Ken Garff Nissan of Orem

• Introduction  »
• Interior / Walk Around  »
• Driving Impressions  »
• Summary

Walk Around

With its arching window line, semi-concealed rear door handles and Titan-esque front end, there is no mistaking the Armada for a generic sport-utility. Six-and-a-half feet tall and wide, it rides on a longer wheelbase than any full-size SUV except the Ford Expedition EL, Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon XL.

The three-part front grille conveys a strong Nissan-truck identity, its black cross-hatch texture framed by color-matched plastic on SE and chrome on Titanium and Platinum. The lower air opening sneers menacingly, a cartoon-character reflection of the Armada's big, bad and fun attitude.

At the rear, a heavily contoured tailgate offers glass-only or full hatch access to cargo with a relatively low lift for such a large truck; and the wiper parks off the glass to avoid interference with access or vision. On models with roof racks, the rack has recessed tie-down loop at each corner for securing cargo without scratching off paint or generating wind whistles.

The new Titanium and Platinum models are distinguished not only by their chrome grille. Mirrors, roof rack (with crossbars), and exhaust tips are also chromed, and bright accents top the standard body-color door moldings. Aluminum alloy wheels are 18 inches in diameter and painted on SE; while Titanium and Platinum come with 20-inch rims, machine-finished on the former and chromed on the latter.

Side steps are standard across the board, watering down the off-road image a bit but making it easier for shorter folks to climb aboard. Those using the 9,000-pound tow rating will appreciate the rear proximity sensors and optional rearview monitor for hooking up trailer, a great time saver that reduces the chance of a scratched rear bumper.

Interior

2010 Nissan Armada

The Nissan Armada cabin looks, feels and sounds like a state-of-the-art SUV, and not like something lifted straight out of a work truck. (In fact, none of the interior pieces are shared with the Titan pickup.) The leather on the new Titanium and Platinum models features contrasting-color stitching. Interior woodgrain has been improved for 2010 as well.

The cabin is generously proportioned, with more middle row legroom than the front of many cars, seating for seven or eight people, and nearly 100 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats to be split in a variety of ways. There are plenty of spaces to put smaller items and 14 beverage holders, some able to contain a half-gallon bottle. The front passenger seat folds flat into a tray table on the SE, but (oddly) not on the up-level models.

Slide into the driver's seat and the sense of power envelopes even before anything is started. A commanding view forward is matched by the view to the back, which is relatively unobstructed, although the windshield pillars get quite wide at the base and conspire with large outside mirrors that could create blind spots for shorter drivers. With adjustments for pedals, seat and steering wheel, everyone can find a comfortable driving position.

Large captain's chairs are provided up front. A soft-touch sweeping dash encompasses complete instrumentation, woodgrain trim, a variety of colors and textures, and a comprehensive central area for control of audio, climate, drive, and (on Platinum) navigation systems, now based on a computer hard drive that also handles music and displays real-time traffic info through XM Satellite Radio. For the sheer volume of controls everything is well-placed and fairly intuitive, although we admit some confusion over two Back buttons just two inches apart on some models. You do not need the Platinum's navigation system to have a rear-view camera.

The middle row is a 40/20/40 split bench, unless you order the Platinum with captain's chairs and a console. The latter are more comfy, the former more functional, although the center rider should be of narrow persuasion to avoid pinching from seat belts and hinges.

Access to the third row is aided by the low floor, itself a byproduct of independent rear suspension (shared only by Ford Expedition in this class). The leather-look seat splits 60/40 for best load flexibility; a power fold third row is standard on most models. A full-length overhead console contains rear air controls and vents and reading lights for both back rows.

On Platinum models, the overhead console also houses an 8-inch screen for the DVD player. The system comes with two sets of wireless headphones, a remote control and a separate video port.

Desert testing wasn't on the program, but the combination of opening rear quarter windows (powered on Platinum) and a powerful ventilation system did keep third row occupants comfortable in an 83-degree thunderstorm gridlock in a black-on-black Armada. With 11 speakers throughout, myriad source choices, and marked reductions in road and engine noise, the sound system easily keeps a crew entertained.

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