Nissan updates its flagship SUV – the 2021 Nissan Armada. Here is everything that’s changed, and everything that’s staying the same. The exterior of this big three-row SUV gets a thorough update. The interior is also refreshed with lots of new technology and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Big screens? The new Armada’s got it!
2021 Nissan Armada styling updates
This Armada returns to a more squared-off and macho exterior appearance. Up front, Nissan redesigned the fender, bumper, hood, lights, and the grille. The 2021 Armada features the all-new “Nissan” logo. It is the first vehicle in the United States to carry the new logo. Nissan says this logo will transfer to other updated or all-new Nissan models soon.
Under the hood is a very familiar 5.6-liter V8 engine. It’s basically unchanged with the exception of the new 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque power rating on premium fuel. The engine is backed up by the same 7-speed automatic transmission as before. Why not use the new 9-speed automatic that is now in the new Nissan Titan and Frontier? Nissan says the Armada doesn’t really need a transmission with more gears. The fuel efficiency also remains the same as before: (14/19/16 MPG for the Armada 2WD and 13/18/15 MPG for the 4×4 models).
The chassis, suspension, and 4WD systems remain largely unchanged as well. We have tested the current Armada off-road on several occasions, and it is almost never lacking traction. Some of the off-road clearances needed improvement, and Nissan tweaked the front and rear fascias to deliver slightly better performance. The new approach angle is 21.0 deg, and the departure angle is 22.4 deg. This is about 0.1 degrees better than before. If you have been waiting for an Armada PRO-4X edition, one is not available yet. Nissan says that every Armada has built-in off-road capable DNA of the Nissan Patrol on which it is based. The company did not comment further on the future availability of the PRO-4X model.
If you like dark trucks, you will be happy to know that a Nissan Armada Midnight Edition is coming to the lineup. As you can see in these images, this model incorporates black paint, trim, and interior into a well-executed package.
This Armada is rated to tow 8,500 lbs, and it is now made easier with a factory integrated trailer brake controller. You can be sure that we will be towing with this new SUV very soon!
Interior changes
The interior is much improved. The dash and center console areas are completely redesigned. A relatively high-resolution 12.3-inch touch screen is the jewel in the crown. This new interior is unique to the United States/North American versions of the new Armada. The 2021 Armada now has the largest center touch screen in the segment. It is currently larger than those in the new 2021 Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and others. We will have to wait and see what the next Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Ford Expedition have in store.
The 2021 Armada offers a standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assistance technologies. The new Armada will be initially available in SV, SL, and Platinum trim. A new entry-level S trim will be coming a little later. The 2021 Armada should be hitting the market in the United States in January 2021. Pricing has not yet been announced.
We will be testing the new 2021 Nissan Armada in a few days. Please stay tuned for all the videos coming soon!
