Looking for a large SUV to add to your arsenal, well the Armada is Nissan’s answer.
Just looking at it, we liked what we saw from stature alone. A larger vehicle that did not feel overly so. Although for some one on the lower end of 5 feet, I did have to use the step up to enter the SUV and get a good grip of the handle attached to the door frame to pull myself up and in.
Although, all this girth is not just for show. Big power comes along with this big build. Each Nissan Armada is equipped with a 400-horsepower V8 engine and the 2023 model is no exception. Not that you can hear too much of this, given the distance from driver’s seat to the V8 and how sound proof the cabin is. This is coupled with power acceleration. The Armada is speedy with a gentle touch of the gas, as well ans agile and easy to maneuver for such a large sports utility vehicle. You feel like you are behind the wheel of a truck given the height and towing capability: an impressive 8,500 pounds. It has some truck tough energy. There is even a button that reduces the tire pressure for a softer tire and more traction, given the terrain.
Inside, the 2023 Armada is spacious and a roomy 7 seater. Each individual, including the first passenger row has their own climate control buttons at their fingertips. Whereas the back most row isn’t fully equipped, but it does easily fold down for plenty of cargo room and storage.
For a base model vehicle, the 2023 Nissan Armada still comes with a slew of features. Like hands free controls with the addition of Amazon’s Alexa, remote starter, LED bright fog lights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and the above mentioned heated steering wheel.
And you do get a luxury feel within cabin thanks to its panoramic sunroof, waxy marble-like panels, and design driven detailing. The latter of which includes leather seats and arm rests stitched on with some ruching at its seams. Each seat itself is firm with minimal lumbar support, but enough of a bucket that it hugs you, diminishing body rolling. The arm rest is also wide and set at a comfortable height to ease you into comfort. The sound system is pretty decent, not the top of the line, but the sound is improved by the larger interior and the quiet nature of the cabin.
I especially liked the centre console compartmentalizing with a door that springs open and pushes close. Within you have your wireless charging mat and cable outlets for connecting your digital devices.
The only eyesore was the left side of the wheel. It felt like there were so many unnecessary buttons on it. These are meant to be at your finger tips ready, but excessive seeing as it is not often that you need fog lights or hand warmer short cut.
In short, a great big build SUV that I can get behind. Ideal for a family full day or an escape into the wilderness.
