The 2017 Nissan Armada ranks 6 out of 6 Large SUVs. Nissan reintroduced the Armada for the 2017 model year, and it has a quiet ride, above-average cabin quality, a powerful engine, and spacious second-row seats. However, the front seats are less roomy than in rival SUVs, and the infotainment system feels a step behind many rival systems.
Pros Powerful engine Quiet ride Quality cabin materials Sprawling second-row seats
Cons Antiquated infotainment system Subpar cargo space Disappointing first- and third-row seats
After rotting on the vine for years, the 2017 Nissan Armada's redesign brings it upscale and makes it competitive with its recently updated truck-based full-size SUV rivals. With the 2017 Armada, Nissan has adopted what is basically a U.S. version of the global Nissan Patrol SUV. The new Armada is a soul mate of the Infiniti QX80 once again, with a body-on-frame design and its eight-passenger seating. To distinguish it from the QX80, it gets new styling and new engineering, plus additional safety features.
Pros More modern looks Quiet cabin Ready power Good choice for towing Room for people and their stuff
Cons Thirsty Big and heavy Slow steering Tight third-row seat
The redesigned 2017 Nissan Armada is a substantial improvement over the vehicle it replaces. If you're looking for a big three-row SUV that can tow and venture off the beaten path but also comfortably handle the daily urban grind, the new Armada will be a great choice. After a one-year hiatus, the Nissan Armada is back for 2017. Fully redesigned, it boasts a higher quality interior, a more powerful V8 engine and a new, more chiseled look for its exterior styling.
Pros Higher-quality cabin that betters most competitors Smooth and quiet V8 engine More comfortable and less trucklike to drive than some rival SUVs Plenty of ground clearance for off-road adventures.
Cons Fuel economy is poor, even for this class of vehicle Third-row seat is less spacious and comfortable than those of some SUV and crossover rivals Heavy steering in parking lots.
A nip and tuck for this year isn't enough to ignore the wrinkles in the aging 2018 Infiniti QX80.
Pros Far more attractive than before V-8 is charming Beautiful interior upholstery Active safety features aren't expensive
Cons Traces roots back to 2010 and it shows No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto Still big and cumbersome despite tech Very poor fuel economy
As big as a luxury yacht and almost as opulent inside, the QX80 is Infiniti’s answer to the Cadillac Escalade. It’s built on a full-size truck frame and powered by a 400-hp 5.6-liter V-8 with a seven-speed automatic; rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.
Pros Handsome visage, burly naturally aspirated V-8.
Cons Clumsy handling, heavy drinker, outdated and missing technology.
The 2018 QX80 receives a noticeable exterior makeover. New LED headlights, taillights and foglights complement redesigned front and rear bumpers and a rear tailgate. The QX80 also rides along restyled wheels wrapped in softer sidewall tires, which, along with a retuned suspension, are intended to improve ride comfort.
PROS Powerful V8 delivers strong acceleration and a high tow rating Capable and controlled handling for a big SUV Brakes deliver strong stopping power Easy to see out of
CONS Ride quality degrades with optional 22-inch wheels Third-row seat is difficult to access and a tight fit for adults Updated interior hasn't changed enough Engine is thirstier than most
