I'm not going to go on and on with regards to all the standard and optional features available on the new Armada, as I already did this in a comprehensive (read extremely long) preview of the SUV. Suffice it to say that everything I reported about previously works extremely well other than the few items I've already grumbled about.
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| The Armada can feature dual media capability, so the kids can watch a movie in back under headphones while the parents can enjoy a little music up front. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
At the end of my test week I had to admit to liking the Armada more than any competitive full-size SUV. It was the power and handling that won me over, with styling and sheer versatility coming in a close second. It wouldn't take many improvements, all previously listed, to leave the rest of the segment completely behind, at least until its rivals catch up.
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| It will take time for Nissan and its large SUV to win over buyers in the fiercely loyal full-size truck/SUV market. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Of course, its rivals might not need to as full-size domestic SUVs are selling fairly well and Nissan is not reaching its initial targets for the Armada, or the Titan for that matter. Possibly the automaker misjudged the predominantly American full-size truck buyer, thinking more would switch over from traditional brands to a top Japanese nameplate, well known for besting the domestics in reliability and overall quality. The Armada is clearly worthy of such attention, but truck buyers are among the most loyal in the automotive sector. It may take more than a few months to achieve the level of acceptance needed to win over a customer that proudly displays a "Built Ford Tough" belt buckle between his Levis and Budweiser T-shirt and sings Bob Seger's Like a Rock while towing the horse trailer down Interstate 10.