2010 Nissan Armada Review

Overview

The 2010 Nissan Armada is a full-size eight-passenger SUV with great towing capabilities. One also gets great space; utility; style and safety in the Armada. Powerful V8 engine's performance, ample space in all three rows, fold-flat third-row seat, and upscale interior accommodations are the hallmarks of the Armada, available with FWD and AWD configurations in three trims- SE, Titanium and Platinum - for 2010.

Power and performance

All Armada trims are powered by a massive 5.6-liter V8 engine rated at 317 hp and 386 pound-feet of torque. It is paired to a five-speed automatic transmission. The EPA estimates are 12 mpg in city, 18 mpg on highways and 14 mpg combined for the four-wheel-drive Armada. The Armada offers an ample cargo space up to 20 cubic feet. When they are folded down, 56 cubic feet of space is available still comfortably seating five. The cargo capacity goes up to a massive 97 cubic feet when the second and third row seats are folded down. When equipped with the optional Tow Package, it can haul up to 9,100 pounds. The Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) option allows Armada to run on ethanol E85, standard gasoline or any mixture of the two fuels.

Body and styling

The base SE comes well-equipped with 18-inch wheels, automatic on/off headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear climate controls, an eight-way power driver seat and power-adjustable pedals. An eight-speaker stereo with an in-dash six-CD changer and an auxiliary audio jack are standard. The Titanium upgrades with the standard 20-inch wheels, fog lamps, leather-appointed first and second row seats, a rearview monitor, Nissan Intelligent Key keyless entry and ignition and Bluetooth Hand-free Phone System. a power tailgate, heated front seats, Bluetooth and an upgraded 12-speaker stereo with satellite radio. The upscale Platinum trims comes with 20-inch 6-spoke chrome-clad aluminum alloy wheels, Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with 7-inch color touch-screen monitor and voice recognition, XM NavTraffic, in-cabin microfilter, memory driver's seat, mirrors and pedals (two presets, remote-activated), heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, Nissan DVD Entertainment System, and 9.3 GB Music Box hard drive for digital music storage and playback. Many of the luxury upgrades are also available on the SE through a couple of options packages. A Technology Package that adds a navigation system with real-time traffic, a 9GB server for digital music storage, a heated steering wheel, a power-folding third-row seat and 20-inch chrome wheels is optional on all trims. Second-row captain's chairs, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a sunroof are also optional.

Safety Features

Nissan Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors, antilock disc brakes and brake assist, stability control, front seat active head restraints and full-length side curtain airbags, LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), Tire Pressure Monitoring System and Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System are standard.