2021 Nissan Armada review
Nissan Armada highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- High-quality, quiet, and appealing interior
- Smooth V8 engine delivers ample power
- Many standard driver-assist features
Cons
- There’s no getting around the V8's poor fuel economy
- Third-row seating isn't particularly spacious
- It's hard to lift items into the cargo area
- New infotainment interface still feels dated
Mileage (EPA estimate)
13 city, 18 highway, 15 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Updates for the full-size 2021 Nissan Armada include an improved infotainment system
The 2021 Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV that stands out from the Chevy Tahoes and Ford Expeditions that seem to be everywhere. New for the 2021 model year, the Armada got an updated infotainment system that includes standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, standard driver-assist technology, and refreshed front and rear styling. Thanks to its trucklike body-on-frame design, the Armada can tow up to 8,500 pounds (when properly equipped), and it's notably capable off-road thanks to its ruggedly designed suspension and four-wheel drive system. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories. The interior is quiet, and the Armada has a comfortable ride as well. We especially like the surround-view camera, which makes parking in the city a (relative) snap.
Unfortunately, the Armada’s fuel economy trails competitors, with two-wheel-drive models getting an EPA estimate of only 16 mpg in combined driving; that drops to 15 mpg with four-wheel-drive. 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. Inside, the third row is too small for anybody but children, and the cargo space behind the third row is too high off the ground to be easily usable. The new infotainment system is nice, but the interface feels dated.
All Nissan Armada years
What is new for the 2021 Nissan Armada?
- The Armada is available in a new trim called the S.
- Armada trims have been upgraded with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
- The SV trim now comes with Leatherette Seats, Blind Spot Monitor, and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
- The SL trim now comes with Sunroof(s), Fold-Away Third Row, Blind Spot Monitor, and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
2021 Nissan Armada trims
S:
- 400-hp, 413-lb-ft of torque 5.6L
- Cruise Control
- Smart Key
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Automated Cruise Control
- Third Row Seat
- Cloth Seats
- Fold-Away Third Row
SV:
- Includes all features available on the S
- Power Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leatherette Seats
- Navigation System
- Satellite Radio Ready
- View our Nissan Armada SV inventory
SL:
- Includes all features available on the SV
- Sunroofs
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seats
- Remote Start
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- BOSE Sound System
- View our Nissan Armada SL inventory
Platinum:
- Includes all features available on the SL
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Power Folding Third Row
- A/C Seats
- Heated Steering Wheel
- DVD Video System
- View our Nissan Armada Platinum inventory
Nissan Armada photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Nissan Armada
What We Like
Driving: The V8 engine in the 2021 Armada offers up plenty of power, making it one of the quickest full-size SUVs among its competitors, with ample passing power on the highway. The suspension also balances comfort and control, providing a comfortable ride that soaks up small and medium-sized bumps. The brakes are also strong and responsive, which is extra important in a big, heavy vehicle like this.
Towing: If you tow a heavy trailer, camper, or a medium-sized boat, the Armada is a good choice. The powerful engine makes short work of heavy loads, and the 8,500-pound maximum capacity can handle anything you’d realistically haul with a vehicle like this.
Standard driver aids: Of all the updates made to the 2021 Armada, we’re most pleased to see that its suite of advanced driver-assist systems are now standard. That means all models come with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and more, adding a little extra peace of mind and convenience when you’re driving.
What Needs Improvement
Interior space: The Armada could use better space management. The front seats are plenty roomy, and the second row is fine, as long as you don’t mind that the captain's chairs are fixed in place and don’t adjust forward or rearward. The third-row seat cushion is very low to the floor so there isn't much legroom and it’s best suited to small children. Cargo space is also less usable than it could be due to the Armada’s height. If passenger space and an easily accessible cargo area are priorities, you might be served better by the Armada’s rivals.
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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
SV 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Front Seat Heaters
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette Seats
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Running Boards
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Third Row Seat
- Tow Hitch
- Traction Control
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- Full Roof Rack
- Leatherette Seats
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Rear Entertainment System
- Running Boards
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
5.6L
Horsepower
400
Torque (ft-lbs)
413
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 41"/R 28.4"
Head room
F 40.9"/M 40"/R 36.4"
Front tires
P265/70HR18
Rear tires
P265/70HR18
Seating capacity
8
Max towing capacity
850/8500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Nissan Armada FAQ
The 2021 Nissan Armada is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- SV : 14 MPG City and 19 MPG Highway
- SL : 14 MPG City and 19 MPG Highway
- Platinum : 14 MPG City and 19 MPG Highway
- S : 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 2021 Nissan Armada has received an average 4.5 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Nissan Armada, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Nissan Armada Reviews.
The 2021 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 2021 Nissan Armada:
- S
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Leatherette Seats
- Blind Spot Monitor
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.
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