2020 Nissan Armada: Trying to Stand Out
The 2020 Nissan Armada has a powerful V8 and comes well-equipped for the price but is it enough to compete in a segment dominated by Ford and GM.
2020 Nissan Armada – nissannews.com| Shop 2020 Nissan Armada on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2020 Nissan Armada?
Now in its second-generation following a 2017 refresh, the 2020 Nissan Armada is largely unchanged from the previous year aside from heated mirrors now being standard equipment and the addition of a 22” wheel package.
The Breakdown
Powerful V8 engine
Comes well-equipped for the price
Can be optioned with Infiniti-level features at a discount
Better than average interior
Poor fuel economy
Dated infotainment system
Less than stellar handling
2020 Armada Specs
- 390 horsepower from base engine
- 394 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 16 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 95.4 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Towing capacity of 8500 lbs
- Available 14-speaker Bose sound system
- Numerous driver assistance and safety features
- 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty
2020 Nissan Armada Powertrain
There is only one powertrain offered for the 2020 Nissan Armada, a 5.6L 390 horsepower V8 and a seven-speed automatic transmission. While that leads the full-size SUV category in terms of base-model power, some of its rivals can be had with more powerful engines and 10-speed automatic transmissions. However, the Armada is not a slouch by any means and it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just under six seconds. Equally impressive are the brakes which are capable of bringing this 3-ton vehicle to a complete stop quicker than most of its rivals.
From the driver’s seat, handling is about average although that is to be expected for an SUV of this size. While the suspension is on the softer side, and it soaks up potholes quite well there is a fair amount of body roll. In addition, the steering response is less than stellar with a fair amount of effort needed to turn the wheel. Likewise, the Armada has a tendency to “float” at higher speeds. Obviously, you cannot expect a vehicle of this size to handle like a sports car although it is a step back when compared to the competition.
With that said, the Nissan Armada excels in straight-line performance. In fact, it is arguably the best in this category especially when taking the price into consideration. Unfortunately, it comes at the cost of poor fuel economy and sloppy steering.
Towing & Payload
As the 2020 Nissan Armada is a body-on-frame design (built on a truck chassis) it has a respectable towing capacity of 8,500 lbs. That puts it on par with the largest SUVs in this category like GM’s Tahoe/Yukon, although it is less than the Expedition. Either way, it is more than capable of hauling a small boat, fifth-wheel trailer, or a pair of jet skis with ease.
2020 Nissan Armada Fuel Economy & MPG
Suffice to say, fuel economy is not the strong suit of any full-size SUV, and the Nissan Armada is no exception. In fact, its EPA city/highway estimates of 14/19 and 13/18, for the 2WD and 4WD models respectively, are the worst in this class. For comparison’s sake, all trim levels of the Ford Expedition get at least 20 mpg on the highway. Basically, if you go with the 2020 Nissan Armada, it’s a good idea to know where a gas station is located at all times for long road trips.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
When it comes to the interior, the 2020 Nissan Armada gets a better than average mark. The front seats are comfortable and supportive with ample leg, head, and foot room. Cloth coverings are standard fare with the SL adding leather and premium materials for the Platinum Reserve. Like most SUVs of this size, the Armada can seat eight passengers (seven if optioned with the second-row captain’s chairs) with plenty of space in the second row. However, the same cannot be said for the third row which offers little leg room and is best suited for children.
When it comes to cargo capacity, the Nissan Armada gets an averaging rating when compared to similar-sized SUVs. There is 16.5 cu-ft of space behind the third row although the high deck and extended bumper can make it difficult to reach in and grab items. With the second-row seats folded down, storage space expands to 50 cu-ft. The Armada has a maximum of 95.4 cu-ft when both rows are folded down.
In sum, occupant comfort and features are the 2020 Nissan Armada’s strong suit, and it offers a good balance of features and value. The biggest complaint has to do with the cramped quarters in the third row although that is not really an issue unless you plan on operating your Armada at full capacity.
Entertainment & Technology
When it comes to sound, the 14-speaker Bose audio system punches well above its competitor’s base-model offerings. However, this is offset by the infotainment system’s underwhelming graphics, clumsy interface, and a lack of features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. With that said, the most notable tech upgrade comes with the Platinum package which adds tri-zone entertainment and multiple charging ports.
As for driver assistance gadgets in the Armada, the Platinum package is loaded to the brim. As mentioned earlier, adaptive cruise control and emergency braking are standard as opposed to being options on competitor’s vehicles.
Safety Features
For those that want the latest safety tech, the following features are included in the higher-level Armada trims and/or can be added as options: auto-dimming mirrors, 360-degree top-down cameras, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assistance, and rear automatic braking. While the 2020 Nissan Armada can be equipped with a range of safety tech, its crash test ratings are just average. The overall NHTSA rating is four stars with side impact protection being the only five-star category.
2020 Nissan Armada Trims & Pricing
SV – $47,100
The entry-level SV comes with a number of driver’s assistance features like automatic emergency braking and intelligent cruise control. In addition, an infotainment system with an 8” screen, a 14-speaker Bose audio system, and 18” alloy wheels. Likewise, 2WD is standard across all trim levels although 4WD can be added for an extra $3,000.
SL – $53,295
The SL package adds a few extras like leather trim, larger 20” alloy wheels, a 360-degree exterior camera, and remote start. In addition, blind-spot monitoring, a power moonroof, and second-row captain’s chairs are available as options.
Platinum – $61,925
Aside from including all of the SL’s features with the exception of the captain’s chairs (they remain an option), the Platinum package adds a glass sunroof and tri-zone entertainment with dual monitors and a DVD player. Also standard are heated and cooled front seats along with a few tech features like intelligent lane, backup intervention, blind-spot monitoring, and distance control.
Platinum Reserve – $66,425
This top-tier package comes with every available option and adds a few Infiniti-level accents like two-tone leather seats, some chrome accents, a second row padded center console, and 22” wheels.
Warranties
The 2020 Nissan Armada has an average warranty for this segment. Basic coverage is a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty with the drivetrain being covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Corrosion coverage is for 5 years with unlimited mileage. It does not come with complimentary maintenance.
What we think
2020 Nissan Armada – nissannews.com| Shop 2020 Nissan Armada on Carsforsale.com
The 2020 Nissan Armada comes well-equipped for the price and has plenty of power although that is offset by poor fuel economy and sub-par handling. If you can live with the downsides, the Nissan Armada is a worthy full-size SUV.
