It amuses me when people call some modern SUVs "trucks." Few of the vehicles in the SUV/crossover fleet these days are actually constructed with body-on-frame design, the classic truck architecture.
But in the case of the Nissan Armada, a massive SUV with up to 93 cubic feet of cargo area with the second- and third-row seats folded flat, "truck" is exactly the right descriptor.
It looks like a truck, it's built like a truck and it tracks like a truck. So, by golly, it's a truck.
Locally, Nissan Armadas are available at Nissan of Chattanooga East and Mountain View Nissan. Together, the two local dealerships listed five Armadas in their digital inventories this week.
Our tester, shown in top-of-the-line Platinum trim, was provided for a one-week test drive on Chattanooga streets and highways by the manufacturer. We found it to be a dream on highways but a little problematic when it came to negotiating mall parking lots during the holiday rush.
Photo by Mark Kennedy / The interior of the 2020 Nissan Armada Platinum features two-tone leather seating surfaces.FAST FACTS
* Model: 2020 Nissan Armada Platinum 4WD* Exterior color: Super Black* Interior color: Charcoal* Engine: 5.6-liter, V-8* Horsepower: 390* Transmission: 7-speed automatic* Fuel economy: 18 mpg highway, 13 mpg city* Local Dealers: Nissan of Chattanooga East, Mountain View Nissan* Price (as tested): $71,335
WHAT IS IT?
The Nissan Armada is a 7-8 passenger, full-size SUV with a big, 5.6-liter V-8 engine that makes 390 horsepower. Equipped with second-row captain's chairs, like our tester, the Armada technically seats seven - but at least one of these humans needs to be pretty small to wedge three souls into the wee third row.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The Armada is quite affordable for its class in lower trims. The base SV starts at $47,100. A mid-tier SV model with 4WD rings up at $50,100. Meanwhile, a tricked-out Platinum 4WD model like our tester goes for $71,335.
WHAT WE LIKED
Lots. Our logbook of likes included elevated seating, easy-to-read analog gauges, luxurious two-tone interior, wide leather seats, captain's chairs and 360-degree camera (that helps with parking).
Photo by Mark Kennedy / The 2020 Nissan Armada Platinum is a body-on-frame full-size SUV.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
The blocky exterior styling of the Armada is beginning to look dated, the piano-black center stack may collect scratches and the 13 mpg city fuel economy is a kick in the wallet.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
The Armada has a composed - not floaty - ride. The engine is powerful enough to climb area mountain roads with ease. Still, a trip up the W Road is a bit frightening as negotiating narrow lanes is not the Armada's forte. The interior of our Platinum tester has a high level of opulence which makes long-distance highway driving a dream.
BOTTOM LINE
For large families with big boats or RVs, the Armada is a fine choice. With enough towing capacity to pull 8,500 pounds and an interior built for comfort (especially in Platinum trim), the Armada is a double-duty family-hauler. It competes with the Ford Expedition and the Chevy Suburban.
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Photo by Mark Kennedy / The interior of the 2020 Nissan Armada Platinum features two-tone leather seating surfaces.