2018 Nissan Armada Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The Nissan Armada is that brand’s large SUV contender. It skipped the 2016 model year and returned fully redesigned as a 2017 vehicle, offering significant improvements in its design. It is a very plush and upscale entry in the large SUV class, while still offering a strong and effective engine and a low entry price point. This excellent combination of value makes the 2018 Nissan Armada a very attractive buy.

What’s New for 2018?

The 2017 Armada was a full redesign that completely changed the vehicle from top to bottom, so the 2018 update focused more on adjustments and features. The NissanConnect 8-inch touchscreen infotainment has been made standard on all models for 2018, and the top-end trim also gets a new intelligent rear-view mirror. Otherwise, the 2018 Nissan Armada is the same as the 2017 one.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Nissan Armada – The Pros

1. Upscale Styling

The new Armada features very nice styling throughout both its interior and its exterior. The outside of the vehicle wows with its rounded curves and aggressive bumpers, while the inside uses swooping lines and well-spaced accents for an artistic effect that still feels very practical. It easily makes the SUV feel much more than just a box on wheels.

2. Luxurious Materials

Even on the basic models, the material quality on the 2018 Armada is very high. All models feature tasteful wood grain and brushed metal as accent pieces, and most surfaces are soft to the touch. The cloth upholstery on the entry level models is very nice, while the leather upgrade feels very premium. Overall, the interior of the Armada puts itself well above the vehicle’s price point.

3. Lots of Interior Room

Like any proper full-size SUV, the 2018 Nissan Armada is big. All three rows of seating come with plenty of personal space, providing a comfortable experience for all passengers. Alternatively, all of the seats fold down to easily enable the Armada to carry large furniture or appliances inside its cavernous cabin.

4. Flexible Seating

The 2018 Armada is offered in both a seven-seat and eight-seat configuration. The default setup includes three-person benches in both the second and third row, while an optional upgrade swaps the second-row bench for two captain’s chairs instead. Either configuration offers a lot of space for the passengers, but the Armada gives you a choice between better utility or greater comfort.

5. Good Noise Insulation

In addition to the attractive interior and comfortable seating, the 2018 Nissan Armada further improves one’s travel experience with its excellent noise insulation. The inside of the car is very quiet even at speed, thanks to lots of sound-deadening material. Between how nice the seats are and how quiet and stable the Armada’s ride is, you need not be surprised if your passengers fall asleep in transit.

6. Powerful Engine

Moving a large vehicle like the Armada requires a lot of power, especially when fully loaded, which is why the strong engine is a major selling point for this SUV. At 390 horsepower, the 5.6-liter V-8 rates above many class rivals when it comes to both power and acceleration. The car’s large body does not feel too cumbersome thanks to the power available, even when you attempt to pass on the highway.

7. Towing Prowess

The strong engine also translates into class-leading towing capacity for the 2018 Nissan Armada, further adding to its utility and versatility. With the towing package, it can pull up to 8,500 pounds, which puts it on par with many pickup trucks for towing power. Buyers with a trailer or a boat will definitely appreciate not having to purchase another vehicle to do their towing.

8. Full Safety Complement

In addition to having a strong and tough body, the 2018 Nissan Armada is fully equipped with the latest accident prevention safety gear as well. Automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist are both available, as is blind spot monitoring and a rearview camera. Only the rearview camera is standard, but the rest is available on all models beyond the base.

9. Innovative Rearview Mirror

The 2018 Nissan Armada also pioneers a new safety feature called the Intelligent Rear View Mirror. Using a camera mounted on the rear of the car, it can project the view of the road behind the car to the rearview mirror instead of the reflected image. This makes it easier to see out the back of the car with taller passengers or a full load of cargo blocking the sightlines.

10. Low Price Point

Despite its plush appointments and its respectable performance and features, the 2018 Nissan Armada is significantly cheaper than the rest of its competition in the large SUV class. This gives it an edge when it comes to value, as it can be equipped on par with most competitors at a much lower cost.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Nissan Armada – The Cons

1. Gas Mileage

Even within the relatively thirsty large SUV class, the Armada’s mileage is noticeably low. It is well below the class average, and adds a significant premium to the car’s cost of ownership. Buyers looking for long-term value, or just those concerned about the environment, may not find that attractive.

2. Infotainment Features

The infotainment on the 2018 Armada is missing some important features that are present among class rivals. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are conspicuously absent, and the list of supported apps is relatively short. It also features confusing controls and menus.

3. Unimpressive Handling

The Nissan Armada is a big car, and lets you feel that throughout the whole driving experience. The steering feels a little loose and there is plenty of body roll during turns. This stands in contrast to many rivals, who have significantly improved their vehicles’ driving experience.

How It Stacks up to the Competition

The large SUV segment is a small one, so the Nissan Armada features a relatively short list of competitors, such as the Toyota Sequoia and the Chevrolet Tahoe. The Sequoia offers more cargo room than the Armada and is also one of the less expensive cars in the segment, but it is still more expensive than the Armada, and lags slightly behind in power. The Chevrolet Tahoe is significantly more expensive and less powerful than the Armada, though it does have a better infotainment system.

Conclusion

In a very expensive segment, the 2018 Nissan Armada is an excellent combination of price and performance. It has a strong engine with class-leading capacity and a very spacious interior, all at a lower price point than any competitor. This gives it a uniquely strong value, and makes it an excellent choice for many shoppers interested in a large SUV.