2022 Nissan Armada: Review

The 2022 Nissan Armada is a formidable contender in the full-size SUV segment, particularly for those seeking a blend of comfort, utility, and adventure-ready features. This model year brings significant enhancements that solidify its status as a “Weekend Warrior” SUV, ideal for families and individuals who enjoy a mix of everyday functionality and the capacity for off-road escapades.

Many smaller crossovers are available, but there are still not many three-row SUVs that can accommodate the whole family, store their belongings, and tow a boat. The Nissan Armada proved competent on a 900-mile test trip across California, but it wasn’t the best option in the class.

Based on the worldwide Nissan Patrol SUV chassis, the Armada is the biggest SUV and crossover in Nissan’s portfolio. With three rows and a length of 208.9 inches, it can accommodate seven or eight people. In 2017, the second-generation Armada made its appearance. Last year, Nissan updated the full-size SUV in the middle of its model cycle, adding new tech features and changing parts of the exterior and interior style.

Consequently, the new Armada has a sleek appearance, plush first- and second-row seats, excellent safety features, and sufficient power. Its shortcomings, particularly while traveling at slower speeds, include considerable body lean in corners, soft handling, and poor fuel efficiency. Although the most recent update improved it, a major redesign is still required to catch up to the class leaders, including the Ford Expedition, the newly redesigned Toyota Sequoia, and the Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon twins.

A 5.6-liter V8 engine producing 400 horsepower, 413 pound-feet of torque, and a maximum towing capability of 8,500 pounds powers all variants. There is plenty to tow the family’s toys and transport them. The 2023 Toyota Sequoia is set to replace the Armada, which was the best in its class regarding power output and tow rating when it went on sale this summer. The Armada has two wheels as standard and four as an option for the S, SV, SL, and Platinum trim levels.

A good selection of cutting-edge driver assistance features, such as automated emergency braking, blind-spot detection, and front collision warning, are included with the Armada. Incomplete or subpar crash test results, however, counterbalance this lavish equipment.

When traveling at slower speeds, many full-size SUVs with body-on-frame construction tend to jolt over the road and tremble over bigger defects. In contrast, the Armada’s independent suspension in the front and rear allows for a smooth and stable ride. But when it corners, it leans quite a little. The Armada’s 9.2-inch ground clearance allows it to readily navigate the off-pavement terrain of a ranch or desert environment, which is a bonus, but don’t plan on using it as a rock crawler. Its biggest downside is low fuel efficiency since it uses the same gas-guzzling V8 engine as the Titan truck.

Key highlights of the 2022 Armada include:

• Robust Powertrain: Powered by a strong V8 engine, the Armada delivers impressive horsepower and torque, ensuring ample power for towing, highway driving, and off-road adventures.

• Spacious and Luxurious Interior: With a focus on comfort, the Armada offers a spacious cabin equipped with high-quality materials, advanced infotainment systems, and amenities catering to drivers and passengers.

• Advanced Safety Features: The vehicle has a suite of safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance systems, and a comprehensive set of airbags, ensuring a safer driving experience.

• Off-Road Capability: While it excels on the road, the Armada is also equipped for off-road terrain. It features a robust suspension system, 4-wheel drive options, and various driving modes to handle different conditions.

• Towing Capacity: Its strong towing capacity makes it a great choice for hauling trailers, boats, or campers, adding to its versatility as a family and adventure vehicle.

• Modern Design: The 2022 Armada sports a modern and stylish exterior design, with bold lines and an imposing stance that reflects its capabilities and premium nature.

• Fuel Efficiency: Despite its size and power, the Armada has made strides in fuel efficiency, making it a more practical choice for regular use than other vehicles in its class.

Overall, the 2022 Nissan Armada is designed for those who desire a vehicle that can comfortably handle daily commutes while also capable of adventurous weekend getaways. Its combination of luxury, power, and versatility makes it a top choice for SUV enthusiasts.

Performance:2022 Nissan Armada

A 5.6-liter V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque powers the 2022 Nissan Armada. A seven-speed automated gearbox pairs with the engine; four-wheel drive is optional throughout the range, and rear-wheel drive is standard. Although the engine is passable, it falls short of some of its more recent competitors in terms of smoothness and fuel efficiency.

The engine can pull up to 8,500 pounds and performs well in towing situations. In addition to the trailer brake controller system that comes standard on the SL and Platinum versions, there is also trailer sway control.

Even if the SUV has excellent ground clearance, the Armada is a better people mover. The Armada can travel dirt roads and trails to secluded campgrounds, but experienced drivers should only attempt any difficult off-roading. Crossing streams should only be done by confident ones since Nissan doesn’t mention a fording depth.

Fuel Efficiency:2022 Nissan Armada

The 2022 Armada has the lowest fuel efficiency ratings in class, particularly when equipped with the more powerful four-wheel drive system. The EPA estimates that the two-wheel-drive model will achieve 14 mpg in the city, 19 mpg on the interstate, and 16 mpg when driven mixed. Even more fuel-hungry is the four-wheel-drive model, which gets 13 mpg in the city, 18 mpg on the interstate, and 15 mpg overall.

Except for the GMC Yukon twins and Chevrolet Suburban, its competitors are typically more efficient when outfitted with the large 6.2-liter V8 engine option. Except for highway driving, when they get 19 and 20 mpg in two-wheel and four-wheel drive, respectively, they obtain the same mileage. The Ford Expedition with rear-wheel drive and a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine is rated at 17 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg overall; four-wheel drive results in one fewer mpg in each category. The all-new 2023 model delivers improved fuel efficiency and a hybrid engine that lessens the financial pain of towing a nearly 6,000-pound vehicle. The outgoing Sequoia uses more gasoline.

Nissan equips the SUV with a 26-gallon gasoline tank to compensate for the Armada’s low fuel efficiency.

Tech for Safety and Driver Assistance:

The Nissan Safety Shield 360 advanced driver assistance system, or ADAS, is standard on all Armadas. The features that are included in it are the following: lane departure warnings, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and front collision alert with pedestrian recognition. Moreover, the SUV offers adaptive cruise control, useful on lengthy highway trips.

The National Highway Safety Administration (NHSTA) gave the 2020 Armada an overall four-star rating out of five, although crash ratings for the 2022 model are still pending. In side crash testing, it scored five stars, but in rollover and frontal crash tests, it only scored three. That compares well to the GMC Yukon but isn’t as good as the Ford Expedition, which has an overall five-star rating. The NHSTA has not assessed the new Toyota Sequoia, and none of the full-size SUV competitors in this group have undergone crash testing by the impartial Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Coziness & Space:

The Armada’s main job is to move people, even though it can tow most recreational vehicles. Nissan provides two interior options to suit them: optional captain’s chairs on SL and Platinum models that can seat up to seven people or a standard second-row bench that can seat eight people.

The eight-way front passenger seat and the 10-way power driver’s seat of the basic S model are covered in fabric. SV grades and above come with heated front seats, ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel wrapped in leather, and a heated second-row bench seat exclusive to Platinum vehicles.

Although the interior is spacious for first and second-row passengers, the Armada sacrifices comfort for its most rearward passengers. For more than a quick journey, third-row seating is cramped for older adolescents and adults, with just 28.4 inches of legroom—especially when compared to the Expedition’s 36.1 inches and the Tahoe’s 34.9 inches of third-row legroom.

Infotainment:2022 Nissan Armada

The dash has seen the most alterations from the redesign from the previous year. The company claims that the 12.3-inch color touchscreen, which centers the interior, is the biggest in its class. High quality on the big display that may be customized improves rearview camera visibility. But depending on the driver’s stature and sitting position, Nissan has tilted it back toward the glass just enough to make it difficult to reach. Steering wheel controls make managing the gauge cluster and seven-inch driver information display simple.

The infotainment system has the newest technologies, such as wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi, and door-to-door navigation. On SV trims upwards, wireless phone charging is included as standard. Every Armada also comes with Nissan Connect features, which include remote start and concierge assistance.

A back entertainment system and a clever rearview mirror—which shows a camera image when objects like passengers or cargo obscure the standard mirror—are additional features of the platinum variants. The cabin has two USB-A and two USB-C connections, and the Platinum variant has a 120-volt power outlet.

Storage & Cargo Space:

The Armada is a large car with plenty of cargo capacity but doesn’t compare well to other SUVs. With both rows folded, the load capacity of the 2022 Armada is 95.4 cubic feet, 49.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row. While still not insignificant, the figures are much lower than the competitors. The Tahoe tops the field with 25.5 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row and 72.6 cubic feet behind the second. But the Armada SV trim and above can carry more baggage thanks to the roof rails. A second-row console keeps the cabin tidy when equipped with a captain’s seat and may be removed to maximize cargo capacity.

Design: 2022 Nissan Armada

The Armada doesn’t try to disguise its massive size or apologize for it. The model’s freshly updated external appearance epitomizes the traditional full-size SUV aesthetic with a square jaw. It has a striking new grille, a powerful new hood, and front fenders that convey the heft and toughness that consumers want from a large SUV. The headlights are now fully LED, with each bulb housing 50 separate illumination units. The taillights are also enhanced, now illuminating with seventy LEDs.

Nissan manages to pull off the chrome look rather well, as seen by the trapezoidal air vents on the front fenders that match the chrome window surrounds and door handles. The SV trim’s optional Appearance Package ($2,500) adds fog lights and other little improvements in addition to 20-inch wheels instead of the vehicle’s 18-inch wheels. Much of the exterior brightwork and interior cabin materials are blacked out when the Midnight Edition option ($1,990) is installed on the SL grade.

Should you buy the 2022 Nissan Armada?

The Armada’s whole portfolio is reasonably priced. This is particularly true for the base Armada S 2WD model, which costs $50,395 (with the $1,495 shipping fee) less than its rivals with similar equipment. Nevertheless, the basic model does not have second-row captain’s chairs or heated front seats. Purchasers must move up to the mid-level SV ($54,495) or SL ($58,305) to have those creature amenities and an upgraded Bose audio system. Platinum’s most luxurious model comes with ventilated seats, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and quilted leather embellishments. Even with a starting price of $66,895, it is still less expensive than some of its top rival trims. All together, there is a $3,000 premium for adding four wheels. Nevertheless, the all-wheel drive SV trim costs around $58,000 and offers a decent combination of features at a lower price than comparable cars in its competitive market.

How Much Does Nissan Armada 2022 Insurance Cost?

Overall, full-size SUV insurance is quite affordable. According to our data, an Armada Platinum policy would typically cost a 30-year-old female driver with a spotless record an average of $2,160 annually. However, this average will apply to all 50 states. In contrast, the GMC Yukon costs $2,050, the Ford Expedition King Ranch costs $2,123, and the Toyota Sequoia Limited costs $1,990.

Nissan Armada Generations

Second Generation
2017 to Present

With a new external design, a new 390-horsepower 5.6-liter V8, and a new seven-speed automatic gearbox available for three trim levels—SV, SL, and Platinum—in both two- and four-wheel-drive configurations, the second-generation Armada made its debut for the 2017 model year. The menu was expanded to include an 8-inch touchscreen and safety features, including blind spot monitoring, 360-degree video view, and forward collision warnings. A mid-cycle makeover with new technology, such as wireless Apple CarPlay and a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and altered external appearance was given to the Armada in 2021.

First Generation
2004 to 2016

For the 2004 model year, the Armada debuted as the Nissan Pathfinder Armada. The Armada’s 5.6-liter V8 engine produced 305 horsepower and was mated to a five-speed automated gearbox, much like modern models. It had three rows and rear-wheel drive with the option to switch to four-wheel drive. 2008 saw an update for the Armada that increased power.

Verdict

The Armada is a big, strong SUV with a luxurious interior that can accommodate a family and a smooth ride for a body-on-frame car. It has a wide range of contemporary technology and a full complement of standard active safety equipment. It can tow up to 8,500 pounds because of its truck-based chassis, but it also consumes 15 mpg of gasoline overall and offers less passenger and cargo room than comparable full-size SUVs. Although Nissan did give the Armada a little makeover and some new technologies in 2021, the vehicle’s antiquated appearance persisted in 2022.