Acceleration

4WD SE	2WD LE	Class Average
5	5	5.9

Armada delivers fairly strong takeoffs, and it bests heavier QX56 for towing capacity, 9100 lb vs. 8900. One test Armada had overly sensitive throttle action, resulting in jerky progress around town. Handy tow-haul mode complements the alert, smooth-shifting automatic transmission.

Fuel Economy

4WD SE	2WD LE	Class Average
2	2	2.8

In Consumer Guide testing, 2WD Armadas averaged 12 mpg in mostly city driving and just 14.5 in mostly highway use. A QX56 averaged 12.7 mpg with slightly more city driving. Armada uses regular-grade gas, and it can also run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. Nissan/Infiniti recommends premium for the QX56.

Ride Quality

4WD SE	2WD LE	Class Average
6	6	6.3

Most low-speed bumps and ruts are taken in stride, but jiggle is noticeable over patchy pavement and expansion joints at highway speeds. Armada doesn't show much float or wallow on dips and swells. We recommend the available load-leveling suspension.

Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD SE	2WD LE	Class Average
3	3	3.8

As clumsy in close quarters as any big SUVs. The steering has a firm feel, but Armada reacts slowly to inputs. Cornering behavior is generally good, with no undue noseplow or body lean. Good stopping control, but testers are divided on pedal modulation. Some find too much free play.

Quietness

4WD SE	2WD LE	Class Average
5	5	6.6

Armada suffers marked full-throttle engine roar. Wind and road noise are nicely muffled. Test examples had various creaks and rattles, including a squeaking steering column and wind whistle from the cargo area.

Controls

4WD SE	2WD LE	Class Average
6	6	6.2

The gauges are easy to read. Simple three-dial climate system may be a stretch away for some drivers, and dial positions can be tough to decipher in sunny conditions.

Details

4WD SE	2WD LE	Class Average
5	5	5.8

Interior decor is mostly plain with materials that trail Armada's large-SUV rivals.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD SE	2WD LE	Class Average
9	9	8.8

Roomy, supportive seats, but Armada wedges driver's manual lumbar-adjustment lever against the door pillar. Standard tilt steering wheel teams with standard power pedals to fine-tune a comfortable driving position. Small nearby objects are tough to spot, but visibility is commanding otherwise, helped by jumbo door mirrors and unobtrusive headrests. Very high step-in gives standard running boards a workout.

Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD SE	2WD LE	Class Average
7	7	7.8

Large doorways, but step-in is steep here, too. Generous 2nd-row space, but the available bucket seats are narrow and lack proper contouring and thigh support. They tumble forward, but leave a slim passage that means a jungle-gym climb into or out of 3rd row. Once there, adults find a flat, hard, undersized bench and less space than in most other large SUVs.

Cargo Room

4WD SE	2WD LE	Class Average
8	8	9.6

High-ride stance means high load floor, makes available power liftgate a near necessity. No need to remove any headrests to fold rear seatbacks. Modest space behind 3rd-row seat, but its split folding design adds versatility. Too bad raising those 3rd-row seats requires crawling into load area or climbing into 2nd row. Right-front seatback folds flat for a long cargo channel. Terrific interior storage: bins, pockets, beverage holders abound.

Value within Class

4WD SE	2WD LE	Class Average
6	5	7.5

Armada doesn't lead the large-SUV class in any area. It trails key rivals in 3rd-row comfort and ease of entry and exit. Still, engine performance is laudable, and prices generally undercut those of similarly equipped competitors. Despite quality gaffes in some of our test models, Nissan does have a good reputation for mechanical reliability.

Total Score

4WD SE	2WD LE	Class Average
62	61	71.1

Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		61
Average Score		71
High Score		79