2018 Nissan Armada

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Rating7.1

Ranked #6 in 

Fullsize SUV
Write Review
$46,090 - $62,090
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 12, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Muscular V8 engine

Poor fuel economy

New Platinum trim

Best-in-class towing capacity

Outdated infotainment system

Nissan Connect now standard

Comfortable interior space

Undersized third row

Many available safety features

Specs & Features

$48,990

price

390 hp @ 5800 rpm

horsepower

394 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

torque

7-Speed Automatic w/od

transmission

5.6L 8cyl 4WD 7A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2018 Nissan Armada is available for sale at a base MSRP of $46,090 and now comes in three varied trims- SV, SL, and the new Platinum. The Platinum trim adds unique exterior accents, and also a rear-view mirror with double the high-resolution display for the backup camera. Apart from that, the 2018 Armada also gets the NissanConnect infotainment as standard now. The rest of the specs remain the same as the outgoing model. The Armada engine is the same 390-hp 5.6L V8 that is potent enough to pull this 5,267-pound SUV from 0-60 MPH in 6.2 seconds.

 

2018 Nissan Armada Buying Advice

The best choice of the lot for many shoppers is the mid-level Armada SL trim, priced at $50,850, that succeeds to add all of the desired features one would expect with an SUV of this class. While it includes all of the basic and latest features from the Driver package but also features from the optional Premium package. Going for an Older Armada model will save you loads of money, as the 2017 Armada variant gets the same set of changes as the 2018 version for a major dip in prices. Moreover, you can save a lot more money by going for the previous generation 2014 Armada or the 2015 Armada.

Its towing capacity is also rated at 8,500 pounds. However, while it is better than most on the performance front, it gulps more fuel than other competitors. The interior of the Armada has an appealing layout but an outdated infotainment system. It offers a spacious cabin for eight passengers but falls short of cargo capacity, despite the 208.9-inch length. The Armada earns average safety ratings but provides a long list of driver-assist features, while it also fairs pretty well on the reliability front with minimal problems reported thus far. The for-sale 2018 Armada stacks up against the Chevy Tahoe, the Ford Expedition, and the Toyota Sequoia.

2018 Nissan Armada for sale

The 2018 Nissan Armada starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $46,090 for the base SV trim. This comprises of plenty of tech features including but not limited to an 8-inch touchscreen display, a 13-speaker Bose surround system, and more. Building on top of the SV trim is the SL trim, which is priced at an MSRP of $50,850 and is privy to plenty of Driver package items, including driver-preferences memory setting, and a 360-degree top-down parking camera. The range-topping Platinum trim is priced at an MSRP of $59,190, which gets all of the SL trim features excluding two different packages. Buying or leasing a used car is more affordable than going for the new model, Armada Used car shoppers can expect to pay anywhere between $17,000 and $27,400, depending on various factors. Moreover, the average cost to own the Armada is around $30,500 for a period of 5 years.

Buying Advice

You should buy the SL trim but you need to upgrade to the Premium package as it lacks safety features. This trim adds a power liftgate, a 360-degree camera, power-folding third-row seats, remote engine start, rain-sensing windshield wipers, leather upholstery, 20-inch alloy wheels, and heated exterior mirrors. The Premium package adds blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, backup collision intervention, distance control, and a power moonroof with front tilt and rear slide. 

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Infiniti-like luxury at a Nissan price- Cnet

Reintroduced last year, the Nissan Armada is largely known for its spacious interior and beefy V8 engine. Styling aside, the Armada offers a lot of features but none of them impress the latest generation as they are not modern. The Armada also suffers from poor fuel economy and less cargo space but its balanced handling and good towing capacity help to keep it alive in the segment. 

The ownership costs of the Armada are on par with other Japanese rivals. You can expect around $11,440 every year for its maintenance, repair, fuel, depreciation, etc. The average cost per mile is calculated to be $0.76, which is mostly the same as other Japanese marques. However, it falls short in terms of reliability ratings. It scored 79 out of 100 while its rivals have much better ratings. 

Buying Advice

You should buy the 2018 Nissan Armada SL trim but you need to upgrade to the Premium package as the trims as such lacks basic safety features. This trim adds a power liftgate, power-folding third-row seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, leather upholstery, 20-inch alloy wheels, and heated exterior mirrors, all for the price of $50,850. The optional Premium package adds blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a power moonroof with front tilt and rear slide.

Features
7.0/10

With extra standard tech features this year, the Armada’s base SV trim increases in price to $46,090- CarGurus

With the addition of the Platinum, the total trim count of the 2018 Nissan Armada is three. The other trims include SV and the SL. The SV starts from $46,090 and it ranges up to $59,190 for the top-end Platinum trim. A destination charge of $1,195 is applicable at the time of purchase. Both RWD and 4WD configurations are available on the Armada.

Trims SV SL Platinum
MSRP (2WD) $46,090 $50,850 $59,190
MSRP (4WD) $48,990 $53,750 $62,090
Key Features 8-inch touchscreen with navigation Adds/ Upgrades to SV trim  Adds/ Upgrades to SL trim
  13-speaker Bose premium audio system 360-degree camera Rear-seat entertainment system
  18-inch alloy wheels Power liftgate Heated second-row seats
  Dual-zone automatic climate control Rain-sensing windshield wipers Heated & ventilated front seats
  Power front seats Leather-appointed seats Heated steering wheel
  Heated front cloth seats Heated exterior mirrors Moonroof
  Rearview camera 20-inch alloy wheels Adaptive cruise control
  Front & rear parking sensors Power-folding third-row seats Automatic emergency braking
  Leather steering wheel Remote engine start Lane departure warning
  Push-button start   Forward collision warning

There is more than enough equipment to keep most families including the parents happy about driving. Nissan also offers a few optional packages for selected trims. The base SV trim is eligible for the $600 Driver package that adds fog lamps, trailer towing harness, power liftgate, trailer brake controller, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, and power-folding third-row seats.

Fuel Economy
5.0/10

Around 6,000 pounds is a lot to lug around, so it’s no surprise that the 2018 Nissan Armada is among the thirstiest vehicles on the market today- The Car Connection

The 2018 Nissan Armada has one of the worst fuel economies in its segment. In normal form, the 2018 Armada returns 14 MPG in the city, 19 MPG on a highway, and 16 MPG combined. The fuel economy slides down 1 MPG if the 4WD system is selected. These fuel estimates put the Armada at the bottom of the table in its segment.

Models 2018 Nissan Armada 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe 2018 Ford Expedition 2018 Toyota Sequoia
MPG (City) 14 16 17 13
MPG (Highway) 19 23 24 17
MPG (Combined) 16 19 20 15
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallon) 26.0 26.0 23.3 26.4
Range (City/Highway/Combined; Miles) 364/494/429 416/598/507 396/559/477 343/449/396

The Armada comes with a large 26-gallon fuel tank and hence, it delivers 429 miles in combined form while the 4WD models can drive up to 403 miles only. Compared to its rivals, the Armada's driving range is average. So, if you plan on buying the Armada, you better be ready to bring this SUV to the gas station all the time.

Interior
8.0/10

Despite its tall entry height and button-rich control layout, the Armada's interior is attractive and accommodating- Edmunds

While the 2018 Nissan Armada might not be quite as posh as its Infiniti counterpart, the wood trim and the leather accent gets you just about 80% of the way to a luxury wheel. Still, the hard steering wheel plastics do call out as a mainstream vehicle. The Armada seats up to eight or seven if second-row captain chairs are selected. Only the Armada SV trim gets cloth upholstery while the other models come with perforated leather seats. The front seats are very comfortable and supportive.

They are power-adjustable and heated even on the SV trim while the Platinum trim also adds ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. There is a lot of legroom and loads of headroom for the driver and front passenger. The second-row fares nearly as well and the third row is plenty usable even if it is slightly less comfortable for adults than in the other chairs.  Therefore, it is best reserved for kids. A moonroof is standard on the Platinum model but that does not cut the headroom.

Models 2018 Nissan Armada 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe 2018 Ford Expedition 2018 Toyota Sequoia
Passenger Capacity 8 8 8 8
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) 40.9/63.8/41.9 42.8/64.8/45.3 42.0/64.9/43.9 34.8/66.4/42.5
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) 40.0/63.4/41.0 38.7/65.1/39.0 40.0/64.8/41.5 34.9/65.6/40.9
Third Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) 36.4/60.5/28.3 38.1/62.6/24.8 37.3/64.2/40.9 34.5/65.7/35.3
Cargo Capacity (cu-ft.) 16.5 15.3 20.9 18.9

For such a big vehicle, the Nissan Armada's cargo area is surprisingly petite. A dedicated cargo space of 16.5 cubic feet is available. So, if you need more space, you're going to have to fold the third-row seats to get 49.9 cubic feet. If you are still not satisfied, fold the second-row seats as well to get 95.4 cubic feet of cargo space.

This is the area where the Nissan Armada really shows its age. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard on all models. But this touchscreen doesn't have normal functionalities such as pinch-to-zoom or even Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are becoming expected in all segments. This screen has low resolution and the graphics are unclear. The navigation system takes time to respond to the user's inputs.

This system is connected to a 13-speaker Bose premium audio system for keeping your journeys entertained. The grey physical buttons below the screen look cheap and ugly next to the wood trim. But all those controls are nicely placed within the driver's reach. The Platinum and Platinum Reserve models add a rear-seat entertainment system that includes dual 7-inch displays and a DVD player.

Exterior
5.0/10

Rugged yet sophisticated, the Armada's new design evokes the luxury-meets-utilitarian style of its Infiniti QX80 sibling and even some Range Rovers- Kelly Blue Book

The 2018 Nissan Armada's exterior styling is somewhat similar to the Infiniti QX80. The grille is Nissan's V-motion design with two extra areas on the outside that link it to the Titan. The headlight design is also exclusive to the Armada. They feature LED low beams with halogen high beams on all models. Every trim also gets premium-looking LED DRLs. Fog lamps are, however, standard on all trims except for the SV trim. Since the Armada shares its bones with the overseas Patrol, it gets some good off-roading features like a ground clearance of 9.1 inches.

From the side view, you will notice that the wheel arches are grey-colored on all models. There are also functional air vents above the front wheel arch. The SV trim sits on 18-inch all wheels while the other trims get 20-inch alloy wheels. Each trim level of the Armada comes with a different design. The Armada also comes standard with running boards for easy egress and ingress. Coming to the back, you will see styling different from the boxy design rivals have. The taillights are LED on all models.

Models 2018 Nissan Armada 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe 2018 Ford Expedition 2018 Toyota Sequoia
Curb Weight (lbs) 5,276  5,355  5,443  5,730 
Length (in) 208.9 204.0 210.0 205.1
Width (in) 79.9 80.5 79.9 79.9
Height (in) 75.8 74.4 76.6 77.0
Ground Clearance (in) 9.1 7.9 9.8 9.9
Wheelbase (in) 121.1 116.0 122.5 122.0
Track Width (in) F/R 67.5/67.9 68.7/68.7 67.6/67.2 67.9/69.1

The Toyota Sequoia has the highest ground clearance in this class. Therefore, it is ready to tackle any kind of off-road terrain. At 210 inches, the Ford Expedition is the longest SUV in this competition. So, maneuvering at tight parking spots can be tough. The Chevy Tahoe has the shortest wheelbase here. As a result, it lacks adequate third-row space.

The main exterior features of the Armada are given below:

  • LED headlights and taillights
  • Fog lights
  • Exterior entry lights
  • Front skid plate
  • Power-folding, auto-dimming, heated exterior mirrors
  • Chrome door handles
  • Metallic grille with chrome surround
  • Rear roofline spoiler
  • Running boards
  • Chrome window trim
  • 18 & 20-inch alloy wheels

Safety
9.0/10

The 2018 Nissan Armada hasn't been crash-tested by the  IIHS- MotorTrend

The safety ratings obtained by the 2018 Nissan Armada aren't that impressive. It received a 4-star overall safety rating by NHTSA. Individually, it received five stars for the side-impact crash test and only three stars for the frontal and rollover crash test. Meanwhile, IIHS didn't care to conduct crash tests for the Armada.

To keep the occupants safe, the Armada offers a decent list of driver assistance features. The base Armada SV trim has limited safety features while the Platinum and Platinum Reserve trims add all the available driver aids.  The SL trim buyers should upgrade to the optional Premium package for a few safety techs.

The safety features include:

  • Lane departure warning
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Front & rear parking sensors
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Forward collision warning 
  • Lane keep assist
  • 360-degree camera
  • Backup collision intervention
  • Distance control

Competition
7.0/10

2018 Nissan Armada vs 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe

The Chevy Tahoe is among the least powerful SUVs in its class. Hence, its performance is not worth appreciating. Also, its third row cannot accommodate adults. However, it's a step ahead of the Armada in terms of fuel economy, reliability, and technology. In view of safety, the Tahoe's safety features list almost matches with the Armada.

2018 Nissan Armada vs 2018 Toyota Sequoia

Although the Toyota Sequoia is less powerful, it outshines the Armada with its extraordinary off-roading skills. However, its towing capacity is very less for a large SUV while its fuel economy is poor. The Sequoia has a roomy third row and class-leading cargo space but an outdated infotainment system. There are fewer driver-assist features in the Sequoia but all of them are standard.

Final Verdict

The 2018 Nissan Armada is one of the fine options in this segment but it has its cup of negatives. This is a thirsty vehicle so don't expect to get off the light when it comes to filling up the fuel. It also has a slightly bulked-up exterior styling and the infotainment system is dated and in dire need of an upgrade. Therefore, you should take a look at the 2018 Armada if you want a big three-row, feature-rich SUV at somewhat of a bargain price. It's tough, it'll haul your boat and your kids and it'll stand out from the crowd, for better or for worse.

Trims

    SV
    $46,090 onwards
    • 18-Inch alloy wheels
    • Automatic LED headlights
    • Dual-Zone automatic climate control
    • Front and rear parking sensors
    • Keyless ignition and entry
    • Leather-Wrapped steering wheel
    • Power-Adjustable heated front seats
    • Rearview camera
    SL
    $50,850 onwards
    • 120-Volt power outlet
    • 20-Inch alloy wheels
    • 360-Degree top-down parking camera
    • Driver-Preferences memory
    • Rain-Sensing wipers
    • Remote engine start
    Platinum
    $59,190 onwards
    • Heated and ventilated front seats
    • Heated second-row seats
    • Rear-Seat entertainment system

Compare to similar cars

Price

$46,090- $62,090

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.07

Horsepower

390 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque

394 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

Capacity

8

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Gasoline

7.76

310 hp @ 6800 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm

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Gasoline

7.27

355 hp @ 5600 rpm

383 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm

9

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Gasoline

6.97

355 hp @ 5600 rpm

383 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm

9

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$29,930- $52,600

Gasoline

7.67

310 hp @ 6800 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm

8

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$29,995- $62,995

Gasoline

7.05

293 hp @ 6400 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

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$48,190- $76,175

Gasoline

7.6

375 hp @ 5000 rpm

470 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

8

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Gasoline

6.88

290 hp @ 6500 rpm

255 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

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Gasoline

7.82

193 hp @ 6300 rpm

188 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

7

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$49,080- $69,165

Gasoline

7.87

355 hp @ 5600 rpm

383 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm

8

Read Review

2018 Nissan Armada vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    6.2 sec14.8 sec-
    5.6 sec14.1 sec115 mph
    6.3 sec14.9 sec130 mph
    6.3 sec--
    6.4 sec--
    6.5 sec14.9 sec116 mph

    2018 Nissan Armada vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      14 mpg19 mpg16 mpg26 gal.364/494 mi.
      29 mpg28 mpg29 mpg17.2 gal.576/537.6 mi.
      25 mpg30 mpg27 mpg16.6 gal.415/498 mi.
      21 mpg28 mpg24 mpg18.8 gal.394.8/526.4 mi.
      22 mpg26 mpg24 mpg18.6 gal.-
      21 mpg28 mpg24 mpg18.5 gal.413.6/526.4 mi.

      2018 Nissan Armada vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        208.9 in.79.9 in.75.8 in.9.1 in.121.1 in.
        224.4 in.80.5 in.74.4 in.7.9 in.130 in.

        2018 GMC Yukon XL

        Ranked #1

        224.4 in.80.5 in.74.4 in.7.9 in.130 in.
        210.2 in.79.9 in.75.8 in.9.2 in.121.1 in.
        210 in.79.9 in.76.6 in.9.8 in.122.5 in.
        205.1 in.79.9 in.77 in.9.9 in.122 in.

        2018 Nissan Armada vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          16.5 cu.ft.51 cu.ft.95.4 cu.ft.
          10.3 cu.ft.128.2 cu.ft.63.3 cu.ft.
          16.5 cu.ft.152.9 cu.ft.83.9 cu.ft.
          18.9 cu.ft.-120.1 cu.ft.
          20.6 cu.ft.153.7 cu.ft.96.8 cu.ft.
          16.6 cu.ft.-95.1 cu.ft.

          2018 Nissan Armada vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            5.1 cu.ft.16.5 cu.ft.95.4 cu.ft.-
            77.7 cu.ft.38.8 cu.ft.73.5 cu.ft.-
            120.1 cu.ft.18.9 cu.ft.120.1 cu.ft.-
            73.4 cu.ft.23.6 cu.ft.97.6 cu.ft.-
            61 cu.ft.15.3 cu.ft.94.7 cu.ft.79 ft.
            63.3 cu.ft.29.7 cu.ft.63.3 cu.ft.-

            2018 Nissan Armada vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              8500 lbs.1724 lbs.5576 lbs.
              9300 lbs.1750 lbs.5443 lbs.
              8600 lbs.1720 lbs.5355 lbs.
              8500 lbs.1656 lbs.5676 lbs.
              8500 lbs.1690 lbs.5379 lbs.
              8300 lbs.1690 lbs.5586 lbs.

              2018 Nissan Armada SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              1

              Recalls

              0

              Investigations

              66

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              2018 Nissan Armada User Reviews

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              POPULAR TAGS

              LW

              Lamesa White

              2017 Nissan Armada

              Platinum 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: June 21, 2024

              Family Friendly

              Pros - ["The 3 rows", "The miles I get per gallon"]

              Cons - ["I love my car", "Wish I had a TV in it"]

              Don't need to say to much great family car. It's very spacious oh I love the V8 engine. It's very easy to maintain maintenance and it's not to expensive to fix. My kids favorite part about the car is the back row.

              Not Rated
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