The 2012 Nissan Armada is definitely not the apple of the eyes of the reviewers. In fact, it ranks low in the competition in its class, which gives even more reason to take a second look at it.
Every car manufacturer intends to make every edition better.
However, Nissan seems to have overlooked important aspects, such as passenger space and fuel economy.
Specifications
Vehicle Type: SUV | Base Price: $39,870.00 |
Fuel Tank Capacity: 28 gallons (106L) | MPG: 13 city / 19 hwy |
Length: 207.7 in. (527.5 cm) | Wheel Base: 123.2 in. (312.9 cm) |
Height: 77.2 in. (196 cm) | Width: 79.3 in. (201.4 cm) |
Curb Weight: 5251 lbs (2381 kg) | Ground Clearance: 9.8 in. (24.8 cm) |
Luggage Capacity: 20 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 8 people |
Engine: 32 Valve V8 DOHC | Displacement: 5.6 Liter |
Horsepower: 317 HP | Max RPM: 5200 RPM |
Torque: 385 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic |
Max Towing Capacity: 8200 lbs (3719 kgs) | Maximum Speed: NA |
Option:Armada SL 4WD | MSRP: $45,320; MPG: 13 city / 19 hwy |
Option:Armada Platinum 4WD | MSRP: $52,220; MPG: 13 city / 19 hwy |
Engine
Under the hood, the 2012 Armada houses a V8 5.6 liter engine that delivers 317 horsepower and 385 ft of torque. The engine is paired with an automatic 5-speed transmission.
The muscle provided in the Armada is not the leader in its class. Nevertheless, it has enough to let you pass and tow stuff like any other SUV in the competition. The new 2-wheel drive Armada, according to the EPA, has a fuel efficiency rating of 19 mpg for highway and 13 mpg for city driving. This statistics may disappoint prospective Armada owners.
Performance
In city driving, the powerful V8 can deliver strong take offs. The throttle just seems to be a little bit more sensitive than others in its class. But after driving the Armada for minutes, you will surely get the hang of it.
It accelerates well in highways and it can leave slow traffic behind. It is true that it is not the most powerful but still, it can lend adequate strength when you need it to.
Definitely, crossover SUVs outperform the Armada when it comes to handling. But for a big crossover, the handling of the Armada is good enough. The new Armada is available in the standard rear-wheel drive but prospective owners can go for the all-wheel drive model.
The AWD works as a rear-wheel drive most of the time but in certain conditions, power is transferred to the front wheels so they can share the load. This clever feature is not bad either. Moreover, the AWD Armada can tow up to 9,000 lbs.
Exterior
When it comes to trucks, companies do not need to go the extra mile to make it look unique. After all, all a truck needs is a big cabin to match the big engine. The overall appearance of the new Armada is the standard look for trucks.
Interior
The interior is another area that Nissan seemed to overlook. The lack of room in the third row is very obvious and if you expected it to be big because its appearance from outside suggests so, you will be more disappointed. The cabin of the Armada is not as large as it appears. There are no problems about the front seats for the driver and the passenger though.
We give good credits to Nissan for providing adequate cargo space. Behind the 3rd row it has 20 cubic feet of space and 56.7 cubic feet when you fold it. It gives a total of 97.1 cubic feet.
Safety
The new Armada comes with standard anti lock brakes, traction control, brake assist, electronic distribution for brake force and a total of six air bags. Prospective owners can go for the optional rear view camera.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not tested the Armada but the federal government gave it 3 out of 5 stars for the rollover test.
Reliability
The 2012 Armada comes with the standard 3-year warranty and 5-year warranty for the power train.
Pros
The new Armada has a capable engine and the clever dual range gearing.
Cons
The cabin is not spacious and the overall performance is not as good as its competitors.
We could only hope for the next edition of the Armada to be better. If you need more than a beefy powertrain, there are better choices than the 2012 Nissan Armada.
Competition
The Armada has joined the SUV segment to compete with the likes of the GMC Yukon (MSRP $55,010; 14 city / 18 hwy) and the Chevrolet Tahoe (MSRP $38,755; 15 city / 21 hwy).
Overall Rating
73 out of 100
What others say:
“It’s lacking in some features and its interior is a bit cheap, but the 2012 Nissan Armada has rugged good looks and a beefy V-8 powertrain.”Car Connection
“Armada is as clumsy in close quarters as any big SUV. The steering has a firm feel, but this big SUV reacts slowly to inputs. Cornering behavior is generally good, with no undue noseplow or body lean.”Consumer Guide
“The Armada is a large, truck-based SUV with seating for eight. It features an independent rear suspension.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“If you’re looking for a powerful, tech-savvy SUV with edgy styling that makes a bold statement, the 2012 Nissan Armada SUV outshines most competitors in its segment and even a few luxury models costing thousands more.”KBB
“Though the 2012 Nissan Armada is a capable full-size SUV, it’s outclassed by newer rivals as well as the latest crop of crossover SUVs.”Edmunds