Peter Palmer: First Look: 2017 Nissan Armada

The 2017 Nissan Armada is no longer based on the full-size Titan pickup, instead it’s based on the global market Nissan Patrol. Previously, the North American market got the Patrol as an Infiniti QX80, and now it arrives with Nissan emblems.

What’s New

With the shift from the previous generation Titan pickup to the Patrol, the new Armada’s wheelbase has shrunk by 2.1 inches to 121.1 inches, but the overall length has grown by 1.2 inches to 208.9 inches.

The new Armada is 0.6 inches wider than the current model and is 2.2 inches lower in height when compared to its predecessor.

The chassis underpinning the redesigned 2017 Nissan Armada is considerably different than before, with the frame-rail width increased from 2.4 to 3.9 inches in certain areas. The entire vehicle now rides on a four-corner control-arm suspension. According to Nissan, the new Armada’s body torsional rigidity has increased by 20 percent.

Acoustic glass on the windshield and front side windows is now included.

Like the current Armada, the new model can seat up to eight occupants as standard, with 60/40 split third-row seats that fold flat into the floor. Depending on the trim level and options, the 2017 Nissan Armada weighs anywhere from 5600 to 6000 pounds, an increase of 125 to 300 pounds from the current model.

Performance

The only engine available in the new Nissan Armada is the 5.6 L Endurance V8, which it shares with the new half-ton Titan pickup. The direct-injected motor pumps out 390 horsepower and 401 lb.ft. torque, which is a noticeable gain from the current V8’s power output of 317 horsepower and 385 lb.ft. torque.

The engine is backed by a new seven-speed automatic, which replaces the ancient five-speed unit found in the current model. With the new drivetrain combination, Nissan claims the 2017 Armada is more fuel efficient while its maximum tow rating rises to 8500 pounds. The optional, rearward biased AWD system can send up to 50% of the torque to the front wheels. It also features a low range with 3.35:1 crawl ratio.

Nissan 5.6 L Endurance V8

Exterior Highlights & Trim Levels

Like the global Nissan Patrol, the new Armada features a bold exterior design that is highlighted with boomerang shaped headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, Nissan’s signature “V-motion” grille, and two-tone effect paint with dark painted fenders and running boards. Chrome trim is generously used on the Armada’s mirrors, door handles, window edges, and grille.

The 2017 Nissan Armada will be offered in three trim levels: SV, SL, and Platinum.

The entry-level SV trim includes cloth seats, Navigation, 13 speaker Bose audio system, heated front seats, second-row “curtain” vent for rapid heating/cooling for rear occupants, push-button start, backup camera, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The mid-level SL trim adds leather seats, fog lamps, remote start, power liftgate, power-folding 60/40 rear bench seats, and 20-inch painted rims. The top-of-the-range Platinum trim adds heated and cooled front seats, heated outer second-row seats, 7.0 inch rear entertainment screens, a moonroof, and 20-inch painted alloy rims.

Standard on the Platinum and optional on the SL trim, the new Armada features a slew of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning and intervention, backup-collision assist, predictive forward-collision assist, and emergency braking. The Platinum trimmed Armada can also be ordered with second-row captain’s chairs, which feature a removable center console.

Availability

The 2017 Nissan Armada will go on sale this summer. Prices for each of the three trim levels will be announced closer to that time.

*Rahul Raman is the Founder of CARS 360 Mke, an automotive news outlet. He is a regular contributor to Automoblog.net and the author of our First Look series.