why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2012 Nissan Armada

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 65 photos

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Nissan Armada

Overview

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more. See what you should pay

Buy used | Trade-in/Sell

2012 Nissan Armada Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.8

Despite the constant calls of its pending doom or complete abolition, the full-size SUV will likely always have a place in the American garage – at least as long as there are large families with large toys to tow behind them. The 2012 Nissan Armada is an excellent example of the full-size quarter-ton SUV families like the ones mentioned above can't live without. A bit more stylish than the boxy Chevrolet Suburban or Ford Expedition, the Nissan Armada nonetheless has the muscle and strength to go toe-to-toe with its domestic competitors. Its 317-horsepower V8 can tow up to 9,000 pounds, and the available all-wheel drive is ideal for winter-weather states. However, as Nissan does not make a 3/4-ton variant, really heavy jobs will require moving to the Chevrolet Suburban 2500 model. If the Titan's $40,000 asking price isn't a detractor, odds are you'll be able to budget the $100-plus fill-ups required to keep the Armada afloat. For those who truly need what the 2012 Nissan Armada SUV has, the long list of luxury amenities, comfortable interior and cavernous cargo hold can make owning such a vehicle a little less painful on the paycheck.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a powerful, tech-savvy SUV with edgy styling that makes a bold statement, the 2012 Nissan Armada SUV outshines most competitors in its segment and even a few luxury models costing thousands more.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The term "full-size SUV" means just that. The 2012 Nissan Armada SUV is big, heavy and not much fun to drive in confined areas. If you need 6- or 7-passenger seating but not the ability to tow heavy loads, a GMC Acadia, Dodge Durango or Honda Pilot might be a better alternative.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

6.8
Driving Dynamics

6.6
Comfort & Convenience

7.4
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.2
Value

5.6
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#60

out of 60

MPG

#11

out of 60

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.7 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

The 2012 Nissan Armada SUV receives some minor upgrades including a power rear liftgate and heated front seats now standard on the SL trim. The Platinum trim receives standard heated second-row seats and a padded center armrest with the Captain's-chairs option.

Driving the Armada

2012 Nissan Armada Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The 2012 Nissan Armada SUV's hefty bulk and truck-like build might have you thinking that handling and ride comfort are not going to be its strongest attributes, and you would...

be half right. Nissan's adept double-wishbone suspension geometry and capable speed-sensitive power steering make the Armada as easy to operate as a mid-size Nissan Pathfinder. Tight confines are still a bit tricky given the Nissan Armada's length, but its short front and rear overhangs make maneuvering in tight corners a bit less worrisome. On smooth pavement, the Armada sails along with little drama, but upon encountering rough seas-uneven pavement or large expansion joints, for example-the Armada's Titan-based roots quickly make themselves known. The Armada's suspension isn't as efficient at isolating road imperfections as is the Chevy Suburban, choosing instead to send the slightest rude jolt or annoying vibration into the passenger cabin. The 2012 Nissan Armada SUV's 317-horsepower V8 engine delivers great power and never feels tepid or short of breath, and its 5-speed automatic delivers decisive, nearly imperceptible shifts.

Favorite Features

Rear Seat Design
The 2012 Nissan Armada SUV's versatile rear-seat design includes fold-flat seats that create a level loading floor.

Standard Head-Curtain Airbags
The 2012 Nissan Armada SUV's standard head-curtain airbags cover all three rows of seating.

2012 Nissan Armada Details

2012 Nissan Armada Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2012 Nissan Armada SUV's interior is designed to adapt to multiple needs, able to shuttle up to eight passengers, or just two people and 97 cubic feet worth of their stuff. The Armada's second row can be outfitted with either a 3-person bench seat or a set of Captain's-chair-style seats divided by a removable center console. The console is perfect for storing water bottles or video games, and when removed creates a clear and easy pathway for the third-row passengers to enter and exit. Passengers in the Armada SUV's third-row seat have a slightly elevated perch designed to give them an equally good view ahead as well as make the area feel less claustrophobic. Those concerned about safety can take solace in the Armada's many safety features, including side-curtain airbags covering all three rows. When cargo takes precedent over passengers, the 2012 Nissan Armada SUV's massive cargo area can be expanded to give 56.7 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second-row seat and a whopping 97.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat.

Exterior

Nissan took a bit of a risk with the 2012 Armada SUV, giving it styling themes usually reserved for sport sedans and small cars. Expressive body arches and door frames stand out from the 90-degree-angle designs expressed on the Armada's competitors, as do its raised roof and enormous side fender flares. Nissan's 3-opening chrome grille so familiar on their truck line is present on the Armada SUV as well, adding a bit of ruggedness on an otherwise luxurious SUV. Some of the styling cues actually hinder functionality, such as the high-mounted rear door handles that can be difficult for little kids to easily access. The 2012 Nissan Armada SUV offers a generous helping of side glass providing good 360-degree views out. The Armada's huge side mirrors (they feature auto dimming on Platinum models) further aid outward vision by revealing objects lurking close to the big SUV's sides.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2012 Nissan Armada SV has a 317-horsepower V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), front and rear air conditioning, floor- and ceiling-mounted consoles, Vehicle Dynamic Control, rear privacy glass, dual power heated outside mirrors, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, power-adjustable pedals, AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability, front and rear head-curtain airbags (covering all three rows), front side-impact airbags, running boards, 8-way power driver's seat, cruise control, tire-pressure monitor and a rear wiper and washer. The SL adds Intelligent Key keyless entry and start, leather seating, RearView Monitor, Bluetooth, Bose audio, power-folding third-row seat, power liftgate, heated front seats and auto-leveling rear air suspension. The Platinum Edition includes all these features plus heated second-row seats and steering wheel, a power moonroof, a hard drive-based navigation system and rear-seat DVD entertainment.

Optional Equipment

Options for the 2012 Nissan Armada SUV vary by trim. The Armada SV can be equipped with the Driver Package that adds a 12-speaker Bose audio system, Bluetooth, power liftgate, RearView Monitor, foglights and a power-folding third-row seat. Also available on the SV is the Tow Package and a number of dealer-installed options. The Nissan Armada SL can be equipped with a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a power moonroof, while the Platinum Edition offers second-row Captain's-chair seating. All models offer the option of 4-wheel drive.

Under the Hood

Nissan equips the 2012 Armada SUV with its most powerful V8 engine and the results are impressive. Tow rated at 9,100-pounds (with the available Tow Package), the Armada credits itself well in maximum towing capacity among lighter-duty, full-size SUVs.

5.6-liter V8
317 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
385 lb-ft of torque @ 3,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/19 (gasoline, 2WD), 12/18 (gasoline, 4WD), 9/13 (E85, 2WD), 9/13 (E85, 4WD)

Pricing Notes

The 2-wheel-drive 2012 Nissan Armada SV has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting just around $39,500, while the same model with 4-wheel drive comes in just close to $45,000. The SL trim ranges from about $45,000 to $48,000, while a fully loaded Platinum tops out around the $56,000 mark. A look at the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price shows the typical transaction price paid for an Armada in your area, so be sure to check it out before you begin negotiations. Also be sure to check the Incentives tab to see what deals the manufacturer may be offering. In the all-important world of resale, the 2012 Nissan Armada SUV is projected to retain an average residual value, slightly lower than the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition, and well below the value retained by the Toyota Sequoia.

To find out what consumers are really paying for this vehicle, first select a style to see the Fair Purchase Price| Calculate payments for this vehicle

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Nissan Armada vehicles for sale near you.

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more.

See what you should pay

Buy used | Trade-in/Sell

2012 Nissan Armada Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 372 Ratings for the 2004 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.2/10

Styling

9.2/10

Comfortable and Flexible

By paul (FL) on Tuesday, June 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfortable and spacious."

Cons: "Spend money on gas,Low mileage."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love this SUV.It has lot of room for the whole family. Seats are very comfortable and ride is smooth. My kids enjoy the ride in this SUV.We have a 2 wheel drive and its very easy to do the turns than a car."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

More rear seat leg room than anything I could find

By Harry (GA) on Monday, June 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,089

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Better priced and better valu than its competition"

Cons: "Would like a better iPod interface"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I purchased my 2011 Armada as a leftover in December 2011 and already have 50,000 miles. I have owned Tahoe's since the late 90's and feel like I own part of GM with all the repair business they have gotten. Not a nickel so far except for oil changes. Yes, gas economy is not the greatest but comparable to anything in its size class and a much better ride and far more room for both driver and passengers. At 6'6" size does matter and I have a few long legged sons who really appreciate the roomy second row seat."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Awesome SUV

By jo (CA) on Tuesday, May 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 169,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "powerful V8 for a 2004"

Cons: "the gas mileage, otherwise none whatsoever."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I bought my 2004 Nissan Pathfinder Armada new with only 12 miles on it in 2004. It now has over 168k miles on it and is still running strong! Did all the recommended services and the truck has not let me down. I do alot of highway driving (to Las Vegas) and I love the way it handles going up the hills. The V8 really kicks in fast, no lagging. Has been good to me and a lot of room for my 2 dogs (Rottweilers)."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Best Car I've Owned

By RegDawg (CA) on Wednesday, April 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 97,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Size, Power, Safety, 3rd Row fits Adults, Fun"

Cons: "MPG!!!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I just purchased an 08 Armada couple weeks ago and love it. Did plenty of research on other vehicles before my purchase and decided to pursue the Armada. Its huge, roomy, and just feel safe in it. I have a newborn so safety and room were my selling points. Oh and this thing has plenty of power however that power eats gas so its not excellent on gas economy but I knew that before purchasing. If MPG is important to you, then you may need to look elsewhere. Also with the SUV high off the ground, much of the maintenance can be done yourself (oil, transmission, etc). Other than that I totally recommend the Armada."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

This SUV offers both quality an safety!!

By Fifes (FL) on Wednesday, March 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 130,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "safety, comfort, powerful"

Cons: "fuel usage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Bought our 2006 in 2009 and still have it with no intent to sell it. This SUV is the safest vehicle I have ever owned. It is not that great on gas but the comfort and safety it offers are well worth a little extra fuel cost and I should mention that if you are light on the gas pedal it is not so bad. I have used this vehicle for work everyday as well as on long trips. My husband loves it for its power. We have pulled a 33 foot camper weighing in at 8000lbs all over the East Coast and barely knew it was there all while carrying 7 passengers. I'm not sure about other vehicles in the same class but I am satisfied with this one enough that I really have no interest in finding out. My kids are safe when in this vehicle and to me that's enough to make me recommend it to anyone!"

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Very Pleased

By Kyleohio (OH) on Tuesday, January 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,600

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "smooth ride and roomy"

Cons: "gas mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I was not in the market for a SUV, I just wanted to get rid of my old car and negative equity. Dealership had this on sale and $7k in cashback offers so I bought it! BEST decision...I love this vehicle...I'm a single father with daughter that does competitive chearleading and we are always driving and this vehicle is great on the highway, great driving around town, just all around good choice and I would recommend this to anyone who does a great deal of road travel. Def a nice affordable massive suv. gas mileage not that great but hey its all good!"

5 people out of 6 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 372 reviews