2024 Nissan Armada

Despite Nissan eliminating the entry-level S grade, the 2024 Nissan Armada remains one of the most affordable full-size SUVs in the segment. Sure, it can tow a lot, but we are equally impressed with the Armada’s level of advanced safety tech and its comfortable, well-contented cabin. In fact, in the upper trims, the cabins are downright luxurious. Its direct competitors are few but elite, including familiar nameplates like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and Toyota Sequoia. Still, the Armada scores well with us for its price, comfort, and work ethic.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of full-size SUVs, including the Nissan Armada.

Other than Nissan eliminating the entry-level S trim, there are no noteworthy changes to the 2024 Armada. Nissan last redesigned the Armada in 2017, with its most recent major update in 2021.

We would be more than satisfied with the Armada SV. However, if we could swing the extra $3,820 for the SL grade with its leather seating, power rear liftgate, upgraded Bose audio system, and other goodies, we would opt for it. If you decide you don’t need so much room and power after all, the Nissan Pathfinder is a strong choice with a starting price of $35,810.

Comparing the Armada’s entry-level price against its nearest rivals reveals it as a pricing leader. Also quite competitive in the group is the Chevy Tahoe LS, fetching $56,200, while the base Toyota Sequoia costs $60,875. Only the Ford Expedition XL ($54,555) boasts a starting price sneaking under the Armada’s.

Before buying the Nissan Armada, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Most of the Armada’s rivals do about equally well in holding their value over the years. Among this group, the Armada is on the low side, but not by much.

Unsurprisingly, the Nissan Armada drives like a big SUV. The standard 400-horsepower V8 engine delivers confident acceleration and plenty of highway passing power. Other V8-powered rivals like the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon produce 355 horsepower. Leading the class in horsepower production (437) is the Toyota Sequoia hybrid using a V6 engine and electric motor.

We found the Armada’s on-road comfort to be pretty impressive, partially thanks to the auto-leveling suspension system. As a matter of fact, our readers echoed our praise for Armada’s comfortable ride. However, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the noticeable body roll around tight corners — a common issue with SUVs in this class.

Although no specific off-road trims are available, the Armada is a respectable off-roader when outfitted with 4-wheel drive. When so equipped, the Armada can handle just about any road condition, as well as moderate off-roading, thanks to its high 9.1-inch ground clearance and 2-speed transfer case.

Fuel Economy

Armada loses a few overall points with its class-trailing fuel economy. In mixed city-and-highway driving, the Armada ranks last with 14 mpg. (Opting for 4-wheel drive drops the number to 13 mpg.) Most full-size SUV owners are historically more interested in passenger space, payload capacity, and towing limits than mileage; however, other SUVs in the segment do notably better. For example, even discounting the Toyota Sequoia and its hybrid powertrain delivering 22 mpg, the Armada is still less efficient than the V8-powered Chevy Tahoe (17 mpg) and the 6-cylinder Jeep Wagoneer (20 mpg). You can find more fuel economy info on the EPA’s website.

Every Armada comes with 3-row seating and room for either seven or eight passengers, depending on configuration. Armada’s third row is handy to have if a couple of kids are in the passenger mix; however, its 28.4-inches of legroom barely edges out that of the Toyota Sequoia (28.1 inches) for last place among close competitors. The Ford Expedition, for example, has 36.1 inches and the Chevy Tahoe 34.9 inches. Second-row captain’s chairs are optional, making the second row more comfortable and the third row easier to access. The behind-the-third-row-seat cargo space, at 16.5 cubic feet, is also smaller than other SUVs in this class. For instance, the Tahoe touts 25.5 cubic feet, while the Ford Expedition offers 20.9 cubic feet. It’s worth noting that the Armada only comes in a single, regular length. Its rivals offered by Chevy, Ford, GMC, and even Jeep all have longer versions available. Although the interior specification comparisons we’ve provided are based on the regular-length versions of these big SUVs, the stretched versions offer even more passenger and cargo capacity.

The interior quality of the Armada is impressive, considering its relatively modest starting price. It’s pleasantly similar to its luxurious cousin, the Infiniti QX80. The top Platinum trim rivals more expensive luxury SUVs with features like quilted leather seats, a rear entertainment system, and power-folding and reclining third-row seats.

The Nissan Armada is the biggest SUV in the brand’s lineup. It has a classically handsome, upscale appearance, and the SL’s Midnight Edition adds tasteful black accents. All of the regular-length SUVs in this class are within a few inches of one another in overall length. The Jeep Wagoneer tops the group at 214.7 inches, while the Toyota Sequoia is the shortest at 208.1 inches, barely edging out the 208.9-inch Armada for that spot.

Standard V8
A mighty 5.6-liter V8 engine powers every Nissan Armada. It produces a healthy 400 horsepower, as well as 413 lb-ft of torque.

Nissan Safety Shield 360
This safety tech suite bundles many driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, and more.

12.3-inch infotainment system
This standard high-tech infotainment system is user-friendly and packed with desirable features. It has Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, navigation, SiriusXM, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. All but the base trim also have the Amazon Alexa voice assistant.

Towing and Payload Limits
Thanks to its truck-like body-on-frame construction, the Armada can tug up to 8,500 pounds. Its combined payload capacity of people and cargo is 1,636 pounds.

Auto-leveling suspension
The auto-leveling suspension system in the Armada improves comfort and stability while towing.

Midnight Package
Optional on the SL trim, this option group includes black accents inside and out, including wheels, roof rails grille, headliner, leather seats, and more.

Every Nissan Armada sources its power from a V8 engine mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. This robust powertrain makes 400 horsepower and can tow up to 8,500 pounds. This is more towing capacity than the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon by a barely measurable 100 pounds. However, it’s less than others like the Jeep Wagoneer at 10,000 pounds. Armada’s payload limit (1,636 pounds) is just below the segment average.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

The Nissan Armada is covered by a bumper-to-bumper limited warranty for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Covering the powertrain is a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty. This is average coverage for a full-size SUV.

Safety

Every Armada comes with advanced driver assistance tech, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, and more.