The Armada certainly looks the part of a modern full-size SUV. But its recent updates can't fully mask that this is still a trucky, body-on-frame SUV. The sonorous V8 and its associated capability are nice, but overall the Armada lacks the refinement we've come to expect in this class. Other large SUVs have a broader range of talents.
Brian Wong has worked in the automotive industry since 2010, writing over 1,000 car-related articles and testing and reviewing hundreds of vehicles over the course of career. Brian is a senior reviews editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Cars.com, Motor Authority and Green Car Reports. Brian has also been featured on MotorWeek as an expert for several car comparisons. He loves convertibles (the smaller the better) and hates paying for parking, so Los Angeles is both the right and wrong city for him.
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
Pros
High-quality, appealing interior
Smooth V8 engine delivers ample power
Quiet interior at highway speeds
Many standard safety features
Cons
V8's poor fuel economy
Third-row seating isn't particularly spacious
High cargo floor makes loading difficult
Infotainment interface feels dated
What's new
No significant changes for 2023
Part of the second Armada generation introduced for 2017
Overview
Just about the only SUVs that you can get these days that are still truck-based are the big ones, and that includes the 2023 Nissan Armada. The three-row SUV competes against other giants like the Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon, and Jeep Wagoneer. Its solid backbone and powerful V8 engine give it more capability and presence than the smaller Nissan Pathfinder, as evidenced by its 8,500-pound maximum tow rating. The Pathfinder can only manage 6,000 pounds. But the Armada does come with compromises.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Nissan Armada S 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) 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 $3.57 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
In contrast to the Pathfinder, the Armada is less comfortable and much more thirsty. The Armada also loses some of its shine when going head-to-head with the other large SUVs. Its V8 is less fuel-efficient than the Expedition's turbocharged V6 or the Chevrolet Tahoe's V8 or optional diesel engine, for example. The Armada's design is also looking pretty dated compared to the fresher Jeep Wagoneer and redesigned Toyota Sequoia. Unless you can get a screaming deal on an Armada, these rivals are all worth checking out first. Read our test team's Expert Rating below to learn more about the Armada's hits and misses.
Edmunds Expert Rating
below avg
7.1/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
The Armada certainly looks the part of a modern full-size SUV. But its recent updates can't fully mask that this is still a trucky, body-on-frame SUV. The sonorous V8 and its associated capability are nice, but overall the Armada lacks the refinement we've come to expect in this class. Other large SUVs have a broader range of talents.
How does the Armada drive? The Armada's 5.6-liter V8 engine is stout. At the Edmunds test track, our test Armada sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, which is a second quicker than a similarly priced Chevrolet Tahoe with the 5.3-liter V8. The Armada also possesses impressive passing power at higher speeds. Just as impressive are the Armada's brakes, which stopped the big SUV from 60 mph in just 123 feet — that's nearly 10 feet shorter than the closest competitor. Around town, the brakes were dependable and consistent.
No one's expecting a large SUV to handle particularly well, and even though the Armada is one of the easiest to drive, its handling limits are modest at best. The steering is slow (you need to turn the wheel more than you expect) and there's not much in the way of feel.
Comfort
7.0/10
How comfortable is the Armada? The Armada offers up a fairly quiet and well-isolated driving experience. The broad front seats are comfortable but offer little bolstering to hold you in place around turns. The optional second-row captain's chairs are well padded but can't slide forward and backward to enhance legroom. The third-row seats are rudimentary by today's standards.
The climate controls are straightforward, and while we'd like larger vents for such a big interior, we were more disappointed at the way the climate system can't hold a consistent temperature when set to its auto mode. Our test Armada's ventilated seats were also fairly noisy without providing noticeable cooling.
The ride quality is definitely on the soft side. That pays dividends when driving over small and moderate bumps. But it's a liability on bigger undulations where you'll feel some shuddering and jostling. Other SUVs feel tighter and more in control. Our test vehicle's 22-inch wheels with the short tire sidewalls didn't exactly do the ride any favors either.
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How’s the interior? The front seats have enough space, but the farther back you go, the worse it gets. The second-row captain's chairs are fixed in place (they won't slide like those in some rival SUVs), and the third-row seat is mounted low on the floor and hard to get in and out of. The Armada has a tall ride height too, and the side assist steps are pretty much a necessity even for average-size adults.
The newest Armada dash design has a large infotainment screen and new climate controls. They're easy to use, but the controls and graphics look dated. Outward visibility in the Armada is OK, though the thick front roof pillars and big mirrors can block your view around sharp left turns. The available surround-view camera system goes a long way to alleviating parking stress.
Technology
7.0/10
How’s the tech? The touchscreen is big, but the graphics don't look as modern as we'd like. It also takes some time for the system to boot up. Apple CarPlay (with wireless functionality) and Android Auto are standard. Either is preferred to Nissan's native and somewhat clunky infotainment interface. There aren't as many USB and power ports as we expect from a large SUV, and their placement, especially for second-row passengers, isn't ideal.
Fortunately, there are plenty of standard advanced safety features. They all operated well in our testing. The adaptive cruise control brakes and accelerates smoothly, though both functions are a little slow to react.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? Cargo space is tight behind the third row. Loading items is hampered by the tall cargo floor and long reach over the large rear bumper. With the optional captain's chairs, the second-row armrest sticks out above the cargo floor, complicating the loading of longer objects. Interior storage for front passengers is a little lacking. The front center console is big, but that's pretty much it. You'll likely end up using the front cupholders a lot to hold your other stuff.
The Armada does score well for towing. It has an 8,500-pound maximum tow rating when properly equipped, which is right around what you get from the Chevy Tahoe. Most trims come standard with a trailer brake controller.
Fuel Economy
6.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the Armada gets 15 mpg combined (13 city/18 highway) with four-wheel drive and 1 mpg better across the board with RWD. That's a few mpg less than other full-size SUVs. We achieved 16.5 mpg on our highway-heavy 115-mile evaluation route, so at least the EPA estimates seem accurate. Premium fuel is required to get the most power, but the Armada drives just fine on 87 octane.
Value
7.0/10
Is the Armada a good value? The Armada is priced in line with other large SUVs, but the interior materials quality and last-generation technology fall well below current expectations. If your priorities include a powerful V8 engine and strong towing capabilities, the Armada should have some appeal. For those with more conventional needs, it will be a disappointment. Nissan's warranty is merely average.
Wildcard
7.0/10
The Armada's styling is attractive, and the interior is about as close as Nissan is going to get to being near-luxury. If the Armada does one thing very well, it's making its corporate sibling, the Infiniti QX80, look overpriced. The Armada has no real vices, but with the exception of its stout and sonorous V8 engine, the Armada doesn't excel at anything either.
Which Armada does Edmunds recommend?
The sweet spot is the SL trim level. It adds many of the features you'll want, such as larger wheels, leather seats, a heated steering wheel, a surround-view camera system, remote engine start and a premium 13-speaker Bose audio system.
Nissan Armada models
The 2023 Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV with seating capacity of up to eight people. It's offered four trim levels: S, SV, SL and Platinum trim. Each is equipped with a 5.6-liter V8 engine (400 horsepower, 413 lb-ft) mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission that powers the rear wheels, unless you opt for the four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing.
S
The base S trim includes these features:
18-inch alloy wheels
Full-size spare tire
Tow hitch receiver with prewiring for a trailer brake controller
LED headlights
Cloth seats
Power-adjustable front seats
Power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
Dual-zone automatic climate control
12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
Wired Android Auto
Satellite radio
Navigation system
NissanConnect services with Wi-Fi connectivity
Four-speaker stereo
Additionally, the Nissan Armada S includes these driver assist technologies:
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Armada and the car in front)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Blind-spot intervention (automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
SV
The Armada SV builds on S equipment with:
Auto-dimming, heated side mirrors
Roof rails
LED foglights
Trailer brake controller
Simulated leather upholstery
Heated front seats
Wireless smartphone charger
Alexa compatibility
Remote engine start
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Universal garage door opener
Six-speaker stereo
An optional SV Appearance package adds:
20-inch alloy wheels (with mini spare)
LED foglights
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Universal garage door opener
Power liftgate
SL
Choose the Armada SL, and your SUV includes SV Appearance package contents plus:
Trailer sway damping (adjusts vehicle brakes to help control trailer movement if a trailer begins to sway)
Remote keyless entry
Remote engine start
Leather seats
Heated steering wheel
Sunroof
120-volt household-style power outlet
13-speaker Bose premium sound system
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Armada and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
A Midnight Edition package is available with SL trim. It equips the SUV with:
Black exterior and interior trim
Black leather seats
Black headliner
Special floor mats and cargo mat
Platinum
This is the top-of-the-line Armada equipped with:
22-inch alloy wheels
Rain-sensing wipers
Wiper de-icer system
Quilted leather upholstery
Ventilated front seats
Heated steering wheel
Heated second-row seats
One-touch power-folding third-row seats
Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
Rear-seat entertainment system with two 8-inch display screens
Second-row captain's chairs are available for the Armada SL and Platinum in place of the standard bench seat.
2019 Nissan Armada Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A)
This review is being updated for the 2019 Nissan Armada Platinum 4x4. We now have over 33k miles on it, including multiple family road trips, sporting event weekends with kids, and near daily city/suburban driving. Bottom line: our family of 6 is still very happy with our purchase!
The 2019 Platinum Armada comes equipped with just about every bell and whistle that you could want. … While the tech and layout are somewhat outdated compared to newer competitor models, the Armada continues to provide a comfortable ride with tons of safety features and it's actually fun to drive.
While it may be somewhat outdated, the tech that the Armada offers is decent. The driver display and cabin layout are efficient and easy to learn. The maps and Navigation system are accurate and work well, but the system is cumbersome to input an address into. You can import locations/addresses via your smartphone, but this is still a chore and I never fully got the hang of it (or honestly cared to). That being said, it still is functional and works well. There is no Android Auto or Apple Car Play in the Armada, which as I previously said is weird because other Nissan models have it, but oh well. Our family has both Android and Apple and everybody can connect their phones to the system via Bluetooth or USB. There are 4 x accessible and usable USB ports: 2 x in the front and 2 x in the middle row, which work great.
As I said in my previous review, we are coming from a Honda Odyssey minivan, which has the central TV screen. The Armada has the dual, built in TV screens in the back of the front seat headrests. The middle row USB can control their respective side TV screen to independently play/stream media, if desired. Or you can play DVD from the front console (only DVD, not BluRay). Additionally, we haven't had any issues or complaints with our kids viewing the TV screens from the back seats. Finally, the sound system is awesome. I'm not sure if this is from the Bose sound system, the sound dampening interior, or combination of both, but whether it's music, podcasts, or movies playing, the sound is great.
The seats are very comfortable and there is more than enough passenger comfort space in the front and middle row captain chairs. The front seats are ventilated/heated and can be multipositioned. The middle seats are heated, can be reclined/inclined, and are still very plush, roomy, and comfortable. The 3rd row in the back is definitely not the same. I'm 6'2" and can fit back there, but I wouldn't want to go more than an hour riding in the back. Our family of 6 with 2 x dogs can still take road trips (see luggage/cargo concern below).
I still like all of the safety/driver aids. The adaptive cruise control holds speed and standoff distance like a champ. The collision warning/self breaking can be harsh, so check your settings, but it works well. The lane keeping assist can be overbearing at times, but it's easy to disable if you don't like it. I only enable it on long road trips and it's nice once you learn the nuances. The blind spot warning and intervention works well and the cameras offer true dimensions and great lines of sight.
We have found the Armada to be very responsive and it handles much better than you would expect from a big SUV. It turns sharply, handles well and thanks to the V8, you most certainly can get up and go if needed. City and highway driving are nice thanks to the high ride with excellent lines of sight. The only blind spots I have issues with are the right front and rear bumper regions - and thanks to the bird's eye view, safety cameras, large mirrors, and warning systems, this really isn't an issue. It offers a smooth, level ride despite any turns or potholes encountered. We haven't really needed the 4WD, but on the 2 x occasions we used it, it performed well and we didn't get stuck in mud. We haven't really been in icy/snowy conditions much, but so far, the Armada has handled well in all environments.
My only concerns continue to be the relative poor fuel economy and lack of luggage space with all 3 rows in use. With respect to the fuel economy, it's a 3 ton SUV with a large V8, so expect it to be bad. We're still averaging 14 mpg mixed with city and highway driving. We have found that true city stop and go driving gets in the 10-12 mpg range and highway driving gets in the 16-20 mpg range. With the middle row Captain's Chairs installed, there is actually a fair amount of internal storage space in the cabin, so the personal space is awesome, but the back luggage area will barely fit 2 full size suit cases unless the 3rd row seats are straight 90 degrees. We ended up getting a trailer tow hitch with a cargo bag to overcome this. It's a hassle, but well worth it (side note - minimal, if any, effect on gas mileage). Final note, we towed a small travel trailer (~4000 lbs) and the Armada handled it as though it wasn't there, with the exception of the trash fuel economy (we averaged 8-9 mpg while towing).
Armada save 10K OVER the others
5 out of 5 stars
Big Ed, 07/20/2019
2019 Nissan Armada SL 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A)
My first impression when looking to buy a new large SUV was that the Nissan gave me more for less. Have experience in R&D for a key supplier for the automotive manufacturers, I also know there is no free lunch. GM interiors stink in part on the quality of the plastics they specify. The gaps, finishes wearing off items, it is all related. Ford is better/tighter in its specs and the … Japanese, esp. Toyota are the best. Nissan uses a number of parts from the Infinity version and you have those high quality bits. In short, the vehicle is well built, I have had no problems in 15K miles, tows well up to 5000lbs, above that a pickup is better, but it will still do it. Note I find the drivers seat not as comfortable for those over 6'1" and the third row is for kids. It also has excellent back seat leg room. As far as the price, I can only come up with that Nissan has lower margins on this vehicle than GM or Ford does of theirs.
Update at 36,000 miles and almost 3 yrs of ownership. I have become generally more pleased with the vehicle as time has gone on. So far just general maintenance and no repairs. Tires wear well when rotated and it appears I will get in the low 40k range on the tires. Passengers generally comment on how comfortable and spacious the rear seats are. Towing is good and the load leveling aspect helps level the truck. I would still like more driver seat adjustment. My daughter who does not like driving larger vehicles got used to this truck on a long highway drive. I do much of my own maintenance and I am always impressed with the heft of the chassis and "running gear" underneath this truck.
UPDATE: 48,000 miles and no issues. I did change the front and rear differential fluids; the rear was darker than the front. Gas mileage remains about 18 combined. I have noted that the a/c temperature setting and what it delivers is sensitive to the cabin filter being clean. Now change filter 2X year. Do basic maintenance and it runs and runs.
We are very pleased with our purchase!
5 out of 5 stars
Zac, 08/28/2019
2019 Nissan Armada Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A)
We bought our 2019 Armada Platinum about a month ago. This is our 2nd Armada. We’ve racked up about 800 miles so far and it’s everything we hoped it would be. Comfortable, quiet ride. Very roomy. Kids love the captains chairs in the back as well as the DVD player. I keep hearing folks talk about the gas mileage, what do you expect when you buy a beast. You can’t have everything. Go buy … a Prius and sit on top of each other. We are very pleased with our purchase.
Electrical Issues Galore / Lemon Law
1 out of 5 stars
Matthew , 12/19/2020
2019 Nissan Armada SV 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A)
Within the first 18 months, our 2019 Armada was towed 8 times. Eight. It happened twice right before we were leaving for vacation. It simply wouldn’t crank. It happened the first time at less than 6,000 miles.
The dealer could only say it was an electrical issue somehow connected to the brake sensors. They would reset a few things and it would work for 2 months. There was later a … recall that they guaranteed would fix it. Then it didn’t. Then on the eight tow, still for an electrical issue, they called in a corporate mechanic and “figured it out.”
We contacted Nissan Consumer Affairs and they have officially ruled it eligible for lemon law and we are in the process of a buyback.
DO NOT BUY THIS CAR.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Nissan Armada, so we've included reviews for other years of the Armada since its last redesign.
The Armada offers a slightly higher maximum towing capacity than the Tahoe. We also find its seats to be more comfortable. But the Tahoe has more interior space and is more fuel-efficient, particularly with its optional diesel engine. Choosing between the two comes down to what's most important to you in a full-size SUV.
The Ford Expedition takes a different approach than the Armada and the other vehicles in this class, opting for a smaller turbocharged V6 instead of a V8. Even down two cylinders, the engine produces plenty of power and gives the Expedition higher fuel economy than the Armada. The Ford also has a higher maximum tow rating and better technology features.
Take a look at the new 2023 Toyota Sequoia. It has impressive capabilities, lots of interior space, and thoroughly modern features including high-tech driver aids and a standard hybrid powertrain. It's possible you'll get a better deal on the Armada, but otherwise the Sequoia does just about everything a little bit better.
The Nissan Armada is one of the few remaining truck-based large SUVs, a distinction it shares with the Ford Expedition, Jeep Wagoneer, Toyota Sequoia and the Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon twins. Its solid backbone and powerful V8 engine mean it's more capable than the smaller Nissan Pathfinder crossover — the Armada is rated to tow up to 8,500 pounds, while the Pathfinder maxes out at 6,000 pounds — but you have to compromise quite a bit for the higher towing capacity.
In contrast to the Pathfinder, the Armada is thirstier, less comfortable and feels quite a bit older. (The Pathfinder was new for last year, and though the Armada was redesigned for 2017, its bones date back to 2010.) The Armada's also not that great compared to the rest of the body-on-frame SUVs on sale. Its V8 is less fuel-efficient than the Expedition's turbocharged V6, the Wagoneer was new to the market last year, and the Tahoe and Yukon were both recently redesigned and have graceful, modern interiors. The Armada sees renewed competition from the Toyota Sequoia too since that big SUV receives a complete overhaul for 2023. Unless you can get a screaming deal on an Armada, these rivals are all worth checking out first.
Edmunds says
The 2023 Nissan Armada is decent enough, but renewed competition from its competitive set — in addition to a well-regarded alternative from Nissan itself — puts it at a disadvantage.
FAQ
Is the Nissan Armada a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 Armada both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.1 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 Armada gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 41 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Armada has 16.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Nissan Armada. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Nissan Armada?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Nissan Armada:
No significant changes for 2023
Part of the second Armada generation introduced for 2017
To determine whether the Nissan Armada is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Armada. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Armada's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Nissan Armada a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Nissan Armada is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 Armada and gave it a 7.1 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 Armada gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 41 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 Armada is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Nissan Armada?
The least-expensive 2023 Nissan Armada is the 2023 Nissan Armada S 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $50,700.
Other versions include:
S 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) which starts at $50,700
S 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) which starts at $53,700
SV 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) which starts at $55,300
SV 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) which starts at $58,300
SL 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) which starts at $59,120
SL 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) which starts at $62,120
Platinum 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) which starts at $67,370
Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) which starts at $70,370
If you're interested in the Nissan Armada, the next question is, which Armada model is right for you? Armada variants include S 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A), S 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A), SV 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A), and SV 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A). For a full list of Armada models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
