2018 Nissan Armada review

What We Like

Driving: Even though it’s big, the 2018 Armada is easy to drive. The powerful V8 provides plenty of acceleration from a standstill, and has enough power in reserve to make passing on the highway a breeze. The suspension also feels comfortable over small and medium-sized bumps. But maybe most important are the strong and responsive brakes, important in a big, heavy vehicle like this.

Towing: If you need to tow, and want to do it in comfort, you could do worse than the Armada. With up to 8,500 pounds of capacity when properly equipped, the Armada is great for large trailers, a decent-sized boat, or other big loads.

Interior refinement: The Armada is built from the same underpinnings as the more expensive and luxurious Infiniti QX80, which might explain why the interior feels a cut above its rivals. The interior not only looks classy, but everything has a solid feel to it, and the hush of the interior at speed also imparts the feeling of a higher-priced vehicle.

What Needs Improvement

Technology: If the Armada has an Achilles' heel, it’s the lack of modern technology. All models got an 8-inch touchscreen for the 2018 model year, but even at the time it felt dated, especially with the lack of Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^™, which already were fairly commonplace. If you want advanced driver-assist systems, you’ll have to find an Armada with the Premium package or opt for the pricey Platinum trim.