That’s an excellent question and one that I’m going to help you answer today because there are some noteworthy differences between most of these trims. The 2021 Nissan Armada is a terrific option, overall, if you’re looking for a full-size SUV that offers a great combination of spacious seating and plenty of cargo space. There are three different trims available, plus one special edition, so you have a few different factors to consider when you’re looking to get just the right model with everything you need.
The three basic trims for the Armada are the SV, SL, and Platinum, with the SV representing your starting features and lowest price and the Platinum giving you the most features overall. There’s also a special Midnight Edition available, but it’s not really a full-blown trim with vast differences compared to the other ones – more of an aesthetic choice if you want the SL trim. We’ll still look at it in more detail, don’t worry, but your major decisions are really going to come down to the other three trims.
The 2021 Nissan Armada Overview
Before I get into the differences between specific trims available to you, let’s take a look at the general features that every Armada model comes with. For starters, this is a full-size SUV with three rows of seating, offering you room for up to eight total passengers. It comes with a 5.6L V8 engine that delivers up to 400 hp and up to 413 lb-ft of torque for excellent overall performance, which comes paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode. Every Armada model comes with FWD standard, though 4WD is available.
Nissan is well known as one of the best brands in the auto industry when it comes to safety features, particularly for what’s included regardless of trim. The 2021 Nissan Armada includes available Intelligent Cruise Control and a Lane Departure Warning (standard) with Intelligent Lane Intervention (available). You also get Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, High Beam Assist, and a Blind Spot Warning with the option of Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention. A Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Automatic Braking are also standard on every Nissan Armada model.
Although there are a number of interior features that depend on which trim you look at, certain things are standard on every model. For example, any 2021 Nissan Armada you choose will come with dual-zone automatic temperature control, rear air conditioning with rear controls, and a power tilt and telescoping steering column. A 7-inch drive-assist display and 12-inch infotainment display are also both standard, along with support for Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. Now, let’s take a look at what separates these different trims.
The 2021 Nissan Armada SV
If you look at the starting trim for the 2021 Nissan Armada, which is the SV, then you get 18-inch wheels with all-season tires on them. 20-inch wheels and tires are available for the SV trim, but not standard, and it comes with LED daytime running lights. The SV has power heated and folding outside mirrors that are body-colored to match the exterior, along with a chrome grille, rear finisher, and door handles.
You get variable intermittent windshield wipers and three 12v DC power outlets, while an auto-dimming rearview mirror is available but not standard. The SV features four cup holders, which are not illuminated, along with reading lights for the second and third row of seats. A 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat and front passenger seat are standard in the SV, which are heated, and the SV has leatherette seating. It comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a wireless phone charger, and a 6-speaker sound system.
The 2021 Nissan Armada SL
Looking at the next trim level from the SV, which is the SL, you’ll see that there are a lot of similarities, but also some pretty important differences. For starters, the SL comes with 20-inch wheels, standard, with 20-inch all-season tires on them. The SL comes with Nissan’s Intelligent Around View system, which gives you a better view of the area around your vehicle for safety purposes, along with LED fog lights. You also get side mirrors with puddle lights and auto-dimming outside mirrors with the SL, along with a power sliding glass moonroof.
A power liftgate comes standard on the SL, which is available for the SV but not standard, and it comes with a remote engine start system with the Nissan Intelligent Key. You get an auto-dimming review mirror, standard with the SL, along with a 120v AC power outlet. The SL comes with footwell lights for improved interior illumination and a memory system for the driver’s seat, steering wheel, and outside mirrors. Second-row captain’s chairs are available for the SL, which makes the second-row seating more comfortable, but also reduces maximum seating to seven passengers.
You get leather-appointed seats with the 2021 Nissan Armada SL, with leather-appointed trim and details throughout the interior. Wood-tone trim is standard on the SL, and it comes with a 13-speaker Bose premium sound system, which includes Bose AutoPilot noise compensation technology to make your listening experience truly remarkable.
The 2021 Nissan Armada Midnight Edition
For the most part, the Midnight Edition of the 2021 Nissan Armada is very similar to the SL trim. In terms of the kind of technology and luxury you’ll find, they’re pretty much the same. What sets the Midnight Edition apart is unique styling that includes 20-inch black aluminum-alloy wheels and interior styling that includes black trim, seats, headliners, and carpeted floor mats. This special edition also features numerous exterior touches, including black lower center bumper fascias, a black grille, black outside mirrors, a black rear finisher and roof rails, and unique exterior badging.
The 2021 Nissan Armada Platinum
Although the differences between the SL and the Platinum trim might not be quite as dramatic as those between the SL and SV, they’re still considerable. For starters, the Platinum features 22-inch wheels with 22-inch all-season tires on them, which aren’t available on either of the other trims. The Platinum trim also includes Intelligent Back-Up Intervention, an Intelligent Rear View Mirror, and Traffic Sign Recognition for added safety.
Inside, the 2021 Nissan Armada Platinum has a lot in common with the SL, but it also features a windshield wiper deicer, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and illuminated cup holders. You get climate-controlled front seats, which are both heated and cooled, along with heated second-row seats, power recline and fold third-row seats, and quilted leather-appointed seating. The Platinum features a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel with contrast stitching, as well as a tri-zone entertainment system with dual 8-inch displays, remote controls, and a pair of wireless headphones for your passengers.
Final Considerations
So, which of these trims for the 2021 Nissan Armada has everything you need? It depends on what you’re looking for: the price of the SV is hard to beat and includes a lot of great features, while the SL brings a lot of fantastic luxury and technology features that you won’t find on the starting trim. The Midnight Edition is an excellent option if you want the sleek, clean look of a black exterior and interior, while the Platinum includes the best available features for the Armada.
At the end of the day, no matter which model you choose, you’re going to get a terrific full-size SUV that’s a lot of fun to drive. If you’re still not sure which one to pick, then head to your favorite Nissan dealer, and they’ll help you find the perfect option. However, no matter which trim you choose, you are still getting an excellent vehicle in the 2021 Nissan Armada.
