Car Buying Strategies
Search Car Buying Strategies Makes & Models Select a Make and Model Makes & Models Select a Make and Model New Cars Prices Buying Advice
Home / Nissan / 2023 Nissan Armada

2023 Nissan Armada Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

2023 Nissan Armada Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons: S vs SV and SL, Midnight Edition vs Platinum
Reviewed & fact checked by
James Murdoch

What 2023 Nissan Armada Trim Should You Buy? What is the Difference Between Trims?

The 2023 Nissan Armada is a luxurious behemoth of an SUV, perfect for families and those needing extra space. With three rows seating up to 8 people and over 90 cubic feet available with the second-and third-row seats folded down, there's plenty of room inside this 209"-long colossus. Whether you need it purely as transport or have large loads to tow - the amazing amount horsepower &four wheel drive will make sure all your tasks are taken care off.

The 2023 Nissan Armada is an impressive ride – blending luxurious comfort, powerful capability, and cutting-edge technology all into one package. Its five trim levels offer a variety of features to suit every driver’s needs; from the base level's intuitive infotainment setup to the upper trims' advanced audio system options that take driving music entertainment up a notch. With so many choices available for customization, this exceptional SUV promises plenty of adventure on or off road.

Compare the Armada S vs SV Trims. What Is the Difference?

Experience unprecedented power and responsiveness with the S and SV trims, featuring a 5.6-liter DOHC V8 engine offering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque - all thanks to Variable Valve Event & Lift technology, or WEL™ for short! This direct injection system provides superior fuel efficiency without compromising on emissions either - it's the ultimate balance between performance and practicality.

Buyers can select either a 2WD (two-wheel drive) or 4WD (four-wheel drive) drivetrain for the S and SV. As previously mentioned, the 2WD models have rear-wheel drive. Both trims have 7-speed automatic transmissions with Downshift Rev Matching. There's also a Manual-Shift Mode if the driver needs to take direct control. Models with 4WD also get a switchable 2-speed transfer case.

The Nissan Armada is equipped with powerful stopping power to ensure its driver and passengers stay safe on the road. It has vented disc brakes at both the front and rear as well as an Anti-Locking Brake System for added safety. For a smoother ride, it also offers independent double wishbone suspension in all four corners plus stabilizer bars and auto-leveling setup at the back – topped off by vehicle speed sensitive Power Steering system which adds agility to handling while body on frame construction ensures extra durability where ever you go.

With its impressive 18-inch aluminum wheels, the S and SV trims of the Armada make a statement with their elegant 12-spoke design. And to maximize that stylish look, you can rely on P265/70R18 all-season tires for added performance in any season. For visibility at night or during harsh weather conditions, both models are equipped with powerful LED headlights and high beams as well as taillights and turn signals - plus additional fog lamps available only on the SV trim!

To complete this cutting edge package there's chrome finish door handles and front grille along with exterior mirrors featuring built-in LED turn signals; power folding capabilities; power adjustments ;and a heating feature to melt away frosty mornings. Of course your drive will be enhanced by acoustic glass windshields providing extra sound insulation while an exclusive privacy tint is featured on rear windows from SV upholstery options.

There's a class IV hitch receiver at the rear of the S and SV trims. These models get a 7-pin wiring harness for hooking up trailers too. The Armada has spectacular towing capabilities in its class. It can pull boats or trailers weighing up to 8,500 pounds. A set of body-colored running boards makes it easier to get in and out of the vehicle.

Comparing the interiors, both models have an 8-way power seat for the front passenger. The driver will enjoy a 10-way power-operated seat with 2-way adjustable lumbar support. SV models get heated front seats and leatherette trim. S models have cloth upholstery. The second and third rows have a 60/40-split, fold-down bench.

Both models get Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control. Rear passengers get their own A/C controls and heating ducts to keep everyone warm as needed. The cabin air filter keeps everyone breathing easier. Power windows, power door locks and a power tilt and telescoping steering column are all standard.

Both models of the Armada have four cupholders and dual map lights. There are a total of eight bottle holders. There are intermittent windshield wipers and a single rear wiper for these trims. The SV adds on a Remote Engine Start System and a Homelink® Universal Transceiver. That last feature allows users to access their garage door, home security system and more.

The S and SV versions of the Armada both have NissanConnect® Infotainment systems. This system has a 12.3-inch color touchscreen. There's also a separate 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display. Both models are equipped with Nissan Door-to-Door Navigation. The infotainment setup offers Bluetooth technology and Voice Recognition. There's also a WiFi Hotspot so everyone in the vehicle can connect to the internet.

The infotainment system has two USB ports and two additional USB-C ports. It's compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so long as the driver has a compatible smartphone. The system in the SV trim also has support for Amazon's Alexa. The SV also throws in a wireless charger. Both vehicles have an AM/FM stereo with HD Radio capabilities.

Audio controls are mounted on the steering wheel so drivers can keep their hands where they should be. The S trim gets four speakers while the SV offers six. The stereo features MP3, CD and MWA playback capabilities. The S and SV trims both offer a security system and an engine immobilizer as a fail-safe in case the vehicle does get stolen.

The Nissan Armada safety features are the same when comparing the S and SV trim levels. There's an advanced airbag system with dual-stage bags up front. These react according to seat-belt and occupant-classification sensors. There are seat-mounted, side-impact bags for the front occupants. Side-impact airbags mounted to the roof add some protection for the second and third rows.

Every model of the Armada has the LATCH system for securing a child-safety seat. There are also child-safety locks for the rear doors. The entire vehicle is constructed with a Zone-Body design that channels crash energy away from the passengers. There's even an energy-absorbing steering column and hood-buckling creases and safety stops.

These two trims share most of the same driver-assist technology as well. There's a Vehicle Dynamic-Control System with Traction Control. This equips the driver with more precise control over the Armada. Active Brake Limited Slip provides consistent stopping power. A RearView Monitor in every model gives the driver a better view of what's behind this large SUV.

These trims have a Front and Rear Sonar System to detect other vehicles, objects and pedestrians. This works together with the vehicle's Automatic Emergency-Braking with Pedestrian Detection system. The Blind-Spot Warning lets drivers know when a vehicle enters potentially problematic zones. Intelligent Forward-Collision Warning lets one know if there's an impending front crash.

Many of the driver-assist aids are designed to allow the driver time to make evasive maneuvers. Some, like the Lane-Departure Warning, give fair warning when the vehicle drifts out of a safe zone. Intelligent Lane Intervention can even detect marked lanes on the road. Intelligent Driver Alertness can detect when a driver is falling asleep or failing to pay attention.

Compare the Armada SV vs SL Trim Levels. What Is the Difference?

The SL trim level of Nissan's Armada is mechanically identical to the S and SV trims. All of the performance stats are the same. The first notable difference on the outside is a set of 18-inch aluminium-alloy wheels. This time the wheels get an 18-spoke design. They're equipped with P275/60R20 all-season tires. The SL also gets auto-dimming outside mirrors with puddle lights.

One of the significant additions here is the power liftgate. This makes loading and unloading cargo even easier than before. There's also now a power-operated, sliding moonroof with a one-touch open-and-close feature. Some dark-gray roof rails give more versatility over how one tows around cargo.

The front seats now have a memory system inside of the SL models. This allows the driver to instantly recall their favorite positions. This is especially useful if multiple drivers will be using the Armada. Nissan also gives buyers of this trim level the option to swap out the second-row bench for a set of captain's chairs. The first two rows now have leather-trimmed seats.

Things get a little more upscale on the interior of the SL models. There's now some real-wood trim throughout the cabin. The infotainment system remains mostly the same. Nissan does give buyers of this trim the option to upgrade the sound system, however. The upgraded system was designed by Bose. This adds on 13 speakers and a subwoofer for amazing volume and sound quality.

The safety features, driver-assist tech and security systems are all the same here. There's only one difference. The previous RearView Monitor gets swapped out for an Intelligent Around View® Monitor. This gives the driver a greatly expanded field of vision from the camera system.

Compare the Armada SL vs Midnight Edition. What Is the Difference?

The 2023 Nissan Armada is getting a dramatic makeover with the new Midnight Edition, featuring an entirely blacked-out design to give it that classic touch of mystery. Though deemed as more of a special edition than trim level by Nissan, this stunningly sleek exterior will have heads turning and set the car apart from its competitors.

Looking for a sleek, stylish ride? The Midnight Edition of the Armada offers an exterior that turns heads with its blacked-out badges and trim. Plus, 20" aluminum alloy wheels with 12 spokes add to this model's captivating appeal. On the inside you'll find unique floor mats emblazoned with their own logo as well as dark interior accents that make it truly special - not to mention a carpeted cargo area protector. But don't worry; all safety features remain untouched while still providing the same comfort and infotainment system you know and love.

Compare the Armada Midnight Edition vs Platinum Trim. What Is the Difference?

The Platinum trim is the final model for our comparisons, and it comes loaded with everything that the previous trims had to offer. There are, of course, a few upgrades as well. Once again, the engine and mechanical features don't change from the previous trims. It performs the same as the very base model of the Armada. The first feature one might notice is the set of large 22-inch alloy wheels with a 14-spoke design.

The Platinum models come with an Intelligent Back-Up Intervention feature. This system detects objects behind the vehicle and warns the driver of possible trouble. The technology also applies the vehicle's brakes automatically if necessary. The Armada now comes with Traffic-Sign Recognition at this trim level. The bumper fascias now come painted in a Gun Metallic color. The Platinum returns to the chrome exterior trim of the SL trim.

This model was engineered for the most comfortable ride possible. There are climate-controlled seats with both heating and cooling in the first two rows. The seat upholstery is now fine quilted leather. The second row automatically gets upgraded to premium captain's chairs. The third row gets one-touch folding to quickly expand the cargo area. The last-row seats now get reclining capabilities. This is a great feature for those long road trips with a full carload of passengers.

The steering wheel of the Platinum models has a leather wrap with exquisite stitching. The steering wheel is now heated to keep your hands warm. The interior now has Birdseye-maple wood trim. The climate-control system now features controls for each row. There's also an expanded entertainment system with audio controls for all three rows. Wireless headphones, extra USB ports and two 8-inch display screens are included here. Last of all, this trim has a 13-speaker audio setup.

Final Thoughts

Looking for the perfect range of features at an affordable price? The SL trim provides a great balance - enough bells and whistles to make your drive enjoyable, while still maintaining fantastic value. But if you anticipate frequent long trips with your family in tow, upgrade to the Platinum model; its luxurious interior offers an unparalleled level of comfort that will help take road-trip fatigue off everyone's mind.


Previous Year Trim Configurations:

2022 Nissan Armada Trim Levels