Specific features aside the new Armada's cabin is particularly well finished. Like the Titan that impressed me in Detroit, the big SUV reflects Nissan's new focus on perceived quality. The result is softer touch plastic surfaces, high-grade metallic trim and improved switchgear. The overall interior design is also a big step ahead for the full-size segment, showing a sense of contemporary style not offered by the domestics and lone Japanese entrant.
Yet along with that style Nissan customers will get a serious amount of interior roominess. This is the first eight occupant vehicle in the Japanese company's history, opening up the brand to large families who otherwise have been left buying domestic SUVs and full-size vans (and a couple of minivans). Those who don't need as much seating space can opt for 7-person seating, that replaces the 2nd row bench seat with two captains chairs for a more intimate and comfortable passenger compartment. A removable 2nd row center console adds to the executive class experience.
What's more Nissan boasts the most 2nd row legroom in the full-size light-duty class, plus a decent amount of cargo capacity behind the 3rd row seat. What's decent? Even when all passengers are aboard it can take 552 L (19.5 cu ft) of luggage, which is about the size of a large sedan's trunk. Fold the 3rd row flat and 1,611 L (56.9 cu ft) becomes available and a sizable 2,744 L (96.9 cu ft) when both rear rows are folded. In this last configuration it's possible to carry something up to 3,048 mm (10 ft) in length with the rear liftgate closed. When the 3rd row seat is in use passengers will experience a little less claustrophobia than usual, due to its raised theatre-style position.