Although this week's road test didn't challenge the highly capable 4WD system with anything more than gravel roads, I had the opportunity last year to undertake a variety of challenging ascents in a 2008 Armada. This experience left me duly impressed with the big sled's ability to claw and scratch its way to the top of each climb without becoming mired in muck, high-centred or breathless.
Despite this behemoth's laudable climbing ability, it's not equipped with 'hill descent control,' to regulate speed during a steep, perilous descent. It is however equipped with 'VDC,' which is Nissan's Vehicle Dynamic Control program. This electronic gadgetry manipulates braking and engine output to assist in keeping the vehicle under control when circumstances become ruffled.
Ride and handling
I wouldn't describe the Armada's handling performance as robust; it is what it is- a big heavy vehicle that favors ride comfort over on-road athletics, and rightfully so. Off-road proficiency no longer requires us to tolerate formidable ride characteristics.
Nissan engineers devised an independent rear suspension setup for the Armada that helps smooth-out bumps while providing plenty of suspension travel for off-road purposes. Together with the independent front suspension arrangement, the underpinnings of the Armada impart ride quality that is pleasing to its occupants.
Notwithstanding its civilized treatment of humans and its overall mass, the Armada extends prudent, predictable handling attributes to its driver, making this beast of burden a pleasure to maneuver about town or through twisty mountain passes.
Quiet and secure operation
Operationally, the Armada is a refined performer. Engine noise is heavily muted as are road and wind noises, leaving occupants to enjoy the vehicle's Bose audio system free of unwanted auditory intrusion. In addition to enjoying a serene cabin, drivers will undoubtedly appreciate the navigation screen that doubles as a rearview camera screen when the Armada is shifted into reverse.
This "visual" safety feature is accompanied by a full suite of airbag protection, including roof-mounted curtain supplemental airbags providing side impact and rollover protection for all three rows of seating. Kudos to Nissan for including this life-saving apparatus as standard equipment.
Versatility expanded
By their very vastness, full-size SUVs are tremendously versatile vehicles, and the Armada is no exception. Its second and third row seats can be folded to create an expansive, flat load floor capable of swallowing massive sums of provisions; power folding third row seats add a delightful touch of convenience to an otherwise awkward chore.
Despite this behemoth's laudable climbing ability, it's not equipped with 'hill descent control,' to regulate speed during a steep, perilous descent. It is however equipped with 'VDC,' which is Nissan's Vehicle Dynamic Control program. This electronic gadgetry manipulates braking and engine output to assist in keeping the vehicle under control when circumstances become ruffled.
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| Drivers will undoubtedly appreciate the navigation screen that doubles as a rearview camera screen. |
Ride and handling
I wouldn't describe the Armada's handling performance as robust; it is what it is- a big heavy vehicle that favors ride comfort over on-road athletics, and rightfully so. Off-road proficiency no longer requires us to tolerate formidable ride characteristics.
Nissan engineers devised an independent rear suspension setup for the Armada that helps smooth-out bumps while providing plenty of suspension travel for off-road purposes. Together with the independent front suspension arrangement, the underpinnings of the Armada impart ride quality that is pleasing to its occupants.
Notwithstanding its civilized treatment of humans and its overall mass, the Armada extends prudent, predictable handling attributes to its driver, making this beast of burden a pleasure to maneuver about town or through twisty mountain passes.
Quiet and secure operation
Operationally, the Armada is a refined performer. Engine noise is heavily muted as are road and wind noises, leaving occupants to enjoy the vehicle's Bose audio system free of unwanted auditory intrusion. In addition to enjoying a serene cabin, drivers will undoubtedly appreciate the navigation screen that doubles as a rearview camera screen when the Armada is shifted into reverse.
This "visual" safety feature is accompanied by a full suite of airbag protection, including roof-mounted curtain supplemental airbags providing side impact and rollover protection for all three rows of seating. Kudos to Nissan for including this life-saving apparatus as standard equipment.
Versatility expanded
By their very vastness, full-size SUVs are tremendously versatile vehicles, and the Armada is no exception. Its second and third row seats can be folded to create an expansive, flat load floor capable of swallowing massive sums of provisions; power folding third row seats add a delightful touch of convenience to an otherwise awkward chore.
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| Displacing 5.6 liters, the 32-valve unit produces 317 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque. |