The
2011 Nissan Armada is a full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) with the attributes of a truck, if considering payload and towing abilities, but it still looks sporty. Equipped with a 5.6-liter V-8 engine coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission, the Armada SUV rides like a sedan and exhibits exceptional ergonomics and handling.
The Nissan Armada achieves 0-60 in 6.8 seconds and brakes from 60-0 in 128 feet. Seating eight passengers, the SUV has a spacious interior with a second row of seats that folds flat for even more space. For more cargo area, the last row of seating splits 60/40. Although equipped with Nissan's top-notch safety systems, the Armada gets a mediocre fuel economy 12 mpg city/18 mpg highway.
New for 2011
For 2011, the new SV and SL trims replace the previous SE and Titanium trims, respectively, while the top-of-the-line Platinum carries over unchanged. The Nissan Armada received a new exterior paint called Espresso Black and a new interior color called Almond. To help increase towing capacity to 8200 pounds, all two-wheel-drive models now come with a 2.94 rear axle ratio.
Essentials
Engine: 5.6L V-8
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Body Style: SUV
Trims: SL Sport Utility, SV Sport Utility, Platinum Sport Utility
On the Outside
The Nissan Armada is distinguished by a bold front grille, flared fenders, and "hidden" rear door handles. Optional exterior equipment includes fog lamps and a chrome roof rack.
From the Inside
Delivering impressive room for eight passengers and up to 97.1 cubic feet of cargo space, the Armada is designed with a long 123.2-inch wheelbase but a relatively short 207.7-inch overall length. A gated floor-mounted shifter makes the Armada drive and feel like a car.
Driving Performance
Powered by a 5.6-liter Endurance V-8 rated at 317 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque and paired to a five-speed automatic, 5700-pound Armada can still run from 0 to 60 in under seven seconds. The full-size eight-passenger Armada is designed with a heavy-duty fully boxed ladder frame and control-arm suspension.
Safety Equipment
Standard on the Armada are front, front-side, and side curtain airbags, the last for outboard occupants in all three rows. Also standard are front-seat active head restraints, stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Gas Mileage
Nissan Armada SUV: 12 mpg city/18 mpg hwy
Plusses
- Robust power
- Sport-like chassis
- Prodigious towing capacity
- Seating for eight passengers
Minuses
- Poor fuel economy
- New model on the horizon
- Inferior interior quality
- Lack of six-speed transmission
Rating
Still fun and capable but falling behind
People Who Like the 2011 Nissan Armada Also Like
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Ford Expedition
- GMC Yukon
- Toyota Sequoia