2008 Nissan Armada: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Freshened styling and more available features mark the 2008 Nissan Armada. Armada shares its basic design with Nissan's Titan pickup truck. It offers SE and LE versions in rear- and 4-wheel drive. The 4WD system can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. The sole engine is a 5.6-liter V8. It teams with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 9100 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows, and front side airbags. A load-leveling suspension is standard on LE, optional on SE. A power liftgate is standard on LEs, available for SEs; both include opening glass. Leather upholstery is available for SE, standard on LE. A 2nd-row bench for eight-passenger capacity is standard. Seven-passenger seating with captains chairs for the 2nd-row and a removable center console is a no-cost option on LE. The 3rd-row bench has a 60/40 split and folds into the cargo floor. Newly available features include keyless access and engine start and a Bose-brand audio system with 9.3-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music files. Exclusive to LE is an optional navigation system. Nissan's upscale Infiniti brand sells a retrimmed Armada as the QX56.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large SUVs are traditionally workhorse seven-plus passenger wagons with brawny truck-type chassis, ample towing ability, lots of cargo space, and generally poor fuel economy. These vehicles offer towing and payload ratings similar to large pickup trucks.

Our Best Buys include Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Ford Expedition. We have no Recommended picks in this class for 2008.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Sequoia. The Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon add a gas/electric hybrid model for 2008.