Used 2022 Nissan Armada

The 2022 Nissan Armada is the biggest, most capable, and most luxurious SUV in the Nissan lineup. This is a full-size, 3-row SUV with an old-school body-on-frame architecture and a standard V8 engine. While it’s not quite as fuel-efficient or road-friendly as a more car-like crossover like the Nissan Pathfinder, the Armada has real truck-like capabilities. It can tow up to 8,500 lbs, and it’s a competent off-roader when equipped with 4-wheel drive.

The Armada competes in a challenging segment against the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and Toyota Sequoia. Its top rivals (namely the American offerings) are generally more modern, but the advantages of the Armada include the lowest pricing and the most powerful standard engine in its class. The Armada is hardly a class leader at any one thing, but it’s arguably the best value in full-size SUVs.

The Nissan Armada is a big SUV that drives like a truck. You get a satisfying response from the burly V8 engine under the hood in all driving conditions, but you pay the price of poor fuel economy. The handling of the Armada is a bit cumbersome, which generally isn’t an issue since this class isn’t known for agile driving dynamics, but some rivals have sharper manners.

Despite not having any unique off-road trims or option packages available, the Nissan Armada is a good off-roader when equipped with 4-wheel drive. This is partially thanks to the low-range transfer case and 9.1-inch ground clearance. If you want a big SUV with serious off-road chops, consider the Chevy Tahoe Z71 or Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro.

The inside of the Nissan Armada is roomy and nicely appointed in the first two rows. Three-row seating comes standard, but that third row is a little tight despite the considerable size of the Armada. It’s okay if you won’t have passengers in the way back regularly, but if you need many seats on every trip, the Tahoe and Expedition are roomier.

The quality and design of this interior are pretty good for its price point. You might be surprised by how nice this SUV gets in the Platinum trim with features like quilted leather seats with heating and cooling capabilities in front. The Armada also boasts a 12.3-inch infotainment system — the biggest standard screen in this class — which is user-friendly and gives the interior a high-tech vibe.

Cargo space in the Armada is about average for this class. Obviously, the more seats you can afford to fold down, the more cargo space you’ll get. Standard fold-flat second-row and third-row seats go a long way in maximizing the cargo capacity of the Armada.

The Nissan Armada still looks fresh from its facelift for the 2021 model year. It wears a variation of the new design language for Nissan SUVs, and it has a resemblance to the recently redesigned Pathfinder and Rogue. It’s a look that works well on a full-size SUV, and the body is boxy with a few curves to keep things interesting. The light signature on the back has a premium appearance while still looking rugged.

The size of the Armada is very similar to the Toyota Sequoia, Chevy Tahoe, and Ford Expedition. Unlike the Ford Expedition Max and Chevrolet Suburban, there is no long-wheelbase version of the Armada available.

STANDARD 400-HP V8
The beefy 5.6-liter V8 engine under the hood of every Nissan Armada delivers class-leading power and towing capacity for a standard engine in this segment.

12.3-INCH INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
The standard infotainment system in the Armada has a sizeable screen loaded with Wi-Fi hotspot capability, Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay.

The generous list of standard features is part of what makes the Nissan Armada a good value in its class. The base S model comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, tow hitch receiver, power-adjustable front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dual-zone automatic climate control, two front and two rear USB ports, and a power-adjustable steering column.

The standard infotainment system on every Armada is a giant 12.3-inch screen with Wi-Fi hotspot capability, Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The Armada also comes standard with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 safety tech suite, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, and rear cross-traffic alert. Other standard features include a driver attention alert and adaptive cruise control.

Upgrading to the mid-range SV trim adds nice features like tinted rear glass, roof rails, more body-color exterior trim, a wireless charging pad, leatherette seats, heated front seats, 6-speaker audio, and a trailer brake controller.

The SL trim makes the Armada a more premium SUV by adding 20-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lamps, leather seating and door trim, memory driver’s seat and steering wheel, remote start, power liftgate, 120-volt power outlet, power moonroof, Bose 13-speaker premium audio, trailer sway control, and a 360-degree camera.

Finally, the range-topping Platinum model makes the Armada a more affordable alternative to an authentic luxury SUV like its cousin, the Infiniti QX80.

The Platinum trim looks upscale on the outside with distinct 22-inch machine-faced wheels and more chrome exterior trim. Other premium features include quilted leather seating with contrast stitching, heated/cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, illuminated cupholders, rain-sensing wipers, rear entertainment system with two sets of wireless headphones, power recline and folding third-row seats, rear step lamps, and some more safety tech like traffic sign recognition, intelligent backup collision intervention, and an intelligent rearview mirror.

The SL and Platinum models are available with second-row captain’s chairs, giving the Armada seating capacity for up to seven rather than eight. There’s an SV Appearance Package available that adds 20-inch wheels and front fog lights, plus a power liftgate and an auto-dimming mirror with a universal garage door opener. A Midnight Edition Package is available for the SL model, adding a dark appearance package inside and out.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder only has one engine, but it’s a strong 5.6-liter V8 making 400 horsepower and can tow up to 8,500 pounds. Those are class-leading numbers for a standard engine in this class, but some rivals are capable of more power and more towing muscle at an extra cost. For example, you’ll get more power from the available 6.2-liter V8 in the Chevy Tahoe, and the Ford Expedition has a max tow rating of up to 9,300 lbs with the optional tow package.

The V8 in the Armada is potent, but it isn’t very efficient, even by full-size SUV standards. Suppose you’re planning on driving long distances and need decent fuel economy. In that case, you might be better off with a Ford Expedition (up to 17 city/23 highway mpg) or a Chevrolet Tahoe (up to 21 city/28 highway mpg with the available diesel). However, the Armada is more efficient than the Toyota Sequoia.

Every Armada has a 7-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and 4-wheel drive is optional with every trim.

5.6-liter V8
400 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
413 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/high fuel economy: 14/19 mpg (RWD), 13/18 mpg (4WD)