2018 Nissan Armada review
Nissan Armada highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- High-quality, quiet, and appealing interior
- Smooth V8 engine delivers ample power
- Many standard safety features
Cons
- There’s no getting around the V8's poor fuel economy
- Third-row seating isn't particularly spacious
- Hard to lift items into the cargo area
- Infotainment interface feels dated
Mileage (EPA estimate)
13 city, 18 highway, 15 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
The full-size 2018 Nissan Armada is a traditional SUV with plenty of extras
Redesigned for the 2017 model year, the 2018 Nissan Armada has few changes, with the biggest being a new rearview mirror with a camera to capture a wider image. This full-size SUV has some compelling features, such as a powerful V8 engine and a trucklike body-on-frame design. Put together, and the Armada can tow up to 8,500 pounds, plenty for a good-sized trailer or boat. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories. The Armada is also available with a four-wheel-drive system designed to tackle tough terrain, and the suspension and rugged chassis can back it up. The tastefully designed interior feels a cut above many of its competitors and remains quiet at highway speeds.
Unfortunately, the 2018 Armada comes up short in some key areas. There’s no Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ available, and driver-assist systems are optional. The Armada is also tight inside, with the third row suited only for children and second-row captain’s chairs that don’t slide forward or rearward. Fuel economy trails rivals, with two-wheel-drive models only managing an EPA-estimated 16 mpg combined score. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.
All Nissan Armada years
What is new for the 2018 Nissan Armada?
- Armada trims have been upgraded with Automated Cruise Control as standard equipment this year.
2018 Nissan Armada trims
SV:
- 390-hp, 394-lb-ft of torque 5.6L
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Front Seat Heaters
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seats
- View our Nissan Armada SV inventory
SL:
- Includes all features available on the SV
- Remote Start
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seats
- Power Folding Third Row
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- View our Nissan Armada SL inventory
Platinum:
- Includes all features available on the SL
- A/C Seats
- Automated Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Sunroofs
- DVD Video System
- View our Nissan Armada Platinum inventory
Nissan Armada photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Nissan Armada
What We Like
Driving: Even though it’s big, the 2018 Armada is easy to drive. The powerful V8 provides plenty of acceleration from a standstill, and has enough power in reserve to make passing on the highway a breeze. The suspension also feels comfortable over small and medium-sized bumps. But maybe most important are the strong and responsive brakes, important in a big, heavy vehicle like this.
Towing: If you need to tow, and want to do it in comfort, you could do worse than the Armada. With up to 8,500 pounds of capacity when properly equipped, the Armada is great for large trailers, a decent-sized boat, or other big loads.
Interior refinement: The Armada is built from the same underpinnings as the more expensive and luxurious Infiniti QX80, which might explain why the interior feels a cut above its rivals. The interior not only looks classy, but everything has a solid feel to it, and the hush of the interior at speed also imparts the feeling of a higher-priced vehicle.
What Needs Improvement
Technology: If the Armada has an Achilles' heel, it’s the lack of modern technology. All models got an 8-inch touchscreen for the 2018 model year, but even at the time it felt dated, especially with the lack of Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, which already were fairly commonplace. If you want advanced driver-assist systems, you’ll have to find an Armada with the Premium package or opt for the pricey Platinum trim.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Nissan Armada an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Nissan Armada 3rd out of 16 among Fullsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Nissan ArmadaNissan Armada features and specs
Platinum 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- A/C Seat(s)
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- BOSE Sound System
- CD Audio
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Folding Third Row
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Entertainment System
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Running Boards
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Third Row Seat
- Tow Hitch
- Traction Control
- Full Roof Rack
- Quad Seats
- Remote Start
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
5.6L
Horsepower
390
Torque (ft-lbs)
394
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
26
Wheelbase
121.1"
Overall length
208.9"
Width
79.9"
Height
75.8"
Leg room
F 41.9"/M 39"/R 28.3"
Head room
F 39.8"/M 40"/R 36.4"
Front tires
P275/60HR20
Rear tires
P275/60HR20
Seating capacity
8
Max towing capacity
850/8500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Nissan Armada FAQ
The 2018 Nissan Armada is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- 14 MPG City and 19 MPG Highway
- 14 MPG City and 19 MPG Highway
- 14 MPG City and 19 MPG Highway
The Nissan Armada received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Nissan Armada as 2 out of 16 among Fullsize SUV
The 2018 Nissan Armada has received an average 4.8 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Nissan Armada, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Nissan Armada Reviews.
The 2018 Nissan Armada has a maximum towing capacity of 8500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Nissan Armada:
- Automated Cruise Control
Research other vehicles
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.