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| Nissan Armada |
At the Chicago Auto Show, Nissan pulled the covers off the latest version of its full-size Armada SUV. If the "fleet of warships" name didn't give you enough of a hint, it brings a bit of attitude to the line of full-size family hauling trucks.
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Sporting a body similar to the QX80 from Nissan's luxury arm
Infiniti, the Armada makes its linage known with a big, chromed-out
Nissan grille. Behind the grille, however, is a new 5.6-liter V8 engine
bolted to the fully boxed ladder frame.
Though the same size as the last Armada's V8, this new one — thanks to a lot of new tech — gets 73 more horsepower for a total of 390. All of that is routed to a seven-speed automatic transmission that turns either the rear or all four wheels, depending on whether you buy the 4x4 version or not.
Although powerful, and capable of towing 8,500 pounds, the engine is shockingly quiet — at least, according to Nissan. The Japanese carmaker brags the interior has "library levels" of quietness. More than quiet, it's also luxurious. The 8-inch navigation screen and 13(!) speakers come standard, as well as heated front seats and dual zone climate control.
The new Armada signals that Nissan is keen to make the most of this weird time in automotive history while gas is cheap. Personally, I'm glad to see it. The last model had a dated design and wasn't compelling. However, if this one takes lessons from the QX80, which I consider one of the best big SUVs on the road today (minus the Infiniti silliness), the 2017 Armada should be extremely rewarding.
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