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The 2021 Nissan Armada checks all of the key driver boxes and more.
Nissan brings a lot of great features to the redesign of its flagship SUV, the Armada. Nissan brings comprehensive capability, advanced technology and premium styling, comfort and connectivity.
Let’s get down to the details. The Armada features an extensively redesigned exterior that includes a new grille, hood, front fenders, front and rear bumpers, new LED headlights and taillights, and one new exterior color. It also is the first vehicle to carry the new Nissan logo, which looks like the name, Nissan, is located in the center of the sun. Pretty snazzy, if you ask me.
Starting at $52,900, the 8-cylinder, 5.6-liter SUV gets 14 miles per gallon in the city and 18 miles per gallon on the highway.
With a durable, heavy-duty ladder frame, Armada features a proven 5.6-liter Endurance V8 engine with standard 400 horsepower that produces a torque of 413 pound-feet. That power makes possible a towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds for both the four-wheel drive and the two-wheel drive models, when property equipped.
Here is an interesting feature that you won’t find in many vehicles — the 2021 Armada comes with trailer sway control in both the SL and Platinum models. When the computer senses swaying, the trailer sway control kicks in and applies the brakes, slowing the SUV and eliminating the shifting motion, which results in a smoother and reliable towing experience.
The seven-speed automatic transmission has adaptive shift control and downshift rev matching, which helps to enhance fuel efficiency through use of its wide gear ratios, automatic transmission fluid warmer and adoption of idle neutral control. Add to that a 26-gallon fuel tank, and you have ample driving range for any trip.
Normally, the system operates in two-wheel drive mode, but it can distribute torque to all four wheels when road conditions warrant. That translates to having up to half of the torque distributed to the front wheels on demand. That is a nice feature.
A responsive four-wheel disc brake system is complemented with anti-lock braking, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist — these are the basics, which Nissan includes to show it checks all of the boxes.
Miamian’s love to go to the mountains and Nissan has this covered, too. The Armada comes with hill start assist, two-wheel or four-wheel limited-slip, and a vehicle dynamic control system that includes a deactivation switch for more control over the experience. Steering is provided by an engine speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system.
The double-wishbone front and rear suspension provides a smooth ride that feels luxurious inside the cabin, whether you are the highway or off-roading it. Part of that comfort is credited to the twin-tube shock absorbers featured on each corner.
Inside, the redesigned center stack is anchored by a new standard 12.3-inch color display — the largest in its class — with technology that feels seamless, keeping you connected with features like standard Wi-Fi and standard wireless Apple CarPlay. Wireless smartphone charging is also available, but that is going to cost you a little bit more.
Nissan offers three option packages for the Armada. The SV Appearance Package includes 20-inch wheels, fog lights, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, and power liftgate. The Captain’s Chairs Seat Package (SL and Platinum) replaces the second row bench seat with second row captain’s chairs and the second row center console with padded armrest.
You may also want to consider the Armada Midnight Edition Package (SL grade), which includes unique 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 275/60R20 all-season tires, black exterior paint finisher, black painted grille, black painted front and rear skid plates, and black exterior logos. It also includes a black interior headliner, black interior trim, black leather-appointed seats, cargo mat and Midnight Edition floor mats.
What you get in the 2021 Nissan Armada is a smart and sophisticated driving experience that makes you feel like you made the right choice.
