I haven't even watched the video yet but came here to say that even though I have zero interest in (or need for) an Armada, I'm looking forward to watching your review because you guys make such enjoyable videos!
I"ve now watched it and my opinion is the same: no need or desire for an Armada (though it looks nice if I needed a large 3-row SUV that I wasn't planning to take off-road ever), and you guys do very fun videos.
Every review except for Moto Man has completely missed the point on this vehicle. Super reliable VK56 V8 engine with a very reliable transmission in a comfortable driving package that tows 8500 pounds. Armada is a very smooth driving vehicle and out performs a number of its competitors. Where Armada truly shines is on the used market where it is tens of thousands less than direct competitors. Of the turbo motored competitors only the Sequoia gives any confidence that it would be around in 5 or 6 years. The full size SUVs with turbocharged V4s and V6s are going tonbe burned out in that time. The Armada is closer to the Land Cruiser in terms of build quality. These are vehicles designed for 400k miles and then some with proper maintenance. Chevy and Ford will be sputtering at sketchy used lots or in the junkyard by 150k
This right here. And when the UN can't get their hands on LCs where do they turn to? The patrol. I mean, the Armada. And the pièce de résistance; it is J-vinned car.
Right, It may not be the rage of hotness new thing but It will probably still get the job done after 150k miles when the other disposable cross overs are on the buy here pay here action lots.
You guys do THE BEST reviews on UA-cam! My husband and I have been watching y’all forever and can’t wait for new videos to post! We were cracking up when Evie wasn’t having it when driving! Keep up the amazing work Muzio fam!
From someone who owns a 2019 Platinum Reserve...your review is pretty accurate....1.) it wanders on the road, you really have to drive it or it will stray in the lane, steering is definitely numb 2.) Safety System, why do I have to pressure a button on the steering wheel every time to engage the full system, 3.) Yep rear seats lower slower than sap running down a tree, 4.) Fuel Economy is not great, 15.9 mpg all the time, but it's buttery smooth on the highway and has a larger tank so range is 400 miles 5.). V8 power is great, this thing really hauls off the line if you push it (0-60 mph, 5.9 sec)
Always good when you guys switch.. and let Sweetie (or Evy) drive.. and then get her opinion too... Oh, and thanks for these excellent auto review videos..
This is the smart buy for those wanting a 200 series Land Cruiser replacement with its old school drivetrain and build quality, but at a huge discount. There are reasonably spec versions of these selling new at under 50k right now.
One important thing about the Armada is it’s based on the Patrol. It doesn’t have the hotness of the latest thing but It is close to or equal to the Land Cruiser in terms of quality. Too bad Nissan doesn’t offer some of the off road features that are available on the Patrol. Only criticism of the video is the off road portion. All the modes limit wheel spin so when your stuck just go to low range it turns off traction control and vehicle stability.
WOW! Micah, did I see really just see "Kashmere" by Kashmere Stage Band on the infotainment system at 12:07?! Are you a fan or was that a random shuffle of recommendations by your music app? I'm from Houston and I remember seeing The Kashmere Stage Band (of Houston's Kashmere High School) performing that song in a jazz band competition in Wharton, Texas in 1977! I never forgot that and THAT IS MY JAM! You're a real BADASS!
Why do I always catch myself smiling watching your videos... I even do the information explosion sound by myself (my wife and dog look at me weird when that happens) I even high five you guys when the window goes down 😂 Love your videos. I would love to see you do towing videos with fill size SUV's and share the towing data and capability of the full size SUV's.
Kudos to those engineers who created this 12inch screen and decided to use only 60% of it for 99% of the use cases. Even the camera view is only 60% lol.
Biggest downside when we looked back in 2018 was the load height of the rear. The bumper sticks out and the floor was high up. Couldn’t imagine my wife trying to load things in the back. We went with a 2019 Subaru Ascent. Also the RAB has been superb on the Ascent. Not sure about the hill situation you encountered.
Your video is really making me sway to an Armada. I am looking for a 1-ton originally BUT for SUV I like the proportions of an Armada, its big but not overly big like the Americans its definitely big for a Japanese branded SUV. I just wish Nissan would at least offer a rear locker and make 9-speed a standard transmission.
According to a Nissan brand rep there will be a new Armada in the near future that will hopefully include some repackaging of the interior to take advantage of the space better and include some features from the Patrol which is the platform the Armada is based on. Not the Titan as most seem to think. This is why it still has the 7 speed and not the new 9 sped transmission. Both Patrol and Armada are based on a somewhat modified version of the F-Alpha frame that the Titan and Frontier also use though. The Patrol has a vastly superior traction control system and a locking rear differential and despite the independent rear suspension will cover terrain most folks would be to scared to attempt. Now, being based on a truck platform with a large V8 does intrude into the passenger space which is why a vehicle like the Telluride with it's more compact engine and cab forward (compared to the Armada and vehicles like it) design can boast full size SUV like interior volume and leg room in a more compact package. Nissan's NV vans suffer from being based on a traditional pickup platform as well as they have one to almost two feet less interior cargo length than competitors of the same overall length. Other than the statement that there will be a new Armada coming soon I've heard nothing else. However, given that Nissan did not redesign the frame or suspension to any real degree on the new Frontier, nor did it gain an inch of room or function other than infotainment on the interior I'd wager the new Armada will be a cosmetic upgrade on the interior. A facelift on the exterior. A new transmission and maybe some suspension tuning as well as a few traction enhancing goodies pinched from the Patrol. It'll surely be better but not an all new vehicle by any stretch. But then that fact only seems to bother people when it's Nissan. When Ford or Toyota keep the same basic platform/design around for near 20 years no one bats an eye.
I think it's a little bit strange, given the mileage this truck gets, that they don't put the 9 speed from the Titan in it. It's the same motor I believe, and would give it another mpg or two.
in fact I do agree with her opinion on the folding seat speed .. I will have a heart attack if I wait that long for such folding seat process!! specially at this price point a lot to be considered in which makes me agree with you Micah when it comes to shiny services that reflect the sun to our eyes while driving .. how they keep getting away with that ?! I don't get it !! this is safety concern no doubt honestly .. In the end . customers need options. at least to all Automotive companies. don't force it on us !!
I really need you to do a crossover with TFL. At a minimum please get on TFLtalk. I don't know why I need this and it's probably irrational, but that only makes me want it more.
Has this for a rental. The 3rd row is tiny, and the 2nd row can’t move forward to give you space. Additionally, as you said, the height of the floor for the 3rd row was very high, and the space behind the 3rd row was also very small. Drives big, feels small inside.
Hey Micah do you think if it had the QX80s hydraulic body motion control you might have not had to make the seafaring comments ? :) I’m looking at these twins or the LX570 for big highway mountain pass road trips and as a ski vehicle in Canada. Thanks
Most of the Armada’s (and QX80’s) problems come from it’s Nissan Patrol roots. Just some fancy wheels and skin over a 2010 chassis. That’s why it seems so non-competitive against even some midsizers (like the Telluride mentioned), as these are much more recent vehicles. The 22 inch wheels are a mistake - instead of trying for an luxury oriented aesthetic (which the QX80 already covers), 18 inch wheels with beefy tires and a more outdoors aesthetic would have been a smarter move.
If you ever drive these 2 vehicles, you can tell the difference. Americans has more developed road systems so nissan decided to axe the Patrol system which is a so wrong decision.
In my opinion the Armada is a lemon. Drove one as a rental about 6 months ago and of all the cars/trucks/suv's and rentals I've had over the years I liked this one the least. Great Job on the review.
The biggest problem with the Armada are the American competition. Ford and GM products are better thought out and about as reliable as anything nowadays. Bring Nissan of the 90s back.
The trunk space is abysmal considering the size of the vehicle. No latches in the 3rd row make it hard for a family to choose as well. I've been shopping the Subaru Ascent which is smaller in every exterior dimension by several inches compared to the armada, but has more room in 3rd row, more trunk space, etc.
If you're baby seating in a 3rd row you need a van anyway, that's not muvh of an argument. I always thought 3rd row SUVs were for weekends when there was an extra kid around.
This vehicle is comfortable but the suspension and drive quality is squishy. Turns and emergency maneuvers make you feel like you are goin to tip over. It’s like driving a boat
Personally I feel the style and even functionality of the Armada both are lacking. It screams that it needs a full-fledged remake/ re-fresh of the model. It feels like the finished penning everything about it in 2006 and just keep tacking on new things to it when needed. As someone who used to work for a car dealership The reputation of the lack of long-term quality and even short-term initial build quality of Nissans, seeing something like this in a review in 2022, continues to feel as though their reputation is earned.
GX is weak (301 hp) vs the Armada's 400 and even more importantly torque is 329 vs 413 ft lbs. I like the GX also but just purchased a brand new 2022 Armada because I need the 8500 max tow capability that the GX cannot provide. As they say: there's an ass for every seat.
@@mattwag11 Yeah but you give up that Is trying and true reliability when you go to that French crap Plus If you need a tow that much weight just get a Full size pick up truck But I'd stay clear away from any of those Toyota twin Turbo V6 crap that they're putting out now
Here's your Hi-5 😄🤚 The Armada is u-g-l-y! And what is with that gigantic rear bumper? It looks like a huge wart on the butt. Not pretty. With the high lift over, combined with that big bumper, it must be quite a stretch to put things, or take things, from the rear opening. Nissan, sink this outdated barge! The Pathfinder is a much better choice for today's world.
Leave it to Nissan to still be selling a qx 56 from 2011 but with Nissan badges on it 12 years on. Granted it does speak to how ahead of it’s time that vehicle was.
The Sequoia was on sale unchanged much longer, Ford sold the previous gen Expedition even longer, And the Land Cruiser was on sale the longest without a redesign. It's very common for automakers to not update their full size SUVs too often. I believe people normally keep these vehicles for a longer cycle than smaller vehicle buyers do.
I haven't even watched the video yet but came here to say that even though I have zero interest in (or need for) an Armada, I'm looking forward to watching your review because you guys make such enjoyable videos!
I"ve now watched it and my opinion is the same: no need or desire for an Armada (though it looks nice if I needed a large 3-row SUV that I wasn't planning to take off-road ever), and you guys do very fun videos.
Thanks Chuck! This is so nice to hear! 😊 Cheers!
Every review except for Moto Man has completely missed the point on this vehicle.
Super reliable VK56 V8 engine with a very reliable transmission in a comfortable driving package that tows 8500 pounds.
Armada is a very smooth driving vehicle and out performs a number of its competitors.
Where Armada truly shines is on the used market where it is tens of thousands less than direct competitors.
Of the turbo motored competitors only the Sequoia gives any confidence that it would be around in 5 or 6 years. The full size SUVs with turbocharged V4s and V6s are going tonbe burned out in that time. The Armada is closer to the Land Cruiser in terms of build quality.
These are vehicles designed for 400k miles and then some with proper maintenance. Chevy and Ford will be sputtering at sketchy used lots or in the junkyard by 150k
This right here. And when the UN can't get their hands on LCs where do they turn to? The patrol. I mean, the Armada. And the pièce de résistance; it is J-vinned car.
Right, It may not be the rage of hotness new thing but It will probably still get the job done after 150k miles when the other disposable cross overs are on the buy here pay here action lots.
Well said! My thoughts exactly
What are you doing?
Let the millennials turn their nose up.
I'm trying to get a used armada for 24k/28k Best deal in SUVs.
@@Shelter93 haha, exactly!
This channel warms my heart so thoroughly.
You guys do THE BEST reviews on UA-cam! My husband and I have been watching y’all forever and can’t wait for new videos to post! We were cracking up when Evie wasn’t having it when driving! Keep up the amazing work Muzio fam!
From someone who owns a 2019 Platinum Reserve...your review is pretty accurate....1.) it wanders on the road, you really have to drive it or it will stray in the lane, steering is definitely numb 2.) Safety System, why do I have to pressure a button on the steering wheel every time to engage the full system, 3.) Yep rear seats lower slower than sap running down a tree, 4.) Fuel Economy is not great, 15.9 mpg all the time, but it's buttery smooth on the highway and has a larger tank so range is 400 miles 5.). V8 power is great, this thing really hauls off the line if you push it (0-60 mph, 5.9 sec)
The Armada is popular see a lot of them on the roads, love this SUV myself such great vehicle. Happy Easter 🐣 guys.
My supervisor has one of these the platinum reserve model and she loves it. ive been in it and i like the power from the engine. nice seats too.
Always good when you guys switch.. and let Sweetie (or Evy) drive.. and then get her opinion too... Oh, and thanks for these excellent auto review videos..
Happy Easter Muzio family.. My coworker has this exact SUV and it is a excellent vehicle.
This guy is in another level excitement wen it come to reviews
That was the best rear window test I’ve ever seen
One video a week is not enough I need to be Micah’s best friend
This is the smart buy for those wanting a 200 series Land Cruiser replacement with its old school drivetrain and build quality, but at a huge discount. There are reasonably spec versions of these selling new at under 50k right now.
I like this car, and am thinking of buying this car when I grow up.
One important thing about the Armada is it’s based on the Patrol. It doesn’t have the hotness of the latest thing but It is close to or equal to the Land Cruiser in terms of quality. Too bad Nissan doesn’t offer some of the off road features that are available on the Patrol. Only criticism of the video is the off road portion. All the modes limit wheel spin so when your stuck just go to low range it turns off traction control and vehicle stability.
WOW! Micah, did I see really just see "Kashmere" by Kashmere Stage Band on the infotainment system at 12:07?! Are you a fan or was that a random shuffle of recommendations by your music app? I'm from Houston and I remember seeing The Kashmere Stage Band (of Houston's Kashmere High School) performing that song in a jazz band competition in Wharton, Texas in 1977!
I never forgot that and THAT IS MY JAM! You're a real BADASS!
Such a good jam! I was listening to Baby Driver soundtrack which features this and many other worthy songs.
Rented one and the ride was the best of any suv ever driven. We owned a sequoia, expedition, Santa Fe, and palisade.
Why do I always catch myself smiling watching your videos... I even do the information explosion sound by myself (my wife and dog look at me weird when that happens) I even high five you guys when the window goes down 😂 Love your videos. I would love to see you do towing videos with fill size SUV's and share the towing data and capability of the full size SUV's.
You’re not alone! 😊
Almost bought one when was waiting on a delayed Land Cruiser Heritage order….rode nice
Fun review guys. And you are super lovely couple/ family
Kudos to those engineers who created this 12inch screen and decided to use only 60% of it for 99% of the use cases. Even the camera view is only 60% lol.
I love the reviews you 2 do.
Biggest downside when we looked back in 2018 was the load height of the rear. The bumper sticks out and the floor was high up. Couldn’t imagine my wife trying to load things in the back. We went with a 2019 Subaru Ascent. Also the RAB has been superb on the Ascent. Not sure about the hill situation you encountered.
I’ve been waiting so long for the windowless white van.
Also, why is there no iguana for “size equals confidence?”
Happy Easter to my favorite UA-cam family!!!
Wow, I can’t believe how fast “Kiddo” is growing. She’ll be out of a car seat soon.
Traded my 2020 for a Platinum 2023 and it is wonderful
Nice vid, Micah. Could you please do another Dyno and review the GX.
Your video is really making me sway to an Armada. I am looking for a 1-ton originally BUT for SUV I like the proportions of an Armada, its big but not overly big like the Americans its definitely big for a Japanese branded SUV. I just wish Nissan would at least offer a rear locker and make 9-speed a standard transmission.
Amazing video!
Nice review low profile tires can’t move well in bad situation
According to a Nissan brand rep there will be a new Armada in the near future that will hopefully include some repackaging of the interior to take advantage of the space better and include some features from the Patrol which is the platform the Armada is based on. Not the Titan as most seem to think. This is why it still has the 7 speed and not the new 9 sped transmission. Both Patrol and Armada are based on a somewhat modified version of the F-Alpha frame that the Titan and Frontier also use though. The Patrol has a vastly superior traction control system and a locking rear differential and despite the independent rear suspension will cover terrain most folks would be to scared to attempt. Now, being based on a truck platform with a large V8 does intrude into the passenger space which is why a vehicle like the Telluride with it's more compact engine and cab forward (compared to the Armada and vehicles like it) design can boast full size SUV like interior volume and leg room in a more compact package. Nissan's NV vans suffer from being based on a traditional pickup platform as well as they have one to almost two feet less interior cargo length than competitors of the same overall length.
Other than the statement that there will be a new Armada coming soon I've heard nothing else. However, given that Nissan did not redesign the frame or suspension to any real degree on the new Frontier, nor did it gain an inch of room or function other than infotainment on the interior I'd wager the new Armada will be a cosmetic upgrade on the interior. A facelift on the exterior. A new transmission and maybe some suspension tuning as well as a few traction enhancing goodies pinched from the Patrol. It'll surely be better but not an all new vehicle by any stretch. But then that fact only seems to bother people when it's Nissan. When Ford or Toyota keep the same basic platform/design around for near 20 years no one bats an eye.
I think it's a little bit strange, given the mileage this truck gets, that they don't put the 9 speed from the Titan in it. It's the same motor I believe, and would give it another mpg or two.
in fact I do agree with her opinion on the folding seat speed .. I will have a heart attack if I wait that long for such folding seat process!! specially at this price point a lot to be considered in which makes me agree with you Micah when it comes to shiny services that reflect the sun to our eyes while driving .. how they keep getting away with that ?! I don't get it !! this is safety concern no doubt honestly .. In the end . customers need options. at least to all Automotive companies. don't force it on us !!
I would remove that second row center console to make third row easier to access with car seats in the second
I really need you to do a crossover with TFL. At a minimum please get on TFLtalk. I don't know why I need this and it's probably irrational, but that only makes me want it more.
Has this for a rental. The 3rd row is tiny, and the 2nd row can’t move forward to give you space. Additionally, as you said, the height of the floor for the 3rd row was very high, and the space behind the 3rd row was also very small. Drives big, feels small inside.
Wait, is this just a Y62 Patrol?
Hey Micah do you think if it had the QX80s hydraulic body motion control you might have not had to make the seafaring comments ? :) I’m looking at these twins or the LX570 for big highway mountain pass road trips and as a ski vehicle in Canada. Thanks
Brilliant off road with decent tyres in it. Australian version needs updated entertainment system.
why do you spell tires with a y?
@@bradhaines3142 that’s how we spell it it Aus, like Jail (Gaol)
@@bradhaines3142 and if you want to see what they are capable of search Dash Offroad
American version needs your differentials!
Most of the Armada’s (and QX80’s) problems come from it’s Nissan Patrol roots. Just some fancy wheels and skin over a 2010 chassis. That’s why it seems so non-competitive against even some midsizers (like the Telluride mentioned), as these are much more recent vehicles.
The 22 inch wheels are a mistake - instead of trying for an luxury oriented aesthetic (which the QX80 already covers), 18 inch wheels with beefy tires and a more outdoors aesthetic would have been a smarter move.
If you ever drive these 2 vehicles, you can tell the difference. Americans has more developed road systems so nissan decided to axe the Patrol system which is a so wrong decision.
But is it Mountain Friendly?
What’s a micah?
Can’t do it with the MPGs got a super nice Rogue such good MPGs
🐰Happy Easter🐰
Nice video but, this is really just the 2011 Infiniti QX56 with Apple CarPlay
They are the same thing
Nissan Pathfinder is the best in mid size SUV's list.
In my opinion the Armada is a lemon. Drove one as a rental about 6 months ago and of all the cars/trucks/suv's and rentals I've had over the years I liked this one the least. Great Job on the review.
The biggest problem with the Armada are the American competition. Ford and GM products are better thought out and about as reliable as anything nowadays. Bring Nissan of the 90s back.
You are not with kbb anymore?
Oh, I'm still happily with KBB. This is just something I've done for the past few years with my family for fun.
@@MicahMuzio sounds awesome! You do amazing reviews.
They need to fix the third row before it can be merely considered a full size SUV imo.
The large SUV of this type really seems passé unless one is needing to tow in addition to having four wheel drive.
That is typical for Nissan for off road you need to turn off a traction control that is like thier crawl control
Of course it drives like a boat! What do you think makes up an "armada?"
Great review of another box on wheels.
The trunk space is abysmal considering the size of the vehicle. No latches in the 3rd row make it hard for a family to choose as well. I've been shopping the Subaru Ascent which is smaller in every exterior dimension by several inches compared to the armada, but has more room in 3rd row, more trunk space, etc.
You can't tow a 6500 boat/trailer rig (like i need to) with an Ascent...there's an ass for every seat.
@@mattwag11 that's not enough of a trade-off. Most people don't tow anything
If you're baby seating in a 3rd row you need a van anyway, that's not muvh of an argument. I always thought 3rd row SUVs were for weekends when there was an extra kid around.
This vehicle is comfortable but the suspension and drive quality is squishy. Turns and emergency maneuvers make you feel like you are goin to tip over. It’s like driving a boat
Some reports with issues with the 5.6. Any reports of the issues being fixed?
Micah, please do a review while wearing a collared shirt? And maybe a different colored pair of jeans? Just for fun.
You have to turn off traction control
Personally I feel the style and even functionality of the Armada both are lacking. It screams that it needs a full-fledged remake/ re-fresh of the model. It feels like the finished penning everything about it in 2006 and just keep tacking on new things to it when needed. As someone who used to work for a car dealership The reputation of the lack of long-term quality and even short-term initial build quality of Nissans, seeing something like this in a review in 2022, continues to feel as though their reputation is earned.
Nissan armada Compete with Toyota Sequoia And Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Wagoneer
I think I would stick with the GX
GX is weak (301 hp) vs the Armada's 400 and even more importantly torque is 329 vs 413 ft lbs. I like the GX also but just purchased a brand new 2022 Armada because I need the 8500 max tow capability that the GX cannot provide. As they say: there's an ass for every seat.
@@mattwag11 Yeah but you give up that Is trying and true reliability when you go to that French crap Plus If you need a tow that much weight just get a Full size pick up truck But I'd stay clear away from any of those Toyota twin Turbo V6 crap that they're putting out now
Hey, I want a family like this,
Ravi Peiris M.D.
Wow, that engine is thirsty. Better to buy a Tahoe with the I6 diesel engine for far better fuel mileage.
exhaust fluid is bullshit
F the diesel not to mention the regens.
10:43 😳
Here's your Hi-5 😄🤚
The Armada is u-g-l-y! And what is with that gigantic rear bumper? It looks like a huge wart on the butt. Not pretty. With the high lift over, combined with that big bumper, it must be quite a stretch to put things, or take things, from the rear opening.
Nissan, sink this outdated barge! The Pathfinder is a much better choice for today's world.
Leave it to Nissan to still be selling a qx 56 from 2011 but with Nissan badges on it 12 years on. Granted it does speak to how ahead of it’s time that vehicle was.
The Sequoia was on sale unchanged much longer, Ford sold the previous gen Expedition even longer, And the Land Cruiser was on sale the longest without a redesign. It's very common for automakers to not update their full size SUVs too often. I believe people normally keep these vehicles for a longer cycle than smaller vehicle buyers do.
Dang do y’all really cuss in front of your kid like that?
Why the fuck not?
@@93redcamaroz28 Because, cursing is for people who have a weak vocabulary. And can’t express themselves without vulgarity.
@@matthewm3912 Studies have actually indicated that people who swear are more intelligent than those that do not.
@@trumpisastump9382 Yes, and studies showed that the covid vaccine were safe🤣
really?... 16 seconds is too long for you? If you had to do it by hand you could not reach it and then complain more... OMG
What a beast...not the Armada!
Sweetie, sweetie, sweetie....
The ford expedition sucks. I have one out of warranty with cam phasers POS
Unfortunately I found the commentary quite annoying. Too much babbling UNNECESSARY. Hope you guys improve.
First
Wow 😒
too big, too heavy, to old ,too expensive .too thirsty .
Nissan cannot design a modern interior. Things like their gauge clusters and infotainment just looks terrible and dated for a 80k car
So basically, it's an expensive turd.
Junk. There are much better vehicles out there that are better and cheaper.
Man them please,