The 2024 Nissan Armada is the latest iteration of the Japanese automaker’s flagship SUV, which competes in the crowded and competitive full-size segment. The Armada offers a spacious and luxurious cabin, a powerful V8 engine, and a host of advanced safety and technology features. However, it also comes with a high starting price, a thirsty fuel economy, and a dated infotainment system. In this article, we will review the 2024 Nissan Armada’s pricing, specs, features, and pros and cons and compare it with some of its main rivals.
Pricing and Trims
The 2024 Nissan Armada is available in four trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. The base S trim starts at $55,450 for the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version and $58,450 for the four-wheel-drive (4WD) version. The S trim comes with standard features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, roof rails, a power liftgate, keyless entry and ignition, tri-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat, a four-way power passenger seat, a 60/40-split folding third-row seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 13-speaker Bose sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a wireless charging pad, four USB ports, and a rearview camera. It also includes the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assistance features, which consists of forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, rear automatic braking, and a driver attention monitor.
The SV trim adds 20-inch wheels, fog lights, heated mirrors, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 7-inch driver information display, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power-folding third-row seat, a 360-degree camera system, a trailer brake controller, and a tow hitch receiver. The SV trim starts at $58,150 for the RWD version and $61,150 for the 4WD version.
The SL trim further adds chrome exterior accents, a sunroof, a power-adjustable steering column, driver-seat memory settings, a four-way power driver lumbar adjustment, a heated steering wheel, second-row captain’s chairs with a center console, a rear-seat entertainment system with dual 8-inch screens, a navigation system, and a blind-spot intervention system. The SL trim starts at $64,250 for the RWD version and $67,250 for the 4WD version.
The top-of-the-line Platinum trim adds 22-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, a rearview mirror with a camera display, quilted leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a power-folding second-row seat, a head-up display, a 17-speaker Bose sound system, and a rearview camera with a washer. The Platinum trim also comes with the ProPILOT Assist system, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to provide semi-autonomous driving on highways. The Platinum trim starts at $69,850 for the RWD version and $72,850 for the 4WD version.
Engine and Performance
The 2024 Nissan Armada is powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth and responsive shifts. The Armada can tow up to 8,500 pounds when properly equipped, which is impressive for its class.
The Armada’s 4WD system has a two-speed transfer case that allows the driver to switch between high and low ranges for different terrain conditions. The Armada also has a limited-slip differential that helps distribute torque evenly between the rear wheels for better traction. The Armada has a ground clearance of 9.1 inches, which is decent for off-road adventures. However, the Armada lacks some of the off-road features that some of its rivals offer, such as skid plates, locking differentials, and hill descent control.
The Armada’s handling is composed and stable but not very agile or sporty. The steering is light and vague, and the body roll is noticeable around corners. The suspension is tuned for comfort, and it absorbs most bumps and road imperfections. The brakes are strong and confident, and the pedal feel is linear and predictable. The Armada’s turning radius is 41.3 feet, which is large for its class and makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces challenging.
The Armada’s fuel economy is one of its major drawbacks, as it is one of the least efficient vehicles in its segment. The EPA estimates that the Armada gets 14 mpg in the city, 19 mpg on the highway, and 16 mpg combined for the RWD version, and 13 mpg in the city, 18 mpg on the highway, and 15 mpg combined for the 4WD version. The Armada has a 26-gallon fuel tank, which gives it a range of about 364 miles for the RWD version and 351 miles for the 4WD version.
Interior and Cargo
The 2024 Nissan Armada has a spacious and upscale interior that can accommodate up to eight passengers or seven with the optional second-row captain’s chairs. The cabin is well-insulated from road and wind noise, and the materials are of high quality. The Armada has a 12.3-inch touchscreen that dominates the center stack, and it is easy to use and responsive. The Armada also has a 7-inch driver information display that shows various vehicle information and settings. The Armada has plenty of storage spaces and cupholders throughout the cabin, and it also has a wireless charging pad and four USB ports for charging and connecting devices.
The Armada’s front seats are comfortable and supportive, and they offer ample headroom and legroom. The driver’s seat has an eight-way power adjustment, and the passenger seat has a four-way power adjustment. The SL and Platinum trims have a four-way power lumbar support for the driver, and the Platinum trim also has ventilated front seats. The Armada’s second-row seats are also roomy and cozy, and they have a 60/40-split folding function. The SL and Platinum trims have second-row captain’s chairs with a center console, and they also have heated second-row seats. The Armada’s third-row seats are best suited for children, as they have limited headroom and legroom. The third-row seats have a 60/40-split folding function, and the SV and higher trims have a power-folding function.
The Armada’s cargo space is generous but not class-leading. The Armada has 16.5 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats, 49.9 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seats, and 95.4 cubic feet of space behind the first-row seats. The Armada’s cargo floor is high, which makes loading and unloading heavy or bulky items difficult. The Armada has a power liftgate that makes accessing the cargo area easier, and the SL and Platinum trims have a hands-free function. The Armada also has a tow hitch receiver and a trailer brake controller for towing purposes.
Safety and Technology
The 2024 Nissan Armada has a long list of standard and available safety and technology features that make it a smart and secure choice for families. The Armada comes with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assistance features, which includes:
- Forward collision warning: This feature warns the driver of a potential frontal collision with another vehicle or a pedestrian, and it can apply the brakes automatically if the driver does not react in time.
- Automatic emergency braking: This feature helps the driver avoid or mitigate a frontal collision by applying the brakes automatically if the driver does not respond to the forward collision warning.
- Pedestrian detection: This feature enhances the forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking by detecting pedestrians in front of the vehicle and alerting the driver or applying the brakes if necessary.
- Blind-spot monitoring: This feature monitors the blind spots on both sides of the vehicle and warns the driver if another vehicle is detected in them.
- Rear cross-traffic alert: This feature monitors the rear of the vehicle and warns the driver if another vehicle is approaching from either side when reversing out of a parking spot or driveway.
- Lane departure warning: This feature monitors the vehicle’s position within the lane and warns the driver if the vehicle is drifting out of the lane without signaling.
- Lane-keeping assist: This feature helps the driver stay in the center of the lane by applying gentle steering corrections if the vehicle is drifting out of the lane without signaling.
- Adaptive cruise control: This feature maintains a set speed and a safe distance from the vehicle in front, and it can adjust the speed or apply the brakes automatically if the traffic conditions change.
- Automatic high beams: This feature automatically switches between high and low beams depending on the surrounding traffic and lighting conditions.
- Rear automatic braking: This feature helps the driver avoid or reduce the impact of a rear collision by applying the brakes automatically if the driver does not respond to the rear cross-traffic alert or the rearview camera.
- Driver attention monitor: This feature monitors the driver’s behavior and alertness and warns the driver if it detects signs of fatigue or distraction.
- ProPILOT Assist: This feature is available only on the Platinum trim, and it combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to provide semi-autonomous driving on highways. The driver still needs to keep their hands on the steering wheel and pay attention to the road, but the system can help reduce the driver’s workload and stress.
The Armada also has some other safety and technology features that are not part of the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, such as:
- A rearview camera with a washer: This feature provides a clear view of the rear of the vehicle on the touchscreen or the rearview mirror, and it has a washer that cleans the lens from dirt and debris.
- A 360-degree camera system: This feature provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings on the touchscreen, and it helps the driver park and maneuver in tight spaces.
- A head-up display: This feature projects key information such as speed, navigation, and driver assistance settings on the windshield, and it helps the driver keep their eyes on the road.
- A rear-seat entertainment system: This feature consists of dual 8-inch screens mounted on the front-seat headrests, and it allows the rear passengers to watch movies, play games, or stream content from their devices. The system also comes with two wireless headphones and a remote control.
Pros and Cons
The 2024 Nissan Armada has some strengths and weaknesses that potential buyers should consider before making a purchase decision. Here are some of the pros and cons of the Armada:
Pros:
- The Armada has a powerful V8 engine that delivers strong acceleration and towing capacity.
- The Armada has a spacious and luxurious cabin that can accommodate up to eight passengers, or seven, with the optional second-row captain’s chairs.
- The Armada has a long list of standard and available safety and technology features that make it a smart and secure choice for families.
- The Armada has a generous cargo space that can fit a lot of luggage and gear.
Cons:
- The Armada has a high starting price, and it can get even more expensive with the higher trims and options.
- The Armada has a thirsty fuel economy, and it requires premium gas for optimal performance.
- The Armada has a dated infotainment system that lacks some of the modern features and functions that some of its rivals offer, such as a larger touchscreen, a digital gauge cluster, and wireless charging for the rear passengers.
- The Armada has a large turning radius that makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces challenging.
Comparison with Rivals
The 2024 Nissan Armada faces some tough competition in the full-size SUV segment, which includes some of the following models:
- Ford Expedition: The Ford Expedition is one of the most popular and best-selling full-size SUVs in the market, and it offers a lot of advantages over the Armada. The Expedition has a turbocharged V6 engine that delivers more power and better fuel economy than the Armada’s V8 engine. The Expedition also has a larger and more versatile cargo space that can be accessed by a hands-free power liftgate. The Expedition has a more modern and user-friendly infotainment system that features a 12-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and wireless charging for the rear passengers. The Expedition also has some unique features that the Armada does not offer, such as a panoramic sunroof, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and a Pro Trailer Backup Assist system that helps the driver steer the trailer in reverse. The Expedition starts at $52,810 for the RWD version and $55,810 for the 4WD version, which is slightly cheaper than the Armada.
- Chevrolet Tahoe: The Chevrolet Tahoe is another popular and well-rounded full-size SUV that competes with the Armada. The Tahoe has a choice of three engines: a V8, a diesel, and a hybrid. The Tahoe’s V8 engine has power and fuel economy similar to the Armada’s V8 engine, but the Tahoe’s diesel and hybrid engines offer better efficiency and range. The Tahoe also has a larger and more flexible cargo space that can be accessed by a power liftgate or a power tailgate. The Tahoe has a more advanced and intuitive infotainment system that features a 10.2-inch touchscreen, a 15-inch head-up display, and wireless charging for the rear passengers. The Tahoe also has some exclusive features that the Armada does not offer, such as a rear camera mirror, a magnetic ride control suspension, and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Tahoe starts at $50,295 for the RWD version and $53,295 for the 4WD version, which is significantly cheaper than the Armada.
- Toyota Sequoia: The Toyota Sequoia is another full-size SUV that rivals the Armada, but it is not as impressive or appealing as the other models. The Sequoia has a V8 engine that has less power and worse fuel economy than the Armada’s V8 engine. The Sequoia also has a smaller and less convenient cargo space that can be accessed by a power liftgate or a power rear window. The Sequoia has a dated and basic infotainment system that features a 7-inch touchscreen, a 4.2-inch driver information display, and no wireless charging for any passengers. The Sequoia also lacks some of the safety and technology features that the Armada offers, such as a 360-degree camera system, a head-up display, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Sequoia starts at $51,465 for the RWD version and $54,715 for the 4WD version, which is similar to the Armada.
Conclusion
The 2024 Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV that offers a spacious and luxurious cabin, a powerful V8 engine, and a host of advanced safety and technology features. However, it also comes with a high starting price, a thirsty fuel economy, and a dated infotainment system. The Armada faces some tough competition in the full-size segment, and some of its rivals offer more advantages and value than the Armada. Therefore, potential buyers should compare the Armada with other models and weigh the pros and cons before making a purchase decision.
