beebs

2021 Nissan Armada

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Nissan Armada highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • High-quality, quiet, and appealing interior
  • Smooth V8 engine delivers ample power
  • Many standard driver-assist features

Cons

  • There’s no getting around the V8's poor fuel economy
  • Third-row seating isn't particularly spacious
  • It's hard to lift items into the cargo area
  • New infotainment interface still feels dated

Mileage (EPA estimate)

13 city, 18 highway, 15 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year
Mileage

Updates for the full-size 2021 Nissan Armada include an improved infotainment system

The 2021 Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV that stands out from the Chevy Tahoes and Ford Expeditions that seem to be everywhere. New for the 2021 model year, the Armada got an updated infotainment system that includes standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, standard driver-assist technology, and refreshed front and rear styling. Thanks to its trucklike body-on-frame design, the Armada can tow up to 8,500 pounds (when properly equipped), and it's notably capable off-road thanks to its ruggedly designed suspension and four-wheel drive system. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories. The interior is quiet, and the Armada has a comfortable ride as well. We especially like the surround-view camera, which makes parking in the city a (relative) snap.

Unfortunately, the Armada’s fuel economy trails competitors, with two-wheel-drive models getting an EPA estimate of only 16 mpg in combined driving; that drops to 15 mpg with four-wheel-drive. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov. Inside, the third row is too small for anybody but children, and the cargo space behind the third row is too high off the ground to be easily usable. The new infotainment system is nice, but the interface feels dated.

All Nissan Armada years

New for 2021

  • The Armada is available in a new trim called the S.
  • Armada trims have been upgraded with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
  • The SV trim now comes with Leatherette Seats, Blind Spot Monitor, and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
  • The SL trim now comes with Sunroof(s), Fold-Away Third Row, Blind Spot Monitor, and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.

Explore Nissan Armada details

S 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Running Boards
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Third Row Seat
  • Tow Hitch
  • Traction Control
  • Cloth Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Running Boards
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Smart Key
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

5.6L

Horsepower

400

Torque (ft-lbs)

413

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

26

Wheelbase

121.1"

Overall length

208.9"

Width

79.9"

Height

75.8"

Leg room

F 41.9"/M 41"/R 28.4"

Head room

F 40.9"/M 40"/R 36.4"

Front tires

P265/70HR18

Rear tires

P265/70HR18

Seating capacity

8

Max towing capacity

850/8500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

Nissan Armada photos

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Nissan Armada

What We Like

Driving: The V8 engine in the 2021 Armada offers up plenty of power, making it one of the quickest full-size SUVs among its competitors, with ample passing power on the highway. The suspension also balances comfort and control, providing a comfortable ride that soaks up small and medium-sized bumps. The brakes are also strong and responsive, which is extra important in a big, heavy vehicle like this.

Towing: If you tow a heavy trailer, camper, or a medium-sized boat, the Armada is a good choice. The powerful engine makes short work of heavy loads, and the 8,500-pound maximum capacity can handle anything you’d realistically haul with a vehicle like this.

Standard driver aids: Of all the updates made to the 2021 Armada, we’re most pleased to see that its suite of advanced driver-assist systems are now standard. That means all models come with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and more, adding a little extra peace of mind and convenience when you’re driving.

What Needs Improvement

Interior space: The Armada could use better space management. The front seats are plenty roomy, and the second row is fine, as long as you don’t mind that the captain's chairs are fixed in place and don’t adjust forward or rearward. The third-row seat cushion is very low to the floor so there isn't much legroom and it’s best suited to small children. Cargo space is also less usable than it could be due to the Armada’s height. If passenger space and an easily accessible cargo area are priorities, you might be served better by the Armada’s rivals.

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.Get Pre-qualified

Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Nissan Armada an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Nissan Armada 5th out of 16 among Fullsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Nissan Armada

2021 Nissan Armada trims

Curious how Nissan Armada trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

S:

  • 400-hp, 413-lb-ft of torque 5.6L
  • Cruise Control
  • Smart Key
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Third Row Seat
  • Cloth Seats
  • Fold-Away Third Row

SV:

SL:

  • Includes all features available on the SV
  • Sunroofs
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seats
  • Remote Start
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • BOSE Sound System
  • View our Nissan Armada SL inventory

Platinum:

2021 Nissan Armada FAQ

Related articles

Research other vehicles


* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.