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Introduction
Based on the Nissan Patrol, a globally available SUV that also serves as the basis for the Infiniti QX80, the new 2017 Nissan Armada remains a traditional body-on-frame SUV but switches from a pickup truck platform to a stiffer, more rugged, and more refined foundation.
Built in Japan and available in SV, SL, and Platinum trim levels, the 2017 Armada will take on several competitors when it goes on sale in the summer of 2016. They include the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, and Toyota Sequoia.
Exterior Features
Nissan says that the new
Armada is equipped with a “V-motion” grille, but the SUV’s appearance is less dramatic than recent efforts like the
Maxima sedan and
Murano SUV. All Armadas have standard LED headlights, running lights, and taillights, as well as approach lighting. Fog lights and 20-in. aluminum wheels are included for the SL and Platinum trim levels.
Interior Features
Featuring 8-passenger seating capacity in 3 rows of the seats, the 2017 Armada SV is equipped with premium cloth upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a standard infotainment system with an 8-in. touch-screen display, navigation, and a 13-speaker Bose premium sound system.
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Optional Features
Cargo space behind the third-row seat measures 16.6 cu. ft. Fold the third-row seat down to access 49.6 cu. ft. of space, or fold the second-row seat down to maximize volume at 95.1 cu. ft.By upgrading to SL or Platinum trim, or installing option packages, numerous extra-cost features are added to the 2017 Armada.
Leather seats, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel are available for the new Armada, along with a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, keyless entry with push-button engine starting, remote engine starting, and a power rear liftgate with automatic closing.
Buyers can replace the second-row bench seat with captain’s chairs and a removable center console, and power-folding third-row seats are also available. Additional upgrades include a power sunroof, heated and auto-dimming side mirrors with puddle lighting, rain-sensing wipers, wiper de-icing system, and front and rear park-assist sensors.
Under the Hood
Borrowed from the Infiniti QX80 and de-tuned to make 390 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of torque, the Nissan Armada’s 5.6-liter V-8 engine is more powerful and more efficient than the engine used in the original version of this SUV.
A 7-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift control and downshift rev matching delivers power to the Armada’s rear wheels. An optional All-Mode 4WD system includes Auto, 2WD, 4-Hi, and 4-Lo settings, and the Armada boasts 9.2 inches of ground clearance. This new Nissan will also tow 8,500 lbs. of trailer with 2WD or 4WD.
Safety
A reversing camera is standard for the new Armada, and this SUV can be optioned with numerous safety technologies. They include a blind-spot warning and intervention system, lane-departure warning and prevention system, and a predictive forward-collision warning system with automatic emergency braking.
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Additionally, the Armada can be fitted with a backup collision intervention system, moving-object detection system, and a 360-degree monitoring camera system.
Should the Armada get into a collision, rest assured that its 5,576-lb. base curb weight makes it heavier than most other vehicles on the road.
Technology
Aside from the Armada’s standard infotainment system, this SUV is available with an intelligent cruise control system supplying full-speed-range operation and distance-control assistance, which helps to encourage safe following distances to traffic ahead.
Additionally, a rear-seat entertainment system is available, supplying dual 7-in. display monitors, dual USB ports and VTR jacks, and a remote control. The wireless headphones provide cinema, music, and game virtual surround modes.
