A Brief Look at the Nissan Armada
The Early Years: First Generation Nissan Armada (2004-2010)
In 2004, Nissan introduced their first full-size SUV, the Nissan Armada. This first-generation model was built on the same platform as the Nissan Titan pickup truck and shared many of its mechanical components, including its 5.6-liter V8 engine. The Armada was designed to compete with other full-size SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition.
During its inaugural model year, the Nissan Armada was only available in two trims: SE and LE. The SE trim was the base model and included features like power windows, locks, and mirrors, dual-zone climate control, and a six-disc CD changer. The higher-end LE trim added features like leather upholstery, chrome accents, and a power liftgate.
In 2005, the Armada received a minor facelift that included a new grille design and updated interior materials. That same year, Nissan added a third trim level, the SE Off-Road, which came with off-road equipment like Rancho shocks, skid plates, and a locking rear differential.
Over the next few years, Nissan continued to make minor changes to the Armada, including adding an available rear-seat entertainment system and making improvements to the vehicle’s towing capacity.
The Middle Years: Second Generation Nissan Armada (2011-2017)
The second-generation Nissan Armada arrived in 2011 with a completely redesigned exterior and interior. This generation of Armada was based on Nissan’s global Patrol SUV, which was not sold in the United States. The new design featured a more angular and aggressive front grille, a taller roofline, and a longer wheelbase.
One of the biggest changes was under the hood, where Nissan replaced the Armada’s original V8 engine with a new 5.6-liter Endurance V8 engine that produced more power and better fuel economy. Other improvements included a new independent rear suspension system, which provided a smoother ride and better handling.
For 2013, Nissan introduced a new Platinum trim level, which added luxury features like dual-screen rear entertainment, heated and cooled front seats, and a power moonroof. In 2015, the Armada received another minor facelift that updated the exterior styling and added new safety features like a rearview camera and blind-spot monitoring.
The Current Years: Third Generation Nissan Armada (2017-Present)
The current-generation Nissan Armada was introduced in 2017. Again, it was based on Nissan’s global Patrol SUV, which has been on sale in other parts of the world since the 1950s. The new Armada features a more boxy and muscular design, reminiscent of the original Armada, but with modern flourishes like LED headlights and taillights.
Under the hood, the 2017 Armada retains its 5.6-liter Endurance V8 engine but gets a power boost to 390 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque. The third-generation Armada also benefits from a new seven-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of features, the new Armada comes with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Other available features include a 13-speaker Bose audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a 360-degree camera system.
There are only two trims available for the current Nissan Armada, the SV and Platinum. The SV comes with a number of standard features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control while the Platinum adds premium touches like leather upholstery, a moonroof, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
Nissan Armada Variations
Over the years, Nissan has offered a number of different variations of the Armada to cater to different customers’ needs. Here are a few of the most notable ones:
– Armada Reserve Package: This package, available on the 2021 Nissan Armada, adds features like 22-inch wheels, leather seats, and a premium audio system.
– Armada Platinum Reserve: This version of the Armada, which debuted in 2018, adds even more luxury features like unique 20-inch wheels, two-tone leather upholstery, and dark chrome accents.
– Armada Snow Patrol: This was a one-off custom build created by Nissan to tackle the harsh winter weather. It featured things like snow tracks in place of traditional tires, a roof rack with built-in lights, and a custom vinyl wrap.
– Armada Mountain Patrol: Like the Snow Patrol, this is a custom build designed to tackle off-road trails. It features a number of aftermarket modifications such as a lift kit, upgraded tires, and off-road lights.
RunBidSell Insights
The Nissan Armada has come a long way since its debut in 2004. Over the years, Nissan has made significant improvements to the vehicle’s design, performance, and features. Today, the Armada offers a comfortable and capable SUV that can hold its own against its competitors. It’s hard to know what the future holds for the Armada, but based on its past successes, it’s likely to remain a popular choice for buyers looking for a full-size SUV.