Overview
Calling it the “full-size SUV for full-size lives,” the Armada hit dealer showrooms in fall 2003 as a 2004 model. The Armada gave Nissan a legitimate offering to compete with the likes of the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition. Nissan gave buyers a premium interior that was cut above that of the leaders in the segment, hoping to lure them away.
Able to haul up to eight passengers, the 3-row Armada offered plenty of space for people and cargo. Perhaps most impressive was the 5.6-liter 32-valve Endurance V8 producing 305 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque that could tow a class-leading 9,100 pounds. These trends would carry on throughout the three generations of the Armada.
Model Years
Generation 3: 2025 – 2025
The third-generation Armada gets its facelift much faster than its predecessor. It also gets a big change under the hood, as Nissan plunks a 3.5-liter twin-turbo 6-cylinder under the hood. It develops 425 hp, but still tows 8,500 pounds.
Generation 2: 2017 – 2024
The second-gen Armada gets a long overdue restyle and a power upgrade to 390 hp, which is best in class. However, despite getting 85 more ponies, it tows less than its predecessor: 8,500 pounds vs. 9,100 pounds.
