Skip to main content

Nissan reintroduces its Armada full-size SUV with greater gusto

Nissan has revealed its 2017 Armada full-size SUV before it is shown to the world at the Chicago Auto Show. The vehicle has been completely redesigned as the second generation after a 2016 carry-over model year.

Based on the Infiniti QX80, the 2017 Armada borrows the overall dimensions of the luxury brand’s SUV but loses some of its more bulbous styling cues. Nissan’s new V-Motion grille takes over the vehicle’s front fascia and is paired with LED headlights, front fender vents, chrome accents, and an acoustic glass windshield.

Traditionally, automakers with standard and luxury marques tend to jazz up the more premium version in terms of design, but in the case of the Armada, its more refined physique is easier on the eyes than its QX80 sibling.

Luxurious amenities aren’t lost on the 2017 Armada, either, as the interior gains wood trim, metallic accents, heated front leather seats, a 13-speaker Bose audio system, and an 8.0-inch infotainment monitor as standard. Stepping up to the Armada Platinum brings heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seating, a heated steering wheel, and a rear entertainment system with twin 7.0-inch displays.

Regardless of trim, the 2017 Armada is powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine making 390 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, an improvement of 73 horsepower and 16 lb-ft of torque over the outgoing model. The new Armada is also 1.2-inches longer than the current model while riding on a 2.1-inch shorter wheelbase. Seating for eight passengers remains the only layout.

Replacing the current five-speed transmission is the Japanese automaker’s standard seven-speed automatic gearbox. Rear-wheel drive is the default setup but all-wheel drive is available in higher-spec trims. All versions will have tow ratings of 8,500 pounds.

The 2017 Nissan Armada will go on sale this summer and pricing will be announced in the coming months.

Editors' Recommendations

Miles Branman
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles…
These new NASA EVs will drive astronauts part way to the moon (sort of)
NASA's new crew transportation electric vehicles.

Three specially designed, fully electric, environmentally friendly crew transportation vehicles for Artemis missions arrived at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida this week. The zero-emission vehicles, which will carry astronauts to Launch Complex 39B for Artemis missions, were delivered by Canoo Technologies of Torrance, California. NASA/Isaac Watson

NASA has shown off a trio of new all-electric vehicles that will shuttle the next generation of lunar astronauts to the launchpad at the Kennedy Space Center.

Read more
5 upcoming EVs I’m excited for, from luxury SUVs to budget champions
Lotus Eletre

Almost every major automaker has released an EV by now -- or plans to soon -- and makers like Ford and Kia already have a variety to choose from. But if you haven't found one that's right for you yet, hang tight. There are dozens of announced electric car models that have yet to come out, and it's clear that the future of EVs is bright.

From longer range to lower prices, the next batch of EVs gives us plenty to get excited about. Here are five upcoming EVs that we can't wait to drive.
Volvo EX30

Read more
Tesla shows off first Cybertruck after two years of delays
The first Cybertruck built at Tesla's Giga Texas facility.

The first Cybertruck built at Tesla's Giga Texas facility. Tesla

Tesla has shown off the first Cybertruck to roll off the production line at its new Gigafactory plant in Austin, Texas.

Read more