When last I spent a week with a Nissan Armada was a 2020 model. I generally liked the big SUV and found it comfortable, but in a world of big SUVs it seemed a little bit underwhelming, a bit plain, and utilitarian and in need of an update.
Well, guess what.
Nissan either heard me, or more likely already had plans in place, and updated the Armada last year. For last year they updated the exterior styling, increased the horses under the big hood from 390 to 400 and perhaps most importantly updated the interior adding Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay capability as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot standard.
Considering that there was a complete update in 2021, the 2022 model I spent a recent week with had only the optional power-folding third-row seats the only update for this year.
For 2021 the Armada got a new trim for the entry level, S. This in addition to the SV, SL, and Platinum trims, either two or four-wheel drive. The Platinum Reserve I had in 2020 was dropped last year and most of those features rolled into the Platinum. You can add the Midnight Edition package to the SL trim which will give you the blacked-out version of the Armada with black rearview mirrors, black painted roof rails, black front and rear skid plates, a blacked-out grille, black exterior logos, along with a black interior.
Also last year Nissan added safety features standard like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot intervention, and driver attention alert. This in addition to the always standard Safety Shield 360 system also includes features such as blind-spot detection, automated emergency braking, high-beam assist, and rear automated braking.
Inside the refreshed interior there are fewer buttons on the center stack below the new infotainment screen, which is now 12.3 inches, up from 8.0 inches. Between the tachometer and speedometer is a new, 7.0-inch display screen. Overall, the interior looks considerably more modern which is exactly what the Armada needed.
One the road there is still the nice comfortable ride, and maybe it was only my imagination, but I felt I could tell the 10 added horses from the 5.6-liter V-8, but maybe not.
Overall, the 2022 Armada took something that was pretty good, and made it better. The only drawback it’s the dreadful fuel mileage, 13 city, 18 highway and 15 combined, but when fuel prices come down (and trust me they will come down), that won’t be as much of an issue.
I just hope I don’t have to wait too long to get another week with it.
The 2022 Nissan Armada Platinum
MSRP: $68,300
MSRP(as tested): $71,275
Engine 5.6-liter V8 400 hp @5800 rpm, 413 lb.-ft. torque @4000 rpm
Fuel Mileage (EPA): 13 city, 18 highway, 15 combined
Fuel Mileage (as tested mixed conditions): 20 mpg
Base curb weight: 5958 lbs.
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase (inches): 121.1
Length (inches): 208.9
Width, without mirrors (inches): 79.9
Height (inches): 75.8
Front Track Width (inches): 67.5
Rear Track Width (inches): 67.9
Minimum Ground Clearance (inches): 9.2
Liftover Height (inches): 35
Interior Dimensions
Passenger / Seating Capacity: 8
Front Head Room (inches): 39.8
Front Leg Room (inches): 41.9
Front Shoulder Room (inches): 63.8
Front Hip Room (inches): 59.2
Second Row Head Room (inches): 40
Second Row Leg Room (inches): 41
Second Row Shoulder Room (inches): 63.4
Second Row Hip Room (inches): 58.4
Third Row Head Room (inches): 36.4
Third Row Leg Room (inches): 28.4
Third Row Shoulder Room (inches): 60.5
Third Row Hip Room (inches): 48.8
Cargo Space/Area Length Behind First Row (inches): 86.2
Cargo Space/Area Length Behind Second Row (inches): 49.1
Cargo Space/Area Length Behind Third Row (inches): 20.3
Cargo Space/Area Width at Beltline (inches): 63.4
Cargo Bed Width Between Wheelhousings (inches): 48.8
Cargo Bed Height (inches): 36.7
Cargo Space/Area Behind Front Row (cubic feet): 95.4
Cargo Space/Area Behind Second Row (cubic feet): 49.9
Cargo Space/Area Behind Third Row (cubic feet): 16.5
Warranty
Basic: 3 Yr./ 36000 Mi.
Drivetrain: 5 Yr./ 60000 Mi.
Roadside: 3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Greg has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.