The Armada is the biggest and baddest SUV in Nissan's lineup. Based on the same mechanical bits that underpin the Infiniti QX80, the Armada is a large three-row SUV that employs classic body-on-frame construction. These bones don't make for the most comfortable or exciting-driving SUV, but if you have to tow or venture off-road, the Armada gets the job done.
For 2021, the Nissan Armada receives a few key updates that Nissan hopes will keep the Armada competitive against the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition. On the outside, a new grille, redesigned bumpers, and reworked headlights and taillights. Inside, there's a restyled center stack that is less monolithic than before. A 12.3-inch touchscreen is perched on top, with a slim but clearly labeled row of climate controls underneath.
Overall, we like the updated Armada but find rival SUVs have broader appeal. Want to know more? Read our in-depth Expert Rating evaluation below for more detail.
The 2021 Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV that seats up to eight passengers. It comes in four trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. All Armada trims have a 5.6-liter V8 engine. Maximum output is 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel. A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is rear-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive with low-range gearing is optional. Other feature highlights include:
Redesigned for 2021, the Chevrolet Tahoe is a top competitor for the Nissan Armada. It has a modern interior, several available engine choices, and a wide variety of trim levels depending on your preferences. The Armada is less expensive, but you get more space and comfort by going with the Tahoe.
The Ford Expedition is the Edmunds' top-rated large SUV. It has a comfortable and quiet interior, a powerful turbocharged V6, modern tech, and lots of space for adults in all three rows. To match the Armada's equipment, you have to go up a few trim levels on the Ford, making it more expensive, but we think it's worth the price.
If you're looking at the Armada because you need a three-row SUV to haul your family around but you don't necessarily need big-boat towing power, the Kia Telluride is an excellent choice. It's a bit smaller than the Armada, but it's less expensive, even in higher trim levels. The Telluride easily bests the Armada in interior refinement and value.
The Armada is the biggest and baddest SUV in Nissan's lineup. Based on the same mechanical bits that underpin the Infiniti QX80, the Armada is a large three-row SUV that employs classic body-on-frame construction. These bones don't make for the most comfortable or exciting driving, but if you have to tow or venture off-road, the Armada gets the job done.
But first, the powertrain, which carries forward to the 2021 Armada. The burly 5.6-liter V8 now produces 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, but only if you fill the tank with 93 octane fuel. Otherwise, it churns out the same 390 hp and 394 lb-ft as last year. A seven-speed automatic remains the sole transmission.
The driver's seat is spacious and well cushioned, and it should allow for hours of comfortable touring. Unfortunately, that doesn't hold true for the second or third row seats. The second-row captain's chairs have only an adequate amount of legroom and the seat cushions are a bit low and short, resulting in a lack of thigh support even for average-size adults. The seatbacks recline but there's no sliding function to get more legroom. The third row should be for kids only, and even then, we don't expect they'll be comfortable. The seat cushion is mounted almost right on the floor, forcing passengers relegated back there into more of a knees-on-your-chest position.
The cabin of the Armada receives the lion's share of updates. Gone is the center stack stuffed with an array of buttons and a dated dash-mounted infotainment controller. Instead, the refreshed Armada presents a center stack that is less monolithic than before. A 12.3-inch touchscreen is perched on top, with a slim but clearly labeled row of climate controls underneath. There's also a cubby that conceals the newly available wireless charging pad.
The new touchscreen will go a long way toward making the Armada feel like a modern SUV. The addition of a wireless charging pad and standard wireless Apple CarPlay further cements that impression, though Android Auto remains a tethered affair.
Like many three-row SUVs, the Armada has limited cargo capacity behind the third row, measuring just 16.5 cubic feet. That's about what you'd expect from a midsize family sedan on paper, but in practice it's not nearly as accommodating. That space is mostly vertical and assumes you'll be packing it to the headliner.
To be blunt, it isn't. For the money, the Armada falls short when it comes to interior quality, infotainment and cargo space. Nowadays, we expect more in all of these metrics. Fuel economy is also disappointing. Nissan estimates the Armada will get 16 mpg combined (14 city/19 highway) for the rear-wheel-drive variant. Getting 4WD drops those estimates by 1 mpg across the board.
Edmunds saysThe 2021 Nissan Armada's refreshed exterior and up-to-date tech offerings help extend this big SUV's longevity. But even with these improvements, the Armada faces an uphill battle against the Ford Expedition and the redesigned Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Nissan Armada:
The least-expensive 2021 Nissan Armada is the 2021 Nissan Armada S 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $48,900.
Other versions include:
