2019 Nissan Armada Review: Premium Truck On A Budget
Sharing a large amount of mechanical blood with the Infiniti QX80, the Nissan Armada borders very close to being a full-size luxury SUV, with a supremely comfortable interior comprising high-quality materials and an abundance of features. Unfortunately, this close resemblance to a decade-old car means that the Armada can feel older than it is, with dated infotainment and fussy controls. But even this can't detract from the sheer comfort this virtual lounge on wheels offers. The potent V8 engine delivers 390 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, or all four wheels if you opt for that drivetrain. This power is regulated by a refined seven-speed automatic gearbox. While not as accomplished an all-round SUV as some rivals like the Ford Expedition, the Armada still has a lot going for it, and it comes in at a slightly lower price, starting at $47,100, giving you near-premium feel for budget price.
What's the Price of the 2019 Nissan Armada?
While offering near-luxury levels of comfort and a plethora of features, the Nissan Armada is still priced as an affordable large SUV. The SV starts at $47,100, while the mid-tier SL has a $51,900 price tag. For just under $10k more, you can pick up the Platinum model. These prices are for rear-wheel drivetrain models; all-wheel-drive will add $3,000 to the overall cost. To get behind the wheel of a fully-loaded rear-wheel-drive Armada Platinum, you will need to invest $63,330. These prices are exclusive of tax, registration, licensing, and Nissan's $1,395 destination fee.
Best Deals on 2019 Nissan Armada
2019 Armada Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
208.9 in | 121.1 in | 75.8 in | 79.9 in | 67.5 in | 67.9 in |
Exterior Colors
2019 Armada Performance
Engine and Transmission
Handling and Driving Impressions
You might expect the hefty SUV to handle like a rhinoceros on rollerskates thanks to its powerful engine and graceless dimensions, but it is remarkably composed, as much as any large SUV can hope to be. The steering might not communicate as well as we might like, but it gets the job done with little fuss. It also handles quite well, gripping the road during turns with little to no body roll, but don't expect the same handling as smaller, nimbler vehicles. Equally impressive for a vehicle of this size, the brakes are among the best in the segment, stopping the juggernaut from 60 mph in under 120 feet.
Working in concert with these adequate handling characteristics, the Armada's suspension absorbs even large road imperfections, like potholes without dislodging passengers. The supremely comfortable seats complement this inherent ride comfort and make even long rides feel pleasurable. All this comfort combines with a well-insulated cabin to create an almost silent ride, meaning passengers could easily take a nap in the backseats. The powerful V8 won't break through unless you force it to by punching it, but even then it offers an enjoyable soundtrack for high-speed cruising.
Off-road, the Armada really comes into its own. With more than nine inches of ground clearance and ample approach, departure, and breakover angles, it's one of the most refined and luxurious ways to conquer almost any terrain.
2019 Armada Interior
Seating and Interior Space
2019 Armada Trunk and Cargo Space
2019 Armada Safety and Reliability
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion |
---|---|---|
3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
---|---|
5/5 | 3/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2019 Nissan Armada A Good SUV?
The Nissan Armada has a lot going right for it. It has a punchy engine that supplies power on demand, giving the large SUV impressive acceleration numbers and more than enough power to maneuver on the highway. This is paired with town handling that is only slightly clumsy. The steering can be uncommunicative, but the available driver-assist features help to keep you informed of what is going on around you.
The interior is the Armada's strongest selling point, offering accommodation that even some luxury SUVs struggle to best. The seats are spacious and comfortable, and the vehicle's suspension smooths out bumps exceptionally well. With available seat heating and cooling, as well as ample climate control and air conditioning, users will always be comfortable. The biggest failing inside the cabin is the outdated and clunky infotainment system. If you can get past this, then the Nissan Armada is certainly worth considering.
With a relatively low starting price for the segment, the Armada has a lot of appeal, but if you're willing to spend $47,100 for the base model, opting to shell out a few thousand more for a rival like the Ford Expedition might be the better choice, because as good as the Armada is, these rivals still beat it in most areas. The overall cost of ownership will also end up being less as the Nissan has terrible fuel economy compared to top competitors. It's only true saving grace is exceptional off-road ability.
What Nissan Armada Model Should I Buy?
With a $10,000 price hike between the SL and Platinum, and not an excessive number of additional features, we would suggest going for the SL trim. If you're looking at the Armada, you will be expecting a certain level of luxury, so you won't want to pass up on the more comfortable leather seats, or the convenience features like heated mirrors and seats. You do miss out on some driver-assist features like blind-spot warning and automatic rear braking, but these can be added with the Premium Package if you really desire them. For $51,900, you get all the performance the Armada has to offer, and most of its luxury features too. For most daily driving, the rear-wheel drive model should suffice, but if you want added safety or want to go off-road from time to time, you will want to opt for the slightly more expensive four-wheel drivetrain.
2019 Nissan Armada Comparisons
2019 Nissan Armada vs Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia is on par with the Armada on many fronts. They both have equally terrible fuel economy, to start with. In terms of performance, they each deliver almost identical figures, with the Toyota promising a little bit more torque. Despite this, the Nissan is still able to pull significantly more weight than its rival. But if cargo space is more important to you than towing capacity, the Sequoia offers 18.9 cubic feet versus the Armada's 16.5, setting it slightly ahead. Still, the Armada provides more space for passengers, so if that is more important than simple utility, the Nissan once again takes a step forward. In terms of tech, the Sequoia somehow manages to lose to the outdated Armada, with limited features and poorly thought-out feature placement. Seat comfort in the Toyota is decent, but nowhere near the luxury level supplied its Nissan rival. That's two extra points for the Armada. When we tally it all up, the Nissan Armada comes out in the lead here, and it starts at a lower price to boot.
2019 Nissan Armada vs Infiniti QX80
With both SUVs sharing underpinnings, it's not surprising that they are very similar. For a start, they look almost identical from the outside, and inside, it is just a matter of slightly higher quality materials on the true luxury SUV. Despite the Infiniti offering a slightly stronger 400 hp V8 engine, it is just as inefficient as the Armada's, achieving almost identical EPA figures. But since the QX80 uses premium gasoline, it is going to cost you a lot more over its lifespan. This compounds the already higher starting price of $65,500 to make the Infiniti significantly more expensive. The Infiniti also suffers from the same handling shortcomings as the Armada, and it doesn't offer smartphone integration either. Choosing the Infiniti over the Nissan is more a matter of status, with only slightly better performance supplied by the significantly more expensive QX80. You can get the same level of comfort and pleasure for a lot less from the Armada, so long as you don't mind the less prestigious brand name.