2016 Chicago Auto Show: 2017 Nissan Armada: Comments

[William Maley]

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The Nissan Armada was a dinosaur in the brand's SUV lineup and we're not talking about the size. The current model has been with us since 2004 and has changed very little. We were wondering if anything was going to happen, especially the sister car - the Infiniti QX80 - had been updated a couple years ago. Tonight, Nissan answered this question with a new Armada for 2017.

 

The new Armada looks very similar to the QX80 in terms of overall looks. The only difference is a new front end that comes from the Titan. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 20 inches. Compared to the outgoing model, the 2017 Armada is 1.2 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider, rides 2.2 inches lower, and features a smaller wheelbase.

 

Move inside and the similarities to the QX80 continue with both models sharing the same dash design and layout. All trims get heated seats, navigation, dual-zone climate control, and push-button start. Seating ranges from eight on the SV and SL trims, to seven on the top of the line Platinum (second row captain chairs).

 

Power comes from an updated 5.6L Endurance V8 producing 390 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Yes, this the same engine you'll find under the hood of the Titan and Titan XD starting this April. A seven-speed automatic comes standard, and there is a choice between two-wheel and four-wheel drive. Nissan says with either layout, the Armada can tow up to 8,500 pounds.

 

Nissan says the Armada will be available at dealers later this summer. Pricing will be announced at a later time.

 

Source: Nissan

 

 

 

You can follow our coverage of 2016 Chicago Auto Show News here.

 

Press Release is on Page 2

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2017 Nissan Armada full-size SUV makes world debut at Chicago Auto Show

• Designed for full-size family adventures, the 2017 Armada offers new exterior and interior designs, along with enhanced performance from new 390-horsepower 5.6-liter Endurance® V8 and 7-speed automatic transmission
• Features class-exclusive* available safety and security features, including Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Intervention, Backup Collision Intervention and Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection
• The new generation of Nissan's flagship SUV is due to arrive in summer 2016
• Will be on display at Chicago's McCormick Place, Feb. 13th through 21st
  

CHICAGO – Nissan debuted the all-new 2017 Armada full-size SUV this evening prior to its upcoming appearance at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, the largest auto show in North America. Nissan is also displaying a trio of "Winter Warriors," custom-built Pathfinder, Murano and Rogue models equipped with special snow tracks in place of their wheels and tires.

 

The new Armada features a fresh exterior design, a comfortable full-feature cabin, enhanced performance and an extensive list of available safety and convenience features – including Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Backup Collision Intervention (BCI), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Distance Control Assist (DCA), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) and Blind Spot Warning (BSW).

 

"With the introduction of the all-new, second-generation Armada full-size SUV, the last piece of Nissan's transformation of its SUV and crossover lineup falls into place following the recent makeovers of our Pathfinder, Murano and Rogue models," said Phil O'Connor, Director, Chief Marketing Manager, Nissan North America, Inc. "We're particularly proud that with this new Armada we're setting a new standard in class, offering advanced safety and security features usually reserved for much higher priced luxury sedans or premium SUVs."

 

The 2017 Nissan Armada
The new Armada also continues the nameplate's reputation for value and choice, offering a range of three high-content grade levels – SV, SL and Platinum – in both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive configurations. In addition, the 2017 Armada offers an exceptional array of standard features, including Nissan Navigation with NavTraffic and NavWeather information (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately) and 8.0-inch color display, heated front seats and 13-speaker Bose® audio system.

 

The all-new Armada is built on the heritage of the Nissan Patrol, which has been a workhorse for the world for many decades. While it is intended primarily for family adventures here in North America, Armada remains true to its roots as a strong, durable and authentic full-size, 8-passenger SUV. As part of its adventure-ready spirit, the new Armada offers standard towing capacity of 8,500 pounds for both 4WD and 2WD models (when properly equipped).

 

Armada's redesigned body features an aggressive stance with bold V-motion front grille and standard LED low-beam headlights and signature LED Daytime Running Lights – maintaining the previous generation's rugged, athletic image but with added contemporary style. In the rear, bold combination lights include LED taillights.

 

Inside, the 2017 Armada combines style, roominess and premium interior comfort – including special emphasis on quietness and quick interior cooling and heating. "Library level" interior noise levels (at idle) are achieved through the use of acoustic glass on the windshield and the front side windows, as well as through expanded use (versus the previous generation) of sound absorption materials.

 

The new Endurance V8, while maintaining the same 5.6-liter displacement as its predecessor, offers an increase in horsepower to 390 from the previous 317, thanks in part to the addition of several advanced technologies – including new Direct Injection Gas (DIG™) and advanced VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) systems. Also new is the advanced 7-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the previous 5-speed automatic.

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[ocnblu]

Thanks for the tape measure stats there, Mr. Maley.  I guess the vehicle's reduced height fooled me in photos posted earlier.

[smk4565]

14 mpg here we come!

[William Maley]

14 mpg here we come!

 

Hey! That would be an improvement over the 10 MPG I got when I drove the last-gen Armada a couple years ago.

[surreal1272]

I cannot properly express into words how utterly horrible looking that thing is.

[Cory Wolfe]

This is wrong on all levels... but I sort of like it. The look suits Nissan more than it does Infiniti with the QX80. 

[Drew Dowdell]

Updated the article with the live shots from the event tonight.

[regfootball]

terrible. 

[G. David Felt]

WOW, So now you can over pay for an Infiniti badge or pay less and get the same XQ80 at Nissan.

 

Still ugly as always, dated looking and is the wrinkles in the leather on the door supposed to say quality or just we were to cheap to build it right?

[Frisky Dingo]

Much, much better. Although, that's not saying much. It actually looks better than the Infiniti.

[ocnblu]

Agreed.  It actually sort of works as a Datsun.  As an Infiniti... too much jazz hands.

[smk4565]

I wonder how long this and it's Infiniti cousin, along with the LX570, Tahoe, Expedition, and other big body on frame SUVs stick around.    I feel like a lot of them are as dated as the Crown Vic and Town car were, but there are so few, they sort of have the market sewn up, until one day the market just dies all together.  You'd think as we near 2025 these manufacturers will move to unibody full size crossovers.

[Robert Hall]

As long as gas prices stay cheap the market for full size SUVs will remain, I suspect...I have driven the latest generation of Tahoe, it's a very comfortable daily driver and road trip vehicle..doesn't feel truckish at all.

Edited February 12, 2016 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[smk4565]

But they also have a 2025 CAFE target that they have to hit. 

[Robert Hall]

But they also have a 2025 CAFE target that they have to hit. 

I'm surprised Congress hasn't tried to roll that back..

[G. David Felt]

Today Feb 11th 2016 Oil closed at $26.72 per barrel for long range contracts. Wholesale Gas closed at .81 cents per gallon.

 

SMK if you had driven a current Escalade, Yukon or Suburban/Tahoe you would realize these large BOF SUVs drive like any other car out there and in many ways better than CUVs. My BOF Trailblazer SS AWD has a tighter turning radius than the Unibody CUVs sold by Chevy, Ford, etc.

 

Do not discount BOF as being inferior as there are plenty of examples that show it does compete and beats Unibody.

[Robert Hall]

 My BOF Trailblazer SS AWD has a tighter turning radius than the Unibody CUVs sold by Chevy, Ford, etc.

 

The tighter turning radius has nothing to do with it being BOF, it's because of its north-south RWD/4WD drivetrain rather than the transverse FWD/AWD layout of the Equinox, Explorer, etc. 

[G. David Felt]

 

 My BOF Trailblazer SS AWD has a tighter turning radius than the Unibody CUVs sold by Chevy, Ford, etc.

 

The tighter turning radius has nothing to do with it being BOF, it's because of its north-south RWD/4WD drivetrain rather than the transverse FWD/AWD layout of the Equinox, Explorer, etc. 

 

I understand what you are staying and the point I am making is some people here feel Unibody design is better than BOF and can handle better than BOF. Yes the powertrain layout affects how they can do the suspension and the turn in and out of the steering. Yet the over all handling of my BOF is superior to many Unibody showing that engineering can and does continue to improve old technology to outperform many newer technologies.

[Robert Hall]

 

 

 My BOF Trailblazer SS AWD has a tighter turning radius than the Unibody CUVs sold by Chevy, Ford, etc.

 

The tighter turning radius has nothing to do with it being BOF, it's because of its north-south RWD/4WD drivetrain rather than the transverse FWD/AWD layout of the Equinox, Explorer, etc. 

 

I understand what you are staying and the point I am making is some people here feel Unibody design is better than BOF and can handle better than BOF. Yes the powertrain layout affects how they can do the suspension and the turn in and out of the steering. Yet the over all handling of my BOF is superior to many Unibody showing that engineering can and does continue to improve old technology to outperform many newer technologies.

 

 

Kind of a moot point, as BOF is only used for trucks and full size SUVs today, and people don't buy those for handling.   

[Drew Dowdell]

I get better fuel economy from the Tahoe/Suburban than I do from the Lambdas or explorer v6 anyway. What am I saving by going to a large crossover instead of a full size SUV? Every Lambda I've driven has been a pig on gas.

[ocnblu]

Hence the tiny new Acadia.

[Frisky Dingo]

I have never, nor have I ever seen backed-up claims of anyone getting inferior mileage in a Lambda compared to that in a Tahoe or Suburban.

 

The new GM full-size SUV's feel cheap and flimsy. I have no doubt that a unibody construction would help alleviate that. That's not to say moving away from BOF is necessary, as so long as gas stays cheap, the things are gonna sell. 

[Drew Dowdell]

I have never, nor have I ever seen backed-up claims of anyone getting inferior mileage in a Lambda compared to that in a Tahoe or Suburban.

The new GM full-size SUV's feel cheap and flimsy. I have no doubt that a unibody construction would help alleviate that. That's not to say moving away from BOF is necessary, as so long as gas stays cheap, the things are gonna sell.

I drive both the Lambdas and the full sizers regularly on long distance trips and typically over the same routes. The Lambdas (Enclave or Acadia only) typically return 19 - 21 mpg. The full sizers (suburban usually, Yukon or Tahoe sometimes) will return 21 - 23.

My trips are nearly always 90% highway crossing back and forth from Pittsburgh to the east coast. I did over 2 dozen trips like this over 2015 and 2014 time span.

My theory as to why its like this relates to the need for the Lambdas to need to downshift more often and to a deeper gear to get up the hills and that the Suburban can run as a 4 cylinder for a good chunk of the time aside from when climbing hills.

Hence the tiny new Acadia.

Tiny? It's bigger than a Grand Cherokee.