The Nissan Armada has been Nissan’s largest sport utility for years. This current generation, which debuted in 2017, is the best selling yet and features all of the things big SUV buyers want. For 2021, the Armada got some styling updates, a larger touchscreen, and more standard safety features. These carry over to 2022.
The 2022 Nissan Armada’s strong points are plentiful: a smooth-running V8 engine, an appealing interior, good looks, and solid towing capability. There are downsides as well, inherent to most body-on-frame (truck-based) SUVs: fuel economy is not good, drive quality is boat-like, and getting in and out means climbing–even if you’re tall. Yet it seems rare for those shopping in this category to care about those downers. We also noted that while the infotainment interface and larger screen are big updates this year, they still feel dated and clunky to use. The third row in the Armada isn’t particularly large either, with most crossovers and smaller vehicles with three rows having similar or more space.
With all that, however, the 2022 Armada definitely checks the boxes that SUV buyers have. The new front and rear styling is more on point with current trends, though still very truck-like in its design, and the 12.3-inch touchscreen is a huge (4-inch) leap up for this Nissan. The restyled center stack that touchscreen fits into is also very nicely done. Anyone shopping a Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Expedition will find appeal in the Nissan Armada as well. Plus a better warranty, we’ll add.
The 2022 Armada seats up to eight and comes in any of four trim levels. All of those trims come standard with a 5.6-liter V8 engine (400 horsepower, 413 pound-feet of torque) and seven-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive is available for all models. Beyond that, standard features are still plentiful with LED headlamps, a towing kit (with trailer brake controller pre-wiring), dual-zone climate, the new 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a full suite of safety techs. Those include forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and front/rear parking sensors. Pricing for the base model 2022 Nissan Armada starts at $48,900 plus delivery.
Things only go up from that base level with each trim adding more amenities and upgrades. The mid-range SL model, for example, adds a 360-degree camera system for parking and an option for second-row captain’s chairs. The cool Midnight Edition for the SL trim adds blackout color scheme changes to the Armada’s wheels and trim points.
We’ve driven the Armada many times over the years and really enjoy the 2021 updates made. On or off the road, the 2WD-to-4WD system is excellent, towing is very good (8,500 pound max capacity), and living with it everyday is fine. Those living in an urban environment or where parking is scarce or tight won’t like a big SUV like this, but in suburbia and rural America, the 2022 Armada is a wonderful land yacht. And amazingly comfortable on the highway. At 19 mpg (per the EPA) and 17.8 mpg (per our experience).
For the price tag, size, capability, and amenities included, the 2022 Nissan Armada is not too shabby. There are better options if a full-sized SUV isn’t what you really need, but for those who do, this is a solid choice.
