Japan’s most downtrodden legacy automaker that isn’t Mitsubishi appears ready to take the fight to its global rivals, at least as far as the full-sized sport-utility segment is concerned. Nissan has refreshed its colossus from tip to tail for the 2021 model year, resulting in an SUV that’s decidedly more modern (and hopefully competitive) than most people probably thought possible.
Nissan’s Armada is an interesting car often that’s difficult to recommend. While truly massive and incredibly comfortable, it’s hard to suggest over any of its full-size opponents — most of which are substantially more compliant at cruising speeds. The Armada may have the best-in-class standard towing and horsepower, thanks largely to its obligatory 5.6-liter V8, but the overall experience is a mixed bag. Fortunately, Nissan is issuing updates specifically designed to smooth its rough edges for 2021.
The SUV excels at leisurely trips around town, especially if the village is due some roadway maintenance. However, that advantage vanishes from behind the wheel once motorists are forced to interface with the previous Armada’s ancient multimedia system or notice that it has a propensity to wander at expressway speeds. While manageable (especially if you’re as accustomed to piloting oversized and ancient platforms), its slow steering doesn’t inspire much confidence. But there are few mainstream vehicles I would rather see appear as my next Uber, since the passenger experience is rather good.
The 2021 model year sees revamped styling vaguely reminiscent of the previous-generation Ford Expedition with just enough modernity to keep it from looking terribly dated. It’s a basic and inoffensive design incorporating an updated V-motion grille, new headlamps with modern running lights, and some wheels. Taillights have also been modernized to complement the Armada’s redesigned rear bumper and the company’s revamped logo design. It’s an inarguable step in the correct direction, even if it’s slightly derivative of the segment as a whole.
But it was the interior that has served as the vehicle’s greatest source of strength and weakness, forcing Nissan to make some changes. Gone is the button-heavy center stack frequently surrounded by faux wood trim. Armada now utilizes a floating 12.3-inch touchscreen with psychical HVAC controls. While we’d have liked to see more buttons retained, it’s a relatively clean and contemporary look allowing Nissan to implement the kind of features today’s customers would expect. Multimedia now includes the company’s proprietary (and likely unnecessary) connected-car services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay (AndroidAuto has to be plugged in), and a quartet of USB ports for front and rear passengers.
You do lose the CD player, however.
Optional upgrades include Nissan’s surround-view camera system, multiple rear-seat entertainment options, wireless phone charging, and more. Trims remain largely the same, with Platinum now offering high-quality quilted leather for a bit extra and a new S model slotting in as the base. There’s also a Midnight Edition package on the SL trim which offers a blacked-out color scheme.
Regardless of all other decisions, the Armada’s 5.6-liter V8 is obligatory. But Nissan said it’s now capable of 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is available with but rear-drive remains standard and both configurations use the same seven-speed automatic.
As much as we hate on advanced driving aids, some have their use and the industry can’t help but pour them on. In the case of the 2021 Nissan Armada, customers can now expect to see forward-collision warnings, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot intervention, and driver-attention alerts added on as standard equipment. This is presumably in addition to the blind-spot detection, high-beam helper, automated emergency braking, and rearward automated braking that came on the previous model year.
The 2021 Nissan Armada is slated to reach dealers by late January, according to the manufacturer. Pricing and fuel economy are currently TBD and likely to be announced closer to launch.
[Images: Nissan]
Looks great to me. I assume there is an over-priced Infiniti QX80 version of this coming soon?
Aside from the insane rims, I’d have to agree.
I personally find the SRT Durango (never even seen the Hellcat) to be such a plain cool vehicle, that I’d be willing to eat the somewhat diminished “practicality,” as well as roll the dice on reliability; but this is probably a “better,” or at least more “practical,” choice if you need to tow a lot while hauling many.
Having FCA and Nissan products, we have only had issues with the Nissan if that helps.
Nissan North America has generally made crap but the Jap operations don’t share anything but the dealerships and the badge.
I think it’s the best looking of the full size SUVs and will be a candidate to replace my aging Acadia in a few years . . . . if I decide I can live with the poor fuel economy. Nissan certainly has their work cut out for them, but it seems they’re at least making an effort to improve the design — both exterior and interior — of their vehicles. Unfortunately, they still lag behind in many other areas.
Nice, but I’ll miss the big ol’ whale-face that was so ugly it was … interesting
Thank God they kept the giant useless side vents
I cant believe this thing is still in production.
Sorry, still ugly. What’s with the fender vents? Those are so 2005.
Trying to mimic LR I suppose.
“Psychical” HVAC controls? So, like, you just *think* “cooler” and the A/C comes on?
Wow, sounds like a “cool” idea ;-)
I guess the copy editor position at TTAC is open.
There have been some that have had issues they shouldn’t have had when these were purchased new. I’m not sure they are the most reliable SUV one can buy.
I like the looks however.
Much better looking than it was before (finally). They’ve got it about right after a decade. Look for a replacement to this generation within a couple of years though, if they do decide to bring another here.
And with this, makes the QX80 look even more ridiculous and out of place with its fish styling!
The one advantage the Infiniti has is the electronic ride management, which is supposed to solve some of the handling and ride complaints outlined above. Of course it’s off limits to the pleb Nissan though.
Excellent redesign inside and out. Kudos to Nissan for FINALLY not screwing up something done right.
May be less but still ugly. Reminds me Altima pregnant with Sentra.
Minor complaint: when writing an article about how a vehicle’s looks compare to another vehicle (especially when it’s mentioned right in the headline), how about posting a pic of the other vehicle so that we can see what you’re writing about?
The two rows of seats drop flat — except for the center cushion bump? What nitwit designed that feature?
+1,000
Isn’t this the 2+2+3 “executive” version? With 2nd row console/armrest?
Another tarted up parade float. Styling is entirely derivative.
It’s a box on wheels, just like any other large SUV. If you want an original design, get a Model X.
Model X is just a tarted up, pregnant Chevy Cavalier.
Imagefont-your inability to afford these vehicles is showing…..
Uggo and aggro all the same – they should paint it orange.
One of the color options is copper metallic, a dark orange. Looks fantastic.
This shold keep the rental car companies happy. The current model is all over the Emerald Aisle any time I rent. I wonder if they fixed the passenger side windshield wiper. It was so small that it didn’t fully clean the windshield in front of the passenger.
I thought Hertz was bankrupt?
It looks better, but will probably still be worst-in-class. They should probably just discontinue this, and the Titan.