2017 Nissan Armada: Redesigned and Ready to Go

If you're in the market for a large, hulking SUV, but don't necessarily want to shell out the big bucks for a luxury name brand, the Nissan Armada presents an interesting option. It’s a large SUV with many of the interior appointments that you’d get in any of the luxury brands, but priced a slice lower because it carries the Nissan nameplate.

The Armada has been around since 2004 and has only undergone minor adjustments in the thirteen years it's been on the market. This is far too long in automotive terms and it was past due for a redesign.

• Also: 2017 Nissan Armada basically a rebadged Infiniti QX80
• Also: 2017 Nissan Armada: An (Almost) Modern SUV

Bringing it in line with Nissan's new design language, the front end now sports a more modern look complete with signature V-motion front grille and LED daytime running lights. Standard LED low-beam headlights are a very nice touch as well. The silhouette and overall shape have undergone quite a change for the better, although I'm not completely sold on the rear end as it reminds me too much of the Toyota Sequoia. You can see the overall similarities with the Infiniti QX80 which shares the same platform.

Inside the spacious cabin we find standard Nissan accoutrements, but the leather and dash trimmings make for a very upscale appeal. Brushed wood lines the centre stack and the infotainment system is more similar to the Infiniti interface, rather than what you’d find in an entry-level Nissan.

My slew of toddlers had no trouble at all getting in and out of the third-row bench, thanks to the very easy-to-use seat folding system. Adults will be similarly very comfortable in the 2017 Nissan Armada (space is the main reason people buy this vehicle after all) and the driving position was excellent in terms of comfort. The tiny sunroof looked a bit out of place in the massive surface that is the roof, but if you're looking to cut costs I suppose you need to start somewhere.

The Armada has library-level interior noise levels, thanks to the use of acoustic glass on the windshield and the front side windows, as well as through expanded use of sound absorption materials. A new windshield design also helps reduce wind noise.

The tester was the SL trim level and unfortunately didn’t come with the rear-seat entertainment system. It’s available on the Platinum version which also adds 20-inch wheels, climate controlled front seats (heated and cooled), heated 2nd-row seats (too bad booster and child seats render this useless for me), a windshield wiper de-icer, lane departure warning, three-lane departure prevention and blind spot intervention.

The Armada is a very capable towing machine with the ability to tow up to 8500 pounds when properly equipped. Contrary to many smaller SUVs and crossovers which have a unibody construction, the Armada is a true SUV, meaning is has a body-on-frame assembly. 4x4 operation is managed effectively and effortlessly by a dial on the centre console. When in Auto mode, the vehicle operates in a rear-wheel-drive configuration unless it detects wheel slippage and then switches to all-wheel drive. I had no trouble in and around my notoriously unplowed streets with many hills and bumps.

The new-for-2017 Endurance V8 motor maintains the same 5.6-litre displacement as its predecessor while offering a welcome increase in power. The Armada now produces 390 horses and 394 lb.-ft. of torque, which is good enough to be best in its class. I found it enough to propel the beast to my heart’s desire yet still smooth and quiet when cruising. The first start on a cold morning is rather noisy (kind of like a recycle truck) for the first few minutes, but this is common with big trucks.

The ride is a wondrous pampering of the senses as the massive hulk glides over bumps and potholes without batting an eyelash. The downside to driving a vehicle this large is getting in and out of ever-shrinking parking lots. I also noticed a few dirty looks from (no doubt) environmentally conscious people who were offended by the excess a vehicle this size represents, but I suppose that comes with the game. What also came with the game was not-so-good 18.5 L/100km fuel economy.

Pricing is similar to the competition, but after poking around and comparing the 2017 Nissan Armada, the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe, the Ford Expedition and the Toyota Sequoia, I found the Armada SL to be the best deal at $64,248. The current lease rates are quite attractive and with the speed that these trucks lose their value, a lease is preferable.

The Nissan Armada is a great-looking and spacious truck that can be had an attractive price. It’s arguably the most modern-looking in its class and should be at the top of anyone’s list in the market for a large SUV.