The 2021 Nissan Armada: Unveiling a Flagship Full-Size SUV

Nissan has announced a midcycle refresh of the capable Nissan Armada full-size SUV, focusing on four main areas that elevate the Armada as a true contender in the full-size SUV segment. This flagship Nissan model now features updated exterior styling, significant interior upgrades, improved capability, and a noteworthy standard safety suite.

Design

The new exterior styling of the Armada is striking. Nissan has completely restyled the front clip, rear hatch, and bumpers to give the vehicle a more modern and upscale appearance. The squared-off front profile showcases full LED headlights, featuring over 50 LEDs in each headlamp to create a wide, bright lighting pattern. The rear combination lights now incorporate 70 LEDs, contributing to the Armada’s distinctive look. Additionally, reshaped bumpers provide improved approach and departure angles for off-road adventures.

Available in seven exterior colors—Hermosa Blue Pearl, Mocha Almond Pearl, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Aspen White TriCoat premium color, and new Coulis Red Pearl—the Armada also introduces a new Midnight Edition. This edition features blacked-out badging, mirrors, roof rails (with a 220-pound load limit), grille, and fascia skid plates. Notably, the Armada becomes the first vehicle in the U.S. market to adopt Nissan’s new corporate logo.

Interior Enhancements

The interior of the Armada features significant improvements. The redesigned center stack now includes simplified controls and a massive 12.3-inch landscape display, marking it as the largest in its class. This high-resolution display supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. Additionally, a 7-inch Advanced Driver Assist Display offers full-color, high-resolution information accessible from the newly designed steering wheel.

Moreover, the center stack eliminates the clutter of buttons, instead opting for capacitive touch HVAC controls. Enhanced space utilization allows for a hidden compartment that houses a wireless phone charging pad. The new center console design enhances functionality, featuring a clever lid that can be accessed from both the front and rear.

Entertainment has also seen upgrades, with a revamped Family Entertainment System, dual 8-inch headrest monitors, and a new HDMI input. A Bose 13-speaker premium audio system further elevates the audio experience, complete with a CD player for traditional music enthusiasts. Additionally, the inclusion of Wi-Fi and over-the-air updates enhances the Armada’s technological offerings.

Capability

The Armada is powered by a reliable 5.6L Endurance V-8 engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Capable of producing a best-in-class 400 horsepower on premium fuel—390 horsepower when using regular fuel—it delivers 413 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to its heavy-duty ladder frame, the Armada boasts an impressive maximum standard towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, suitable for both two- and four-wheel-drive models. An integrated trailer brake controller and Trailer Sway Control provide essential support for those heavier loads.

For four-wheel-drive models, the Armada features a 2.70:1 transfer case ratio and settings of Auto, 4HI, and 4LO; in the Auto setting, it can distribute up to 50% of torque to the front wheels. The updated four-corner double-wishbone independent suspension promises a comfortable ride, further enhanced by the tuning from twin tube shocks.

Safety Features

The Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard on the Armada, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Additionally, the Armada comes with Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Cruise Control (Full Speed Range), Intelligent Lane Intervention, Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention, RearView Monitor, and Intelligent Driver Alertness. The Platinum trim offers Intelligent Backup Collision Intervention, and higher trims include Nissan’s Intelligent Around View Monitor and Traffic Sign Recognition.

In summary, the 2021 Nissan Armada stands out with its modern design, advanced technology, and robust safety features, making it a compelling choice among full-size SUVs.