissan nameplate has a reputation for dependability and longevity. In order to achieve this lifespan, adequate maintenance and repair are essential.
Is premium fuel required for the Nissan Armada?
Publisher Tim Esterdahl tests the 2022 Nissan Armada Midnight Edition on the interstate to see how it compares to the EPA fuel economy ratings. Additionally, we investigate if 91 octane or premium gas actually makes a difference for the Nissan Armada.
Nissan Armada: premium fuel recommended
There has been a lot of controversy recently regarding the dependence of manufacturers’ fuel economy figures on premium fuel. Although not all vehicles need premium gasoline, if you want the best fuel economy you’d better be prepared to shell out the cash.
Esterdahl intended to test the 2022 Nissan Armada’s performance on premium fuel to see whether he could match the advertised performance figures.
Design and driving impressions
The Armada hasn’t altered all that much in the past two years, and many people believe a complete redesign is overdue. However, the Armada is still a good, large car for families, and it’s special and capable of much more than most drivers will ever ask of it. The Armada is unlike any other large SUV that is currently available. That may be a significant plus for some.
This particular vehicle has crisp black accents all around, which stand out against the white exterior because it is a Black Edition.
The new infotainment screen in the center stack of the 2022 Nissan Armada is the largest interior upgrade. Similar to the 2022 Infiniti QX80, the new wireless phone charger is concealed and in a peculiar location. This makes it easier to access but less convenient for maintaining your eyes on the road. The third row itself is low and better suited for children than adults, and Esterdahl also mentions that the cargo area behind the third row is relatively limited. But he seemed to prefer the spacious and comfortable second row.
Esterdahl claims that the 2022 Nissan Armada drives quietly and nicely for a vehicle this size with such sizable tires. And the 5.6-liter V-8 engine gives the car a lot of power.
Can he beat the EPA numbers?
The Armada received around 19.9 MPG, which is higher than the EPA’s highway rating of 18 MPG, according to the car’s computer.
Esterdahl computed by hand at the pump and found that with a 20.46-MPG drive, he had actually outperformed both the EPA and the onboard computer.
Nissan Armada: A luxury vehicle?
Is the Armada a premium car in theory? No, but it is a roomy SUV that mistakenly believes it is a luxury car, and you will be surrounded by top-notch equipment you would anticipate seeing in a car with a considerably higher price tag.
The Armada has certain outstanding qualities, for instance:
- Loading gear and groceries has never been simpler thanks to the power liftgate. The Nissan Intelligent Key may be operated with just a touch of a button.
- Tri-Zone Entertainment lets you enjoy adult music or the news while the kids watch a movie. Just got less contentious on long drives.
- Dual-Zone Temperature: The temperature in the area of the car can be adjusted independently for the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers.
The Nissan Armada provides luxury without charging a premium price even though it is not a luxury vehicle.
What distinguishes the Armada SV from the SL?
The Armada SL adds trailer sway control, power steering and mirrors, and remote engine start to the SV’s optional Appearance package enhancements. For those late-night outback excursions, the Armada SL also features a power sunroof and a 360-degree Around View monitor.
How fuel-efficient is a Nissan Armada?
When the first Armada was released for the 2004 model year, it was built on the same platform as the North American Titan full-size pickup truck. After a lengthy 12-year run of manufacturing, the business decided to transfer it to its international SUV platform. This indicates that the most recent Armada is based on the global Nissan Patrol, a full-size SUV that is somewhat smaller than the original Armada but slightly more refined in its manners. However, it still has a 5.6-liter V-8 engine with 400 horsepower and 413 pounds-feet of torque that is paired with a seven-speed automated transmission. The Armada offers four-wheel drive as an option, and the vehicle I tested in the top Platinum trim level also had some substantial 22-inch machined aluminum wheels. A seven-speed transmission seems a little out of date in a world where many large SUVs and pickup trucks now have 10-speed automatic transmissions, especially since the full-size Titan pickup now has the same 400-hp V-8 but pairs it with a standard nine-speed automatic transmission.
As a result, the EPA rates the 2021 Armada with 4WD to only achieve 13/18/15 mpg city/highway/combined, which is by no means outstanding. With a rating of 14/19/16 mpg, a rear-drive Armada somewhat outperforms that, while the Titan from the same manufacturer outperforms it significantly with ratings of 16/21/18 mpg in 2WD and 15/21/18 mpg in 4WD. Once more, credit the Titan’s transmission’s two additional speeds for the better, if not exactly outstanding, outcomes.
Nevertheless, despite how dismal that fuel economy figure may appear, it is actually not that different from what full-size SUV rivals are also expected to achieve. With its highest available 6.2-liter V-8 engine with 420 horsepower and 4WD, the most recent Chevrolet Tahoe is only rated at 14/19/16 mpg, 1 mpg worse than the Armada. With its 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 and eight-speed automatic transmission, the brand-new 2022 Jeep Wagoneer achieves 15/20/17 mpg, only 2 mpg more than the Armada. Since a V-8 is not an option for the Ford Expedition, its twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 achieves 17/22/19 mpg when equipped with 4WD.
There is only one available powerplant for the Jeep, Ford, and Nissan. There are more fuel-efficient full-size SUV options available, but Chevy does offer two additional powertrains for the 2021 Tahoe: a standard 5.3-liter V-8 engine rated at 16/20/18 mpg and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder diesel engine rated at an amazing 20/26/22 mpg in 4WD variants.