2022 Nissan Armada Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

A full-size SUV with seven or eight seats, the 2022 Nissan Armada has powerful capabilities, deluxe interior amenities and sophisticated safety features. Quilted-leather seats and wood-grain trimming highlight the high-end design of this large family car. More than a dozen active safety features from the Safety Shield 360 suite make the 2022 Armada one of the safest models in such a highly competitive class.

What's New for 2022?

After undergoing a noticeable refresh in the previous year, the 2022 Nissan Armada doesn't have any major changes. The only new addition to the cabin is a third-row seating system with a power-folding mechanism that's activated with a single touch. This updated seating unit also has a reclining motion for extra comfort. The 12.3-inch multimedia system adopts the latest connectivity applications and services that are available from the NissanConnect platform, including a Wi-Fi network with monthly data plans from external providers.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Nissan Armada – The Pros

1. Powerful Standard Engine

Adopting the proprietary Endurance design, the 2022 Nissan Armada's 5.6-liter engine block whips out a maximum of 400 horsepower when using premium unleaded gasoline. Controlled by the VVEL technology, this V-8 powertrain cranks out 413 pound-feet of torque. Using the signature Direct Injection Gasoline (GDI) design, this 32-valve powerhouse can tow a trailer weighing up to 8,500 pounds. The Trailer Sway Control and the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller are highly recommended for towing such heavy loads on the road.

2. Superb All-Weather and Off-Road Handling

Equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission system, the 2022 Armada shifts into an optimal gear ratio depending on an array of factors. The signature Downshift Rev Matching adjusts the shifting cycles for efficient and sporty handling on the road. This three-row Nissan SUV offers the Intelligent 4x4 drive system and a two-speed transfer case for dealing with treacherous driving conditions. Some driver-selectable settings for the drivetrain include the 4HI Mode and 4LO Mode. With additional support from the Active Brake Limited Slip and Dynamic Vehicle Control, this large family car maintains proper traction on slippery surfaces.

3. Robust Exterior Design

Having a fully boxed frame with pure steel composition, the 2022 Armada is tougher and more durable than ever before. This three-row Nissan SUV rides on a double-wishbone front suspension system and double-wishbone rear suspension system for superb comfort on bumpy roads and unpaved trails. Twin-tube shock absorbers cushion the entire chassis from harsh vibrations and other major mechanical impacts. An auto-leveling rear suspension system maintains the structural integrity and balance of this large family vehicle. Painted in black, front and rear skid plates are available from the exclusive Midnight Edition Package.

4. Attractive Exterior Profile

This 2022 three-row Nissan SUV is mass-produced in several alluring exterior colors, including Hermosa Blue Pearl, Mocha Almond, Coulis Red and Brilliant Silver. Made of aluminum alloy, 22-inch wheels with a machined-face design are optional for distinct styling. A chrome grille and chrome door handles certainly accentuate the upscale exterior design of this full-size SUV. Body-colored overfenders and body-colored running boards create a perfect combination of utility and style. Additionally, the roof rails are available in black or Dark Gray for clear contrast with the vehicle's body.

5. Comfortable Cabin

The 2022 Armada is furnished with a 10-way driver's seat that includes two-way adjustability for the lumbar support. An eight-way seat with two-way lumbar support is installed on the front passenger's side. Climate-controlled front seats and heated rear outboard seats are optional for this three-row Nissan SUV. A dual-zone climate control system with automatic temperature adjustments and rear air conditioning is standard on every trim. The air quality inside the spacious cabin is enhanced by an integrated microfilter.

6. Premium Interior Utilities

As a family-oriented SUV, the 2022 Armada is appropriately equipped with nine total cupholders and four bottle holders. A lockable glove box may be used to hold highly valuable items for road trips. Eight cargo tie-down points provide extra organizational utility for transporting plenty of bags. Generating 120 peak volts, an AC power outlet provides convenient charging solutions for electric devices that are rated at up to 400 watts. This premium Nissan SUV also has three power outlets that deliver 12 volts of DC.

7. Luxurious Interior Styling

The 2022 Armada's first-row and second-row seats are available with quilted inserts in the seatbacks. These leather-appointed seats look great with the leather-trimmed steering wheel, which has contrast stitches and heating. The Silky Carbon interior design adds modern elegance to the already lavish cabin. Featuring grain patterns and a polished finish, the Birdseye Maple Wood trim further accentuates the elegant design of this large Nissan SUV. Additionally, the Midnight Edition floor mats add utility and style to all three rows.

8. Intelligent Active Safety Technologies

Standard on the 2022 Armada's entire lineup, the Safety Shield 360 suite encompasses more than 10 advanced technologies. Some familiar driver-assistance functions from the patented bundle include the Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and High Beam Assist. Some sophisticated accident-mitigation technologies that were developed in recent years include the Intelligent Cruise Control and Intelligent Lane Intervention. With cues from the Rear Door Alert, families will have extra peace of mind when taking young kids and pets for the ride. The Intelligent Rear View Mirror and RearView Monitor significantly improve the driver's awareness of anything that's behind the vehicle.

9. Signature Infotainment System

Entering a new generation on the market, the 2022 Armada's 12.3-inch NissanConnect infotainment system is more dynamic and advanced than ever before. Standard on every trim, a Wi-Fi hotspot keeps the driver and all occupants connected to the web during a trip. This signature multimedia console also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections. With guidance from SiriusXM Traffic, Travel Link and the Nissan Door to Door Navigation, the driver will enjoy a smooth ride to any location that's on the map. Additionally, the Display Commander provides an easy way for browsing the user-friendly interface of the updated NissanConnect infotainment platform.

10. Awesome Entertainment Options

Designed by the legendary Bose firm, the 2022 Armada's audio system is available with 13 speakers and the AudioPilot Noise Compensation technology. Featuring a digital amplifier and a subwoofer, this patented sound system plays music on HD Radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, AM/FM channels and other sources. Passengers in the middle row could watch custom content on the Tri-Zone Entertainment System, which comes with 8.0-inch monitors, a pair of wireless headphones and remote control. An HDMI port is included in this entertainment console for easy connections of compatible video game consoles and other multimedia devices.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Nissan Armada – The Cons

1. Low Fuel Economy

As a full-size SUV, the 2022 Armada doesn't exactly offer impressive fuel efficiency for American families. When rolling on a 4WD, this three-row Nissan only gets up to 13 MPG as verified by the EPA. Such a configuration earns an 18-MPG rating on the highway. Engineered to run on premium unleaded gasoline, this large family car will also accumulate expensive bills at the fuel pump. The 26.0-gallon fuel tank offers an estimated driving range of only about 470 total miles on the highway.

2. Poor Lateral Stability

Having a track width of 67.5 inches and ground clearance of 9.1 inches, the 2022 Armada experiences noticeable body roll on sharp turns and other sudden maneuvers at fast speeds. Nissan's engineers attempted to fix such a problem by adding tachometer sensors for the power steering system. However, not all trims are equipped with a power steering system that reacts to the real-time readings on the speedometer. Having a curb weight of approximately 6,000 pounds, this three-row Nissan SUV certainly suffers from sluggish handling due to its natural inertia.

3. Limited Cargo Capacity

When the 2022 Armada's third-row seats are upright, the interior cargo volume is limited to only 16.5 cubic feet. In fact, the trunks in some much smaller sedans match or exceed such a storage capacity. When the third-row seats are entirely folded, the interior cargo capacity increases to about 50 cubic feet. However, such an adjusted seating configuration creates enough space for only four or five occupants.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Nissan Armada vs 2022 Ford Expedition

Offering up to eight seats, the 2022 Ford Expedition certainly challenges the 2022 Nissan Armada in a handful of categories. For instance, the all-new Timberline Series includes the Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist technologies for superb off-roading. Measuring 12 inches diagonally, the 2022 Expedition's standard 12.0-inch SYNC 4A infotainment console doesn't have any noticeable advantages over the 12.3-inch NissanConnect multimedia center. Additionally, the standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 offers better value than the Ford Co-Pilot360 packages.

2022 Nissan Armada vs 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe

Also having an eight-seat design, the 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe rivals the 2022 Armada in comfort and utility. However, this large Chevy SUV has slightly weaker towing and hauling capabilities compared to the Nissan counterpart. Featuring the EcoTec3 technology, the Tahoe's standard 5.3-L engine can't generate more than 355 hp. This direct-injected, naturally aspirated V-8 engine also doesn't match the torque output of the Armada's Endurance powertrain. Additionally, the Chevy Safety Assist technology is no match for the Nissan Safety Shield 360 bundle.

2022 Nissan Armada vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

Having a rugged and reliable platform, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia is another popular model on the full-size SUV marketplace in the USA. In terms of horsepower and torque capabilities, the Toyota's 5.7-L i-Force engine falls short of the 5.6-L Endurance engine on the Nissan model. Equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission system, this Toyota SUV is slightly less dynamic and responsive than the Armada. Despite having a handful of smart safety features, the Sequoia's Safety Sense P suite seems outdated compared to the next-generation Nissan Safety Shield 360 package.

Conclusion

The 2022 Nissan Armada offers an awesome combination of powerful capabilities, interior luxury and sophisticated safety features at competitive prices. Second-row captain's chairs and power-folding, third-row seats highlight the versatile interior design of this full-size SUV. Quilted leather, the Prima-Tex upholstery and Birdseye Maple Wood finish emphasize the luxurious character of the spacious cabin. Additionally, this three-row Nissan model offers a power liftgate, running boards and other modern amenities for an active lifestyle.