The Nissan Armada is a full-size V8 SUV which up until 2015 had been built in the U.S. on the Titan pickup chassis. Now that the new Titan has arrived, Nissan has switched direction for the Armada. Skipping the 2016 model year, the big SUV returned in 2017 still built on a truck chassis, but now it comes from the Japanese built Patrol that’s sold in various global markets.
The Reserve is a $3000 package tacked on to the already loaded up Platinum trim. The dark chrome 20” wheels are specific to the Reserve and the outside bright trim gets a matching look. Inside are black/brown premium leather seats with contrast stitching, open-pore woodtone dash and door panel trim, and Platinum Reserve badging. Pricing is in line with what other non-luxury-brand manufacturers are asking for the plushest versions of their large SUVs.
The 390 hp 5.6L V8 and 7-speed Automatic provide strong acceleration and can tow up to 8500 pounds when equipped with the optional towing package. With great power comes great responsibility however, and Armada owners will be responsible for buying a lot of gas. Fuel economy for the 4WD version rates 13 city and 18 highway. I averaged 16 overall during my usage. Intelligent 4WD delivers power to all wheels upon start up and then shifts to rear drive once the truck is up to speed.
Nissan also slaps the “Intelligent” label on it's surround-view monitor, cruise control, and rearview mirror. The latter being a new feature that switches from a traditional mirror to an LCD-monitor camera view. Other standard tech and convenience features include automatic LED headlights, fog lights, front and rear parking sonar, keyless entry, remote start, heated power-folding mirrors, power liftgate, roof rails, power moonroof, and 5 USB ports. Electronic safety features consist of lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert/intervention, and blind-spot warning/intervention.
The Platinum comes standard with Family Entertainment that includes 2 color screens built into the front-seat headrests, 2 wireless headphones, and HDMI input. Infotainment comes in the form of a 13-speaker HD Bose audio, satellite radio, and NissanConnect navigation and remote services. Comfort is addressed through full-length running boards, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air-conditioning controls, a 10-way power driver seat with memory, an 8-way power passenger seat, heated and cooled front seats, heated 2nd-row seats, and heated leather steering wheel. The cargo area behind the third row is limited just like it’s competitors. The 2nd-row seats fold and flip forward and the 3rd-row seats power up/down—although VERY slowly—for better load capacity.
TEST VEHICLE = 2018 Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve
Hermosa Blue
Black/Brown Leather Seats
390 hp 5.6L V8
7-speed Automatic
BASE PRICE = Armada SV 2WD $47,500 including destination
PRICE AS TESTED = Armada Platinum 4WD $66,800 fully loaded
MPG = 13 City
19 Hwy
COMPETITION = Ford Expedition.......$53,000 to $83,500 loaded up
Chevrolet Tahoe......$49,000 to $74,500 loaded up
Toyota Sequoia........$49,500 to $68,500 loaded up
COLORS = Pearl White
Forged Copper
Mocha Almond
Hermosa Blue
Brilliant Silver
Gun
Super Black
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