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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Nissan Armada

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Overview

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2013 Nissan Armada Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.7

Nissan's 2013 Armada SUV is built for those with big families and big towing needs. The Armada SUV plays in a very small field of competitors that include the Chevy Suburban, Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia. In the Armada, you get a very well-engineered SUV with a powerful V8, a 9,000-pound tow rating and room for up to eight people. The Armada's foldaway 3rd-row seat makes it easier to open up the massive cargo hold and is power activated on SL and Platinum trims. For those who must deal with inclement weather, 4-wheel drive (4WD) is also available. Of course, this much SUV doesn't come cheap and that includes the cost to fill the tank. But, if you can swing the 2013 Nissan Armada's $45,000-plus price tag, another $100 bucks a week probably isn't going to come as much concern.

You'll Like This Car If...

If your next vehicle must have all the cutting-edge media electronics found in most high-end luxury cars, but you simply can't do without 8-passenger seating and a 9,000-pound tow rating, the 2013 Nissan Armada should fit you like a glove.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're not able to deal with the size and poor fuel economy afforded by the 2013 Nissan Armada, there are many mid-size SUVs with slightly smaller interiors and much better fuel economy. GMC's Acadia is one, as is the Ford Explorer.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

6.7
Driving Dynamics

6.5
Comfort & Convenience

7.3
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.1
Value

5.5
Safety

7.8

How It Ranks

#30

out of 30

MPG

#4

out of 30

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.7 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

For 2013, the Nissan Armada now offers Bluetooth, a USB port, sliding sun visors with courtesy light and a 4-way power passenger seat on the entry level SV trim. A new Platinum Reserve package adds 20-inch dark chrome rims, dark chrome trim and 2-tone leather seating. The SV and SL models can now be equipped with dual 7-inch rear seat monitors, which are standard on the Platinum model.

Driving the Armada

2013 Nissan Armada Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The 2013 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 and 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 like uneven pavement or large expansion joints, the Armada's Titan-based roots quickly make themselves – and the offending road surfaces – known. The 2013 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 2013 Nissan Armada SUV's versatile rear-seat design includes fold-flat seats that create a level loading floor.

STANDARD HEAD-PROTECTION-CURTAIN AIRBAGS
In the event of a rollover, the Nissan Armada's standard head-protection-curtain airbags cover all three rows of outboard passengers from flying glass and debris.

2013 Nissan Armada Details

2013 Nissan Armada Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Nissan's 2013 Armada'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 pair of Captain's-chair-style seats divided by a removable center console creating a clear and easy pathway for the 3rd-row passengers to enter and exit. Passengers in the Armada SUV's 3rd-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.

Exterior

Nissan took a bit of a risk with the 2013 Armada SUV. 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 reach.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Highlighting the standard equipment on the 2013 Nissan Armada SV is front and rear air conditioning, floor- and ceiling-mounted consoles, Vehicle Dynamic Control, rear privacy glass, dual power heated outside mirrors, power-adjustable pedals, front and rear head-curtain airbags (covering all three rows), Bluetooth, 8-way power driver's seat, 4-way power passenger seat, and cruise control. The SL adds Intelligent Key keyless entry and start, leather seating, RearView Monitor, Bose audio, power-folding 3rd-row seat, power liftgate, heated front seats and auto-leveling rear air suspension. The Platinum Edition includes all of these features plus heated 2nd-row seats and steering wheel, a power moonroof, a hard-drive-based navigation system and rear-seat DVD entertainment.

Optional Equipment

Options for the 2013 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, fog lights and a power-folding 3rd-row seat. Also available on the SV is the Tow Package and a number of dealer-installed options. The Nissan Armada SL and SV can be equipped with a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and to the SL, a power moonroof, while the Platinum Edition offers 2nd-row captain's-chair seating. All models offer the option of 4-wheel drive.

Under the Hood

Nissan equips the 2013 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 mpg (gasoline, 2WD), 12/18 mpg (gasoline, 4WD), 9/13 mpg (E85, 2WD), 9/13 mpg (E85, 4WD)

Pricing Notes

The 2-wheel-drive (2WD) 2013 Nissan Armada SV has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting just around $42,000, while the same model with 4-wheel drive comes in just close to $47,000. The SL trim ranges from about $47,000 to $50,000, while a fully loaded Platinum tops out around the $60,000 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 2013 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.

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2013 Nissan Armada Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 369 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

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

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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

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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

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Best value on the market for an SUV

By jammer (CA) on Friday, December 14, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 24,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "A Great road trip vehicle"

Cons: "No Rocket Boosters"

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

"My 2011 Armada is now my second Armada. I had a 2008 Armada, and when I had only 4000 miles on it, I was rear ended by an 18 ton water tanker. I basically walked away with a 30 minute emergency room quick check, all due to the largeness of the Armada. I believe it saved my life. My 2011 Armada is almost perfect. A few minor issues that needed to be worked on but overall the Armada has been fantastic. I've owned a Sequoia>(big mistake), a Trooper, a Pathfinder, a 2008 Armada and now a 2011 Armada. And the Armada wins hands down. Maybe some day I can afford the Platinum model. Who knows?"

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Nissan Armada

By Jack (WA) on Tuesday, November 27, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

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: 10/10

Pros: "Comfort, spacius,"

Cons: "Maybe gas, but that is OK"

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

"WOW what a car. I live in Washington State and it rains a lot in here. I had Ford Explorer and when you drive on freeway when it rains if you catch pot hole filled with water your car is slowing down a little or you have to catch the stearing wheel, with ARMADA there is no problems it drives like a champ, and its Japanese car and they last long. If you have to pick SUV for your family from Escalade, Mercedes, GMC, Infiniti, BMW, Toyota and many more, Nissan Armada would be the top one I would pick. Because of the price, comfort, and durability."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Best vehicle ever!!!

By Islander (NC) on Thursday, November 15, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 125,000

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: 10/10

Pros: "Reliable, beautiful and comfortable"

Cons: "Doesn't have great gas mileage...but its huge!!"

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

"I bought my 2007 Armada used in 2007 with 30,000 miles on it. In the 5 years that I have owned it I have never been broken down or had a major problem. I recently had to replace a wheel bearing on the front passenger side, but after countless road trips all over the eastern seaboard, I can't complain to much. It has been the most reliable vehicle I, or anyone I know, has ever owned. I know that my family is safe and secure inside this massive tank and it gives me piece of mind when I or my husband is on the road in it. Most of my friend can't believe how long I've had it, how I've never had problems with it, and how it is so unbelievably comfortable to ride in but still so beautiful from the outside. As another reviewer said, I will be driving this until the wheels fall off....and then I will buy another Armada."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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See all 369 reviews