2013 Nissan Armada Review
2013 Nissan Armada Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+112
Used Armada for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Capable V8 performance
- attractive and comfortable interior.
Cons
- Trucklike ride
- subpar fuel economy
- less cargo space than most full-size SUVs.
What’s new
The 2013 Nissan Armada gets a new Platinum Reserve appearance option package, while all Platinum models get dual 7-inch headrest-mounted screens added to the standard video entertainment system. Entry-level SV models also get a standard power front passenger seat and Bluetooth.
Edmunds says
Though the 2013 Nissan Armada is a capable full-size SUV, it's outclassed by newer truck-based rivals as well as the latest crop of crossover SUVs.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2013 Nissan Armada SV 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$279/mo for Armada SV
Armada SV
vs
$254/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Vehicle overview
If you need to pull your 28-foot boat to the lake or pack your entire family up for a Saturday full of soccer games, the 2013 Nissan Armada has you covered. For other daily duty tasks, however, this aging SUV has a number of significant drawbacks.
Built on the same platform as Nissan's brawny Titan pickup, this full-size SUV has all the muscle you're ever likely to need. The eight-passenger interior has room for the entire family and a few friends, while the 317-horsepower V8 under the hood delivers abundant acceleration. The Armada's old-school body-on-frame construction also gives you the means to tow trailers up to an impressive 9,100 pounds.
The Armada's only real problem is that it doesn't quite measure up to its handful of full-size SUV rivals. The 2013 Chevy Tahoe, 2013 Ford Expedition and 2013 Toyota Sequoia all best the Armada in terms of ride quality, third-row legroom, cargo room and extent of available features and options.
It's also worth noting that all of those traditional (truck-based) SUVs are hampered by their bulky dimensions and gas-gulping V8 engines. As such, we think most buyers would be better served by the new crop of car-based crossovers. If you decide to go that route we recommend checking out the GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9 and even Nissan's new Pathfinder, as they all offer roomy interiors but with a less truckish ride, superior handling and higher fuel economy numbers.
Performance & mpg
The 2013 Nissan Armada is powered by a 5.6-liter V8 that produces 317 hp and 385 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic is the only available transmission, but buyers have a choice of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive (with dual-range gearing).
With either drivetrain, fuel economy is disappointing even for a large SUV. EPA fuel economy estimates are 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined for two-wheel-drive models and 12/18/14 for four-wheel-drive versions. Properly equipped, the Armada can tow up to 9,100 pounds.
Safety
The 2013 Nissan Armada comes standard with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front-seat active head restraints.
Driving
The experience of driving the 2013 Nissan Armada is about what you'd expect from an old-school SUV. The 5.6-liter V8 delivers beefy performance, though fuel economy can be downright abysmal.
The ride quality is generally good, though it deteriorates quickly when traversing broken pavement, a trait that puts it at a disadvantage compared to competitors like the Toyota Sequoia. Handling is ponderous with its supersize dimensions, and the heavily weighted steering makes it a bit of a handful in tight spaces. That said, all full-size SUVs suffer from these same ills to one degree or another, making a solid argument for opting instead for one of the many more nimble and fuel-efficient large car-based crossovers.
Interior
The 2013 Nissan Armada offers an eight-passenger cabin that's attractive and well put together. Gauges and controls are well-placed and intuitive, though Platinum models equipped with the standard navigation system suffer from an overabundance of buttons.
Seating comfort for both front and second-row passengers is quite good, with plenty of head- and legroom with either the 40/20/40-split second-row bench or the Platinum model's optional twin captain's chairs (which drop seating capacity to seven). The 60/40-split third-row seat is a little short on legroom, however.
Folding down those rear seats gives the Armada a healthy 97 cubic feet of cargo space. While this number may sound impressive, it's actually about 10 cubic feet less than you'll find in the cargo holds of some of its competitors.
2013 Nissan Armada models
The 2013 Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV that's offered in three trim levels, including the base SV, midrange SL and top-of-the-line Platinum.
The entry-level SV model comes well equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, side-step rails, rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear climate controls, cloth upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat and four-way power front passenger seat, a tilt-only steering wheel and power-adjustable pedals. Also standard is Bluetooth cell phone connectivity and an eight-speaker audio system with an in-dash six-CD changer and USB and auxiliary audio input jacks. Opting for the Driver package adds foglights, a power liftgate, an auto-dimming mirror, a rearview camera and an 11-speaker Bose sound system with satellite radio and rear audio controls. SVs with four-wheel drive come standard with this package.
The Armada SL includes all the above equipment plus 20-inch alloy wheels, an auto-leveling rear air suspension, a roof rack, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, heated front seats and a power-folding third-row seat.
Moving up to the Platinum model gets you 20-inch chrome wheels, front parking sensors, a sunroof, dual power-folding mirrors, heated second-row seats and steering wheel, driver seat memory functions, a navigation system with real-time traffic, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with dual 7-inch headrest-mounted screens and a Bose audio system with digital music storage. Second-row captain's chairs are available on the Platinum model as a replacement for the standard bench. A new Platinum Reserve package adds distinctive dark chrome 20-inch alloy wheels and grille, two-tone leather upholstery and unique interior trim.
Other options include a towing package, sunroof and the DVD entertainment system.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#3 out of 16 among Fullsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Nissan Armada from 2008-2022.$522/yr
vs. $614/yr
for Average Fullsize SUV
for Average Fullsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.44x/yr
vs. 1.59x/yr
for Average Fullsize SUV
for Average Fullsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).13.9%
vs. 16.7%
for Average Fullsize SUV
for Average Fullsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2013 Nissan Armada.
5 star(68%)
4 star(20%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(0%)
48 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
2011 Nissan Armada SL
dclark347, 11/02/2010
2011 Nissan Armada SL 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 5A)
I did a TON of research before deciding to purchase the Armada. This truck has been everything I hoped it would be. The exterior has a beauty about it and is in a class by itself. It doesn't look like any other full- size SUV on the market. The interior is spacious and well equipped but it should be for a $40k truck. The ride is smooth and the vehicle has excellent performance with … all stock equipment. My kids have a hard time opening the rear doors with the handles mounted so high but they will grow into it. The only drawback I have found is the fuel economy. Don't expect to get anything over 15 mpg with this vehicle. It's just too heavy to get anything better.
4.63 out of 5 stars
My second armada
duckman, 11/17/2010
2010 Nissan Armada SE 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 5A)
This is my second armada i also owned a 2005 se i love the power and reliability we use ours to tow a travel trailer extensively the self leveling rear end never gave us a problem and the power this unit has a fully loaded 29' trailer fells like your not pulling any thing i've owned fordm Chevy and dodge you can keep em these are in my opinion the most comfortable, powerful,and reliable … suv/truck 4x4 on the market.
4 out of 5 stars
Good Decision
D.E., 01/08/2016
2012 Nissan Armada SV 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 5A)
Leased at year end 2012. Best value full size SUV - GMs seemed over priced, Fords seemed out of date, German 3 row SUVs just not practical. 40,000 miles into this one and no complaints really. Overall MPG is about 15 but gas is cheap for now. Steering is heavy. Some low end plastic in interior. Bottom line is that it has plenty of space for passengers, dogs, gear etc. More so than with … GMs (Tahoe etc). It's almost at the Suburban level in this sense. No mechanical problems to speak of. Second row bench seat with flip and fold is very good - better choice than buckets in my experience. More than enough power. Be aware that factory roof cross bars are under engineered and that the roof rack side rails are tricky to mate up with Yakima/Thule systems but it can be done.
3.63 out of 5 stars
Value Leader
Scott, 11/10/2010
2010 Nissan Armada Titanium 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 5A)
With $4,500 incentive, no contest. Even 3-4 year old used large SUV couldn't compete. Rear view camera critical on large SUV and Armada is best. Best in class 3rd row comfort and cargo space. Nice interior design, despite a few rough edges. Lots of little storage, but sub-floor storage in back would help. Push-button start and proximity unlock on hatch would be nice improvements. … Excellent ride quality, despite engine roar (part of its character). Worst in class gas mileage; 14mpg mixed. But, trade for excellent towing and amazing acceleration, it's worth it. If you don't need off road or towing, go with a minivan; more space, more convenience, 30% cheaper. It's my 5th Nissan!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2013 Nissan Armada, so we've included reviews for other years of the Armada since its last redesign.
2013 Armada Highlights
SV
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $36,890 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $279/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 20.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Armada include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover21.2%
People who viewed this also viewed
3.7 average Rating out of 12 reviews. |
Starting at $36,080 |
4.2 average Rating out of 5 reviews. |
Starting at $61,275 |
3.7 average Rating out of 3 reviews. |
Starting at $55,105 |
Related Used 2013 Nissan Armada info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used BMW X6 M 2011
- Used Volvo V40 2010
- Used Acura RL 2016 For Sale
- Used FIAT 500L 2016
- Used Porsche 718 Boxster 2014
Shop similar models
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Nissan Armada 2010
- Used Nissan Armada 2012
- Used Nissan Armada 2014
- Used Nissan Armada 2018
- Used Nissan Armada 2011
- Used Nissan Armada 2019
- Used Nissan Armada 2020
- Used Nissan Armada 2017
- Used Nissan Armada 2013
- Used Nissan Armada 2015
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Rivian R1S
- Subaru Outback Car
- Big Horn Ram
- 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid News
- Forester SUV
- Toyota SUV Highlander Hybrid
- Land Rover Defender 2024
- 2024 Rivian R1S News
- Ford Maverick Maverick
- 2023 Telluride
Research other models of Nissan
- Nissan Versa 2023
- 2023 Nissan Titan XD
- Nissan Kicks 2023
- 2023 LEAF
- 2023 Nissan Stanza
- 2023 Sentra
- 2023 Nissan Titan
- Nissan Titan XD
- 2024 350Z
- 2023 GT-R
Research similar vehicles
- Oldsmobile Enclave
- Nissan Pathfinder SUV
- Nissan Armada 2023
- Kia Sportage Car
- Kia Sorento Kia Sorento
- 2023 Enclave
- Porsche Cayenne
- SUV X5
- Land Rover Defender 4X4
- Toyota Corolla Cross
Other models
- Used Honda Accord-Crosstour in Saint Louis, MO
- New Lexus RX-350H for Sale in Richmond Hill, NY
- Used Toyota Rav4 in Laguna Niguel, CA
- Used BMW M in Salem, VA
- Used Kia Borrego in Forest Park, GA
- Used Dodge Intrepid in East Northport, NY
- New BMW M4 for Sale in Des Moines, IA
- Used Acura RSX in Provo, UT
- Used Chevrolet Malibu-Limited in Mount Dora, FL
- Used Chrysler 300 in Webster, MA