2026 Nissan Armada Review, Pricing, and Specs

Car and Driver

4 days ago

Overview
The 2026 Nissan Armada is a family-oriented workhorse that is competent at hauling people, cargo, or both. Adults will fit in each of the Armada's three rows of seats, and if you need to tow, it offers a maximum 8500-pound trailering capacity.
All models come with a twin-turbocharged V-6, as opposed to several rivals that come with V-8s, but performance is similar. The Armada can be ordered as stripped-down or as luxurious as you want, with top-spec Platinum Reserve models doing their best to imitate premium SUVs from the next rung up.
Expert Tip: If you like the Armada but want something with more prestige, consider the mechanically similar Infiniti QX80.
What's New for 2026?
Nissan has introduced a sporty-looking NISMO model to the Armada lineup for 2026. To accompany its racier appearance, the twin-turbocharged V-6 gets boosted by 35 horsepower over the standard trim for a total of 460 ponies.
The NISMO wears different front and rear bumpers, a rear spoiler, and unique 22-inch wheels. Quilted leather upholstery with red accents lines the seats, which feature adjustable side bolsters for the driver and front passenger.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2026 Nissan Armada is expected to start around $60,000 and go up to $80,000 depending on the trim and options.
SV
$60,000 (est)
SL
$65,000 (est)
Platinum
$72,000 (est)
Pro-4X
$76,000 (est)
Platinum Reserve
$80,000 (est) 0 $25k $50k $75k $100k $125k
We think the SL is the best value because it comes standard with a premium audio system, heated front seats and steering wheel, power-folding third-row seats, and a power liftgate. Four-wheel drive is a $3000 option on most trim levels, but it comes standard on the off-road-oriented Pro-4X.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Engines: 425-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6; 460-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6
425-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6; 460-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 Transmission: 9-speed automatic
9-speed automatic Drivetrains: rear-wheel-drive; four-wheel-drive
All Armadas come with a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The engine makes 425 horsepower in most trims but gets boosted to 460 horsepower in the NISMO model. Four-wheel drive is available, but the Armada's default drivetrain is rear-wheel drive.
Several optional features are available and improve the Armada's driving experience and off-road capability, including an available height-adjustable air suspension and a locking rear differential in four-wheel-drive models.
Our test drive of a 2025 Armada revealed strong acceleration and better ride and handling than expected for an SUV of this size. There were still some jittery body motions in the Platinum Reserve model we drove, equipped with the larger 22-inch wheels, but the Pro-4X rides on 20-inch wheels and provides better ride quality.
0–60-MPH Times
In Comparison: If you're looking for a big SUV that's much quicker, consider the Ford Expedition, which hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds at our test track.
Nissan
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Armada is rated to tow up to 8500 pounds, which is slightly more than the Chevy Tahoe's 8400-pound maximum but less than the Ford Expedition's 9600-pound rating.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Tests: 22 mpg (Platinum Reserve); 18 mpg (Pro-4X)
22 mpg (Platinum Reserve); 18 mpg (Pro-4X) EPA City Ratings: 15-16 mpg
15-16 mpg EPA Highway Ratings: 18-20 mpg
The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Armada yet, but the 2025 model earned ratings up to 16 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined. The Expedition earned higher ratings on the highway but aligns with the Armada for efficiency in the city.
On our 75-mph real-world highway fuel-economy test, the Platinum Reserve beat its EPA ratings, delivering 22 mpg, while the Pro-4X matched its rating, delivering 18 mpg. For more information about the Armada's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
First Row: The Armada wears a modern and inoffensive interior design, and its cabin is designed with comfort in mind. The front seats are road-trip ready with plenty of cushioning and a lot of adjustability. The Platinum Reserve trim offers particularly nice materials such as quilted leather, giving the Armada a legitimate luxury SUV vibe.
Second Row: A second-row bench seat is standard and puts the Armada's passenger capacity at eight, but if you choose the optional second-row captain's chairs, that number drops to seven. The seats here are also plushly cushioned and they easily fold away for access to the third row.
Third Row: While some smaller three-row SUVs sacrifice third-row passenger space for second-row comfort, the Armada provides both. The rearmost row isn't as suitable for adults as the first and second, but you can put a pair of grownups back there so long as they aren't six-footers.
Cargo Capacity: We fit 6 carry-on suitcases behind the third row in our testing, and the third-row seats fold automatically at the touch of a button in the higher trim levels to reveal a larger cargo area that fits 24 suitcases.
Nissan
Infotainment and Connectivity
Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen (standard); 14.3-inch touchscreen (optional)
Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Audio System: 6-speaker stereo (standard); 12-speaker Klipsch stereo (optional)
All trim levels come standard with two 12.3-inch screens that stretch across the dashboard. The left screen is a digital gauge cluster, while the right screen is a touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trim levels have an even larger 14.3-inch touchscreen.
Google built-in apps are optional; wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone-mirroring functions are standard. A 12-speaker Klipsch stereo system comes on SL, Pro-4X, and Platinum trims.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Every Armada has a suite of standard driver-assistance features which includes blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, automated emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. A hands-free driving assistant called ProPilot Assist 2.1 is available as an option.
For more information about the Armada's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist
automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist Optional Safety Features: adaptive cruise control with a hands-free driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Armada's warranty coverages are average for the industry. Nissan also doesn't offer any complimentary scheduled maintenance, unlike the Chevrolet Tahoe and the GMC Yukon.
Limited Warranty: three years or 36,000 miles
three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: five years or 60,000 miles
five years or 60,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: None
C/D Test Results and Specs
We test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it.
Specifications
Specifications
2025 Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve 4x4
Vehicle type: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $82,000/$85,450
ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 213 in3, 3492 cm3
Power: 425 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 516 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.8-in vented disc/13.8-in vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S
275/50R-22 111H M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 121.1 in
Length: 209.6 in
Width: 80.0 in
Height: 75.2–80.1 in
Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 66/55/41 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 97/56/20 ft³
Curb Weight: 6118 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.1 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.5 sec @ 98 mph
100 mph: 15.0 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.9 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.4 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.5 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 123 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 179 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.80 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 16 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 22 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 510 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 17/16/19 mpg
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2025 Nissan Armada Pro-4X
Vehicle type: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 8-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $75,750/$80,455
ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 213 in3, 3492 cm3
Power: 425 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 516 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.8-in vented disc/13.8-in vented disc
Tires: Yokohama Geolander A/T G015
275/60R-20 115H M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 121.1 in
Length: 209.6 in
Width: 80.0 in
Height: 75.2–80.1 in
Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 66/55/41 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 97/56/20 ft3
Curb Weight: 6085 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.9 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.4 sec @ 98 mph
100 mph: 15.0 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.9 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.5 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.4 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 123 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 175 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.77 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 14 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 18 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 420 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 16/15/18 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs