Used 2019 Nissan Armada

The 2019 Nissan Armada is a highly capable and highly capacious full-size SUV. It also reaches Infiniti heights of luxuriousness in its plushest model (Platinum Reserve), while even the entry level (SV) still comes well equipped. The Armada can accommodate up to eight occupants over three rows of seating, tow 8,500 pounds, and is built using an old-school (but extremely effective) “body-on-frame” construction, in common with rivals like the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia. The engine tasked with moving all this mass is a 5.6-liter V8 generating 390 horsepower, which is more grunt than the competition. A 7-speed automatic transmission sends that muscle to the rear wheels in standard configuration, but naturally there’s an optional all-wheel drive system.

In the positive column, the 2019 Armada is roomy and quiet, while its muscular V8 makes road trips something to look forward to rather than dread, not least because of its subdued-yet-thrilling rumble. The front seats are nicely cushioned and supportive, enabling long driving stints, while the availability of a heated steering wheel and cooled front seats adds to the overall comfort. The automatic transmission does its job efficiently and all-wheel-drive versions have a low gearing range for optimum off-road ability, which is enhanced by a useful ground clearance of 9.1 inches. In the negative column, that large size can be a liability around town, where generally rougher road surfaces also tend to expose limitations in the Armada’s suspension setup. This is also when the steering might feel heavy to some drivers.

There’s an upscale atmosphere to the 2019 Nissan Armada, thanks to things like wood trim, various modern features, substantial-feeling switchgear, quality of the materials, and the exemplary fit and finish. Large glass areas make for excellent outward vision, especially when sitting in the raised driving position. Adjustments of seats and steering wheel have a wide enough range for most people to get comfortable. Behind the third row is 16.5 cubic feet of cargo area. This expands first to 49.9 and then a maximum of 95.4 cubic feet when both the second and third rows are folded down.

Considering this is the largest SUV made by Nissan, the new Armada carries its bulk well. That said, it’s still pretty chunky, but at least it doesn’t try too hard to make a visual impact. The eagle-eyed will notice that the rear pillar is exactly the same as the QX80’s. The entry level rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, which is okay, but the 20-inch versions in the higher trims look more appropriate (even if they do have a slightly adverse effect on ride quality).

INTELLIGENT AROUND-VIEW MONITOR
This kind of feature is often found in luxury vehicles, but it’s a) really helpful and b) kind of cool to have a camera system that does so much more than provide a rearward-looking aspect. Drivers get a full 360-degree picture plus a bird’s-eye view. Standard in the SL and above.

SECOND-ROW CAPTAIN’S CHAIRS
For those families and/or businesses that can sacrifice one seating space, selecting the optional pair of captain’s chairs brings far more comfort to the second row while improving access to the third row. At $450, it’s a reasonably priced extra, but only available in the SL/Platinum (standard in the Platinum Reserve version).

The 2019 Nissan Armada full-size SUV comes in SV, SL and Platinum trim levels, with a Platinum Reserve as a kind of range-topping sub-trim. The SV comes with a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, 8-inch infotainment touch screen, hands-free text-messaging assistance, keyless entry/ignition, and parking sensors front and rear, and the aforementioned new safety features. SL trim kicks off with 20-inch alloy wheels, adds a powered tailgate, fog lights, puddle lights, self-dimming mirrors and rain-sensing wipers. Platinum has a heated steering wheel, rear-seat entertainment system, 360-degree camera system, and an intelligent rearview mirror displaying the feed from the rear-facing camera.

The SV trim is eligible for fog lights, self-dimming rearview mirror with universal garage-door opener, power tailgate, power-folding/60-40-split 3rd-row seats, and a trailer package. The SL may be optioned with blind-spot monitoring, power moonroof, Intelligent Distance Control/Back-up Intervention, and 2nd-row captain’s chairs. Platinum has virtually everything as standard, including leather upholstery, while Platinum Reserve has the captain’s chairs and some bespoke cosmetic touches. All-wheel drive is available in every version of the 2019 Armada.

Topping the class in the standard-issue power stakes, the 2019 Armada’s 5.6-liter V8 makes a healthy 390 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission and deploying rear-wheel (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), this is a robust and capable drivetrain, albeit a relatively thirsty one. Being able to tow 8,500 pounds sounds impressive, but is around average for this vehicle category.

5.6-liter V8
390 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
394 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19 mpg (RWD), 13/18 mpg (4WD)