2012 Nissan Armada

We recommend you to go with the 2012 Nissan Armada SL trim, the one which sits between the base SV and the top-end Platinum variants. Though it is priced comparatively higher than the base trim, to the extent of about $5000, it includes all the base trim features, plus features like auto-leveling air suspension, leather upholstery, and many more that come as standard. Further, as an optional extra, Driver's package and the towing package can also be included.

Three different Armada trim levels are offered: SV, SL, and Platinum. Each can be had with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The Armada has a limited list of options, compared to the Tahoe and Expedition. At the top of the line, the Platinum gets heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a moonroof, a power rear liftgate, DVD entertainment, and a nav system with real-time traffic capability and hard-drive space for music storage.

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The 2012 Nissan Armada delivers fuel efficiency of 13 MPG in the city, 19 MPG on the highway, and 15 MPG in combined driving conditions. The engine is quite a power frenzy and a bit of an oil burner. It consumes quite more for its class. The Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon however offer better efficiency figures and deliver 15 MPG in the city, 21 MPG on the highway, and 17 MPG combined

The Nissan Armada is clearly the least fuel-efficient vehicle in the segment. However, owing to its huge tank capacity of 28 gallons, it is able to deliver an astonishing range of 364 miles in the city and 532 miles on the highway without the need to refuel. Toyota Sequoia stands between the GM twins and Armada with a combined mileage of 16 MPG.

The cabin of the Nissan Armada is quite dull-looking. The quality of materials is not that respectable. Everything in the interior is wrapped with budget materials to enhance cost-cutting. The Armada can seat up to 8 passengers with standard bench seats, and there is an option to avail captain’s chair as well. 

The quality of the interior is average in order to keep the price low. It is neither appealing nor is it reliable considering the material used, A slightly higher price with better quality interiors would make more sense compared to the case of Nissan Armada.

Though the front seats of the Nissan Armada are large and comfortable, the access to the third row of seats can be a bit uncomfortable. The third row of seats lacks space and people sitting on it can feel cramped, therefore, the seat is not advisable for long journeys. The Nissan Armada tops the segment in the cargo space with 20 cubic feet. Some of the interior features include:

• Steering wheel controls
• Rear Defrost
• Keyless entry
• Power door locks

How intuitive is the infotainment unit?

The infotainment of the 2012 Nissan Armada consists of a 6-speaker audio system which includes a navigation system that is available at an additional cost. Neatly arranged icons are also present for the Nissan Armada’s dashboard. Available features include an 11-speaker Bose Surround Sound System, Navigation System, Bluetooth connectivity, rear-view camera, and a rear-seat entertainment system. Some of the highlighting features are:

• Navigation System(optional)
• Satellite Radio(optional)
• 6-speaker sound system
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Rear-seat entertainment system

The 2012 Nissan Armada rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels, though the top-trim features 20-inch chrome-clad wheels. As the SUV is quite high with a ground clearance of around 9.8 inches, it comes equipped with side step rails for easier access into the cabin. Though the base and intermediate trim lacks the sunroof feature, the top-end trim gets it. 

The SUV has a tall stance in its appearance giving it a bold and appealing look on the exterior. The Armadas exterior design elements create a great first impression unlike its interiors.

In terms of curb weight, the Toyota Caepio ranks the highest in the segment. Both the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe rank second in the list. The Nissan Armada is the lightest in the segment and hence occupies the base position. When ground clearance is taken into consideration, here also the Toyota Sequoia holds the initial position for having the best on offer. Some of the exterior features include:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Sidestep rails
• Rear parking sensors
• Fog lights(optional)

The 2012 Nissan Armada comes with anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, and stability control. Other features include seat-active head restraints and front-side impact airbags. Offering more safety in case of a crash, it also comes equipped with full curtain side airbags. The 2012 Nissan Armada has not been through the crash-tests conducted by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety(IIHS). However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has rated it a 3 out of 5-stars for rollover crash test. Some standout safety features of the SUV are:

• Front airbags
• Curtain airbags
• Anti-lock braking system
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Brake Assist
• Traction control
• Stability control 

The 2012 Nissan Armada is quite a powerful and capable SUV in its segment. The V8 engine offers a good amount of punch and feedback. The front seats can be said to be quite comfortable and supportive, however, the third row of seats lacks space and can be a bit uncomfortable on long journeys. The cabin quality is dull and the materials used are quite subpar. The cargo space is where the Nissan Armada shines beating its rivals by quite a margin.