Nissan introduces second-generation Armada full-size SUV

(February 11, 2016) With the introduction of the all-new second-generation Armada full-size SUV, arriving at Nissan dealers nationwide in mid-2016, the last piece of Nissan’s transformation of its SUV and crossover lineup falls into place. As the largest and most powerful vehicle in the portfolio, Armada earns its flagship status by every measure — whether performance, refinement, advanced technology and even heritage.

Unlike the original Armada, which was based on the Nissan Titan full-size pickup, the new-generation design traces back to one of Nissan’s most beloved global vehicles, the Patrol.

“The Nissan Patrol nameplate goes back to 1951 and its reputation as a global workhorse is unparalleled — whether as a frequent support vehicle to the United Nations’ peace keeping efforts or as a three-time class winner of the Paris-Dakar Rally,” said Michael Bunce, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc.



“While the new Armada is intended primarily for family adventures here in North America, Armada owners will benefit from its underpinnings as a strong, durable and authentic full-size SUV with ruggedness to spare.”

Key distinctions between the 2017 Armada and the previous generation include a fresh exterior design, enhanced performance from a new 390-horsepower 5.6-liter Endurance V8 and new 7-speed automatic transmission, a comfortable full-feature cabin and class-exclusive available safety and security features including Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Blind Spot Intervention (BSI), Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) and Around View Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD).

The new Armada also continues the nameplate’s reputation for value and choice, offering a range of three high-content grade levels — SV, SL and Platinum — in both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive configurations. In addition, the 2017 Armada offers an exceptional array of standard features, including Nissan Navigation with NavTraffic and NavWeather information (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) and 8.0-inch color display, heated front seats and 13-speaker Bose audio system.

Like the first-generation Armada, the 2017 model features rugged body-on-frame construction, providing a balance of strength, durability and utility – including the ability to tow up to 8,500 pounds with confidence (when properly equipped).

“While most SUVs and crossovers have moved to a sedan-like unibody construction, when you want to tackle big adventures with big groups of family and friends, there’s no substitute for a sturdy steel frame,” explained Bunce. “We’ve found that families enter the full-size SUV segment before they fully need one. As their needs grow, Armada has more than enough room and strength to meet both current and future family demands.”

The new-generation Armada offers a number of enhancements over the previous design. For example, the side rails of the fully boxed ladder frame have been expanded from 60-millimeter width to 100-millimeter in key areas. The all-new body design offers a 20 percent increase in twisted body stiffness, helping enhance handling and ride comfort.

Maintaining its full 8-passenger utility, overall length is now 1.2 inches longer on a slightly shorter (2.1-inch) wheelbase, remaining 4.9 inches longer than Armada’s major competitor. The new Armada is also 0.6-inch wider and 2.2-inches lower in height.

Armada’s new exterior appearance is both powerful and refined. The redesigned body features an aggressive stance with bold V-motion front grille and standard LED low-beam headlights with halogen high beams and LED Daytime Running Lights – maintaining the previous generation’s rugged, athletic image but with added contemporary style. The headlights offer a standard auto on/off feature. Fog lights are standard on SL and Platinum grades (optional on SV). In the rear, bold combination lights include LED taillights.