2024 Nissan Armada SUV

　　

2024 Nissan Armada Review

byAlex NishimotoCorrespondent

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　, rating written byAlex NishimotoSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　The 2024 Nissan Armada is a full-size three-row SUV that slots above the Pathfinder three-row crossover. The Armada is one of the few remaining SUVs on the market that can claim to be truck-based, using body-on-frame construction and packing a powerful V8 under its hood. Nissan's largest SUV seats seven or eight passengers, depending on configuration, and can accommodate a sizable amount of cargo with the rear seats folded down. If you want a big, old-fashioned sport-ute, the Armada might be a good option for you.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Nissan Armada SV 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$235/mo  for Armada SV

　　Armada SV

　　SV 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $55,450 MSRPSV 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $58,450 MSRPSL 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $59,270 MSRPSL 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $62,270 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) (Most Popular) - $67,520 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $70,520 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Towing capability

Car-based crossovers might offer comparable amounts of space, but they can't compete with a truck-based SUV's ability to tow a heavy load. The Nissan Armada doesn't disappoint in that regard, with a max towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds for both rear- and four-wheel-drive models. The Armada's robust V8 engine helps make quick work of pulling your boat or toy hauler, and SV trims and above come standard with a trailer brake controller that allows adjustment of a trailer's brakes from inside the vehicle.

　　

Competitors to consider

The Armada competes with other full-size SUVs from mainstream brands, including the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, Ford Expedition and Expedition Max, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, and Toyota Sequoia. Higher trim levels of the Armada might also be cross-shopped against its mechanically related but more luxurious twin, the Infiniti QX80. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below to find out how the Armada compares with some of its competitors.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Please note that this rating is based on a prior year and may change slightly once complete information about the 2024 Armada becomes available.

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Below Average

　　7.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Armada drive? The Armada's 5.6-liter V8 engine is stout. At the zzdcar test track, our test Armada sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, which is a second quicker than a similarly priced Chevrolet Tahoe with the 5.3-liter V8. The Armada also possesses impressive passing power at higher speeds. Just as impressive are the Armada's brakes, which stopped the big SUV from 60 mph in just 123 feet — that's nearly 10 feet shorter than the closest competitor. Around town, the brakes were dependable and consistent.

　　No one's expecting a large SUV to handle particularly well, and even though the Armada is one of the easiest to drive, its handling limits are modest at best. The steering is slow (you need to turn the wheel more than you expect) and there's not much in the way of feel.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Armada? The Armada offers up a fairly quiet and well-isolated driving experience. The broad front seats are comfortable but offer little bolstering to hold you in place around turns. The optional second-row captain's chairs are well padded but can't slide forward and backward to enhance legroom. The third-row seats are rudimentary by today's standards.

　　The climate controls are straightforward, and while we'd like larger vents for such a big interior, we were more disappointed at the way the climate system can't hold a consistent temperature when set to its auto mode. Our test Armada's ventilated seats were also fairly noisy without providing noticeable cooling.

　　The ride quality is definitely on the soft side. That pays dividends when driving over small and moderate bumps. But it's a liability on bigger undulations where you'll feel some shuddering and jostling. Other SUVs feel tighter and more in control. Our test vehicle's 22-inch wheels with the short tire sidewalls didn't exactly do the ride any favors either.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below