Meet the 2024 Nissan Armada, a full-size SUV that pairs a powerful V8 engine with an expansive, high-end cabin, and an array of cutting-edge safety technology. It stands as one of the few SUVs adopting body-on-frame construction, offering impressive towing strength and a seamless ride. The Armada also flaunts a sleek exterior design, a large-screen infotainment system, and a competitive price tag amidst its rivals. Dive in with us as we explore the 2024 Nissan Armada and how it measures up to the competition in the full-size SUV class.
Cost and Model Variants
The 2024 Nissan Armada is available in four model variants: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. The base S variant starts at $55,450, equipped with standard features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, roof rails, automated liftgate, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 13-speaker Bose audio system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless charging, a rearview camera, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The S variant can comfortably seat up to eight passengers with a second-row bench seat or seven with the available second-row captain’s chairs as an option.
The SV trim enhances your ride with 20-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, a trailer brake controller, a 360-degree camera system, a power-adjustable steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and memory function for the driver’s seat, mirrors, and steering wheel. Starting at $58,950, the SV trim can be upgraded with a Premium package with a dual-pane panoramic moonroof, a rear-seat entertainment system with dual 8-inch screens, and a power-folding third-row seat.
Building upon the features of the SV trim, the SL trim adds 22-inch alloy wheels, a power-folding third-row seat, a dual-pane panoramic moonroof, a rear-seat entertainment system, a digital rearview mirror, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and a blind-spot intervention system. With a starting price of $64,250, the SL trim can be further enhanced with a Midnight Edition package that includes black exterior accents, roof rails, and 22-inch wheels.
The Platinum trim, the top-of-the-line model, provides quilted leather seats, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, open-pore wood trim, a rearview mirror camera, and a rear automatic braking system. Starting at $69,850, the Platinum trim can comfortably seat up to seven passengers with its standard second-row captain’s chairs.
Prices listed are for rear-wheel-drive models. For an additional $3,000, all trims can be upgraded to four-wheel drive. Every model operates on a 5.6-liter V8 engine, boasting 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This engine works in tandem with a seven-speed automatic transmission and has the capacity to tow up to 8,500 pounds.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The 2024 Nissan Armada demonstrates striking performance with its robust V8 engine, offering abundant acceleration and overtaking power. The Armada can accelerate from standstill to 60 mph in approximately 6.5 seconds, outpacing many in its class. Despite its size, the Armada maneuvers well, delivering a steady, composed ride, agile steering, and efficient braking. The optional four-wheel drive system enables the Armada to navigate through challenging terrain, equipped with low-range gearing, a locking rear differential, and hill descent control.
However, the Armada's impressive performance comes with a trade-off in fuel efficiency. With one of the lowest fuel economies in its class, the Armada averages 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive, and 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway with four-wheel drive. Furthermore, the Armada's requirement for premium gasoline contributes to higher operating costs.
Interior and Cargo Space
The 2024 Nissan Armada is a blend of luxury and spaciousness, featuring high-grade materials, plush seating, and a host of features. It comfortably sits up to eight passengers across three rows or seven if you opt for the second-row captain's chairs. The front seats provide ample support and adjustability, boasting generous headroom and legroom. The second-row seats offer spaciousness and recline functionality, along with easy accessibility and optional heating for added comfort. The third-row seating, although best suited for children due to its restricted headroom and legroom, still enhances the vehicle's overall capacity.
The Armada also excels in cargo space, offering 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet behind the second, and a whopping 95.4 cubic feet behind the first row. The cargo area is flat and wide, integrating a power liftgate, a power-folding third-row seat, and a low loading height for easy access. The Armada further caters to storage needs with multiple small-item storage spaces distributed throughout the cabin, including cup holders, door pockets, a center console, a glovebox, and an overhead console, ensuring everything has its place.
Technology and Safety Features
The 2024 Nissan Armada boasts a sizable, user-friendly infotainment system, complete with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 13-speaker Bose audio system, Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless charging pad, and four USB ports. The system also integrates with Amazon Alexa, enabling the driver to use voice commands for various functionalities, such as engine ignition, door locking, climate adjustment, and fuel level checks.
Additionally, the Armada includes a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and a rear-seat entertainment system furnished with dual 8-inch screens and wireless headphones.
Beyond its tech-savvy features, the Armada also offers a myriad of advanced safety and driver-assist features to ensure a confident and aware driving experience. Standard features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Unique to the Armada, there's also a 360-degree camera system, a blind-spot intervention system, a rear automatic braking system, and a rearview mirror camera.
Comparison with Competitors
The 2024 Nissan Armada is in direct competition with other full-size SUVs on the market, including the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, and Toyota Sequoia. The following comparison table illustrates how the Armada measures up against these competitors in terms of pricing, performance, fuel economy, interior space, and towing capacity.
| Model | Base Price | Engine | Horsepower | Passenger Capacity | Cargo Space (behind 1st/ 2nd/ 3rd row) | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Nissan Armada | $55,450 | 5.6-liter V8 | 400 | 7-8 | 95.4/ 49.9/ 16.5 | 8,500 |
| 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe | $50,295 | 5.3-liter V8 | 355 | 7-9 | 122.9/ 72.6/ 25.5 | 8,400 |
| 2022 Ford Expedition | $51,240 | 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 | 375 | 7-8 | 104.6/ 63.6/ 19.3 | 9,300 |
| 2022 GMC Yukon | $51,995 | 5.3-liter V8 | 355 | 7-9 | 122.9/ 72.6/ 25.5 | 8,400 |
| 2022 Toyota Sequoia | $51,465 | 5.7-liter V8 | 381 | 7-8 | 120.1/ 66.6/ 18.9 | 7,400 |
As demonstrated in the table, the Armada stands out with the highest base price, the most horsepower and torque, the lowest fuel economy, the least amount of cargo space behind the third row, and the highest towing capacity among its competitors. It also boasts the largest standard infotainment screen and the most cutting-edge safety features in its class.
Conclusion
The 2024 Nissan Armada is an impressive full-size SUV, boasting a powerful V8 engine, spacious refined interior, and a slew of cutting-edge safety and technology features. With its body-on-frame construction, the Armada stands as one of the last few SUVs in the market, offering robust towing capabilities and a smooth driving experience. It also impresses with its stylish exterior, expansive infotainment display, and competitive pricing. However, the Armada does have some downsides, including subpar fuel economy, limited third-row space, and high operating expenses. Nonetheless, it remains an attractive option for those prioritizing performance, comfort, and capability over efficiency, practicality, and affordability.
