If you’re one of those travelers who can’t seem to go anywhere without toting along everything – including the kitchen sink – you’ll want to take a look at the 2017 Nissan Armada, the brand’s first full-size SUV. Boasting a segment-best towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, no matter where you intend to go, or what you intend to bring, the all new Armada will make it happen. Lauded by industry experts for everything from its tow rating (obviously), seriously luxe interior, and seamless, quiet ride, the Armada is a capable fleet wrapped up under the hood of one impressive vehicle.
Car and Driver awarded the SUV 4/5, while Edmunds bumped that rating up to 4.4/5, and U.S. News & World Report returned a 7.8/10. Solid reviews all around, with criticism reserved for fuel economy (hello, it’s an SUV), a cramped third row (that’s why we reserve that space for unruly children), and a smaller cargo area than previous Armada iterations (badged as the Pathfinder Armada), now measuring 17 cubic feet.
Detractors aside, there is a lot to applaud in this year’s Armada…here are just a few…
The 2017 Nissan Armada – Luxury in Line with Infiniti’s QX80
Just like Lexus is Toyota’s luxury brand, Infiniti falls under the Nissan network. Naturally, comparisons are inevitable between every major manufacturer and its corresponding luxury division. Nissan and Infiniti are no exception, and in the case of the Armada, it’s almost hard to tell the difference against its swanky sibling, the Infiniti QX80.
Plush surfaces and rich materials abound in this year’s Nissan Armada, particularly with respect to the top-tier Platinum trim level. But whether you prefer a base model, or the best the brand has to offer, all Armadas get their incredible 8,500-pound towing capability from a revised 5.6-liter Endurance V8 engine, which produces up to 390 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, with a zero-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. Operated by a seven-speed automatic transmission, shifting is super easy, which means all eight of your potential passengers will enjoy a smooth ride.
Fuel economy is rated at 14 city mpg and 19 highway mpg, but given the impressive towing capacity, a slightly compromised fuel efficiency is to be expected.
Complementing this high-quality ride is the hush of the engine, further sound-proofed by an acoustic windshield with matching glass on the two front doors. While this is true of all 2017 Armada models, the bells and whistles increase as you move up the trim levels. Configurations include the base SV ($44,900), with SV AWD variant ($47,800), SL ($49,650), SL AWD ($52,550), Platinum ($57,590), and ultimate Platinum AWD ($60,490).
Regardless of which trim level you choose, all of the 2017 Nissan Armadas offer varying levels of opulence. And with exterior palette choices, like Brilliant Silver, Forged Copper, Gun Metallic Gray, Hermosa Blue, Mocha Almond, and Super Black, you can select a shade that will capture your personality and personal style.
Drive the new Armada and see for yourself whether Nissan has nailed its mission of “Innovation that Excites.”
