OREM — "Armada" is defined as a fleet of warships.

While the 2018 Nissan Armada may be a fleet of one to any single owner, it can be helpful to have a first mate on board to assist with the assortment of tech and gadgetry laid out before the driver and passenger.

In fact, the technology gap between the Armada and its big brother Infinity QX56 is smaller than it’s ever been, according to Clint McIntosh, sales manager at Ken Garff Nissan of Orem.

“For 2018, the differences between the two vehicles are almost entirely cosmetic now," McIntosh said. “Consumers will notice imitation wood instead of genuine and feel the difference in the leather and other appointments, but, compared to the Infinity, the Armada is a great value and measures up in most every way.”

The 2018 Nissan Armada is a well-appointed, full-size SUV with eight-passenger seating that delivers in towing capacity.

Exterior Styling

Despite the Armada’s large size, it appears to sit low and has excellent entry and egress points.

The familiar bubble of a two-level roofline that defined the Armada has been leveled out in recent years. The protruding rear bumper remains, however, and angles down from the rear taillights.

The Platinum model features two-tone fender- and running-board trim and plenty of chrome. The door handles, front fender vent and window trim stand out from the side.

The front grill will be familiar to Nissan fans, and the aggressive front bumper is a stand-out design feature. More chrome surrounds the headlight housings, and a large, rear deck spoiler hangs over the cargo door, housing the upper brake light and providing balance to the prominent rear bumper.

Interior styling

The interior of the Armada is impressive and measures up to the hefty sticker price. The test model had white leather seats and door trim, coupled with a black dash and trim. It was an elegant look to be certain.

The imitation wood trim is a prominent part of the interior design and can be found throughout the two-level dash, center console and doors.

The touchscreen control panel sits prominently at the center of the dash and angles slightly toward the driver. Navigation and setting controls are situated below with the climate and media controls further down. Wood trim and matte black finishes make for an attractive, though busy, layout.

The Platinum edition test model was equipped with captain’s chairs and a very large, permanent center console in the second row and a bench seat in back. The console and captain’s chairs are attractive and comfortable but restrict the driver's ability to take full advantage of the massive amount of cargo space available with the seats folded down in back and forward in front.

My wife was quick to point out, however, that the second-row configuration meant loading and unloading of passengers was quite easy with one or both middle seats folded forward.

Technology

The Armada has a host of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings and emergency braking. An intelligent rearview mirror can alternate between standard and camera-provided views.

Nissan’s intelligent 4x4 system provides maximum traction from the get-go and transfers power to the rear wheels when up to speed. In bad weather, the system can automatically transfer power to wheels that need it and can be manually operated for various terrain and weather situations via a driver control dial in the center console.

The entertainment system includes headrest-mounted monitors for the rear passengers while outlets provide video game, video camera and DVD playback.

The controls layout is hectic and confusing with too many buttons — though fortunately, voice control works well. On the plus side, the driver can decide whether to use physical buttons and dials, the touchscreen or voice commands.

Nissan’s heating and cooling dials for the seats are some of the most well-designed in the automotive world. It may seem like a small thing, but never having to change the settings between trips is a welcome change from most electronic setups. Triple-zone climate controls make things comfortable for all passengers.

The Armada has up to 8,500 pounds of towing capacity and a self-leveling rear suspension helps keep the load under control.

Performance and control

The Armada handles surprisingly well and accelerates rather quickly for such a large vehicle. The seven-speed automatic transmission is paired with a 5.6-liter, 390-horsepower V8 with an ample power delivery and smooth transmission.

The suspension moves well from highway cruising to canyon cornering. Combined with the elegant and comfortable interior, the Armada is well-suited to capably haul a variety of toys and make any long road trip more enjoyable.

Steering and braking felt softer than the actual response, and it was slightly disconcerting when the wheel and pedal feel didn't precisely match what was happening on the road. The longer I drove the Armada, the more I was able to adjust and gain confidence, however.

The big Nissan may feel less inspired and more comfortable than some expect now from trucks. Others with boats to tow or long vacation drives to look forward to will find the Armada perfectly suited.

Conclusions

The Armada is spacious, elegant, attractive and capable. The engine and transmission deliver and, though driving the Armada is somewhat less-than-inspiring, there is little doubt that the big Nissan is perfect for its intended purpose.

Passengers, cargo and toys will arrive in style.

Specs

Vehicle type: five-door, up to eight-passenger, 4x4 SUV

Engine: 5.6-liter, 32-valve, gasoline V8

Transmission: seven-speed automatic

Power: 390 horsepower; 394 pound-feet of torque

Acceleration: 6.7 seconds zero-to-60 miles per hour

Wheelbase: 121.1 inches

Towing/cargo capacity: 8,500 pounds tow, 1,724 pounds payload

Fuel economy: EPA estimated city/highway 14/19 miles per gallon

Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles drivetrain, 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper

Price as tested: $62,250

Conclusions

The Armada is spacious, elegant, attractive and capable. The engine and transmission deliver and, though driving the Armada is somewhat less-than-inspiring, there is little doubt that the big Nissan is perfect for its intended purpose.

Passengers, cargo and toys will arrive in style.

Specs

Vehicle type: five-door, up to eight-passenger, 4x4 SUV

Engine: 5.6-liter, 32-valve, gasoline V8

Transmission: seven-speed automatic

Power: 390 horsepower; 394 pound-feet of torque

Acceleration: 6.7 seconds zero-to-60 miles per hour

Wheelbase: 121.1 inches

Towing/cargo capacity: 8,500 pounds tow, 1,724 pounds payload

Fuel economy: EPA estimated city/highway 14/19 miles per gallon

Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles drivetrain, 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper

Price as tested: $62,250

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