Our Opinion - 2026 Nissan Armada Review The 2026 Nissan Armada is a vehicle that is suitable for families and can transport both people and cargo. It features three rows of seats for passengers and can tow a trailer weighing up to 8,500 pounds when needed. All versions feature a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine instead of the V-8 engine found in some rivals, resulting in similar performance. The Platinum Reserve versions of the Armada are the most expensive. They try to look like higher-end luxury SUVs, but you can get it as simple or fancy as you want. What's New? Nissan will add a sporty-looking NISMO model to the Armada range in 2026. The standard model has 450 horsepower, but the twin-turbocharged V-6 adds 35 horsepower, making it appear more aggressive. The NISMO features unique 22-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, and distinct front and rear bumpers. The side bolsters on the driver’s and front passenger’s seats can be adjusted, and the seats are made of padded leather with red accents. Pros and Cons Pros: Easy to drive on the road. Great sound quality from Klipsch. It stands out from the outside. Cons: It’s not much better than the last model. The brake pedal isn’t working right. It might work better this way. Engine, Transmission, and Performance Two 3.5-liter V-6 turbocharged engines that make 425 and 460 horsepower. Automatic gearbox with nine speeds. One has four-wheel drive, and the other has rear-wheel drive. All Armadas come equipped with a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. In regular trim levels, the engine makes 425 horsepower. In the NISMO version, it makes 460 horsepower. The Armada comes with rear-wheel drive as standard, but four-wheel drive can be added as an extra. Two additional features that enhance the Armada’s off-road capabilities and make it more enjoyable to drive are a locking rear differential on four-wheel-drive models and a height-adjustable air suspension. When we tested a 2025 Armada, we found that it accelerated quickly and had better ride and handling than we expected from an SUV of that size. The Platinum Reserve model we rode had larger 22-inch wheels, but the body still moved in a jerky manner. On the other hand, the Pro-4X has 20-inch wheels and a better ride. Safety Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring are just a few of the driver assistance features that come standard with every Armada. ProPilot Assist 2.1 helps you drive hands-free. The following are important safety features: Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance are all standard safety features. Hands-free drive mode and adaptive cruise control are two optional safety features. Internal and External Cargo Capacity The Armada’s lounge is nice, and the modern, simple design makes it easy to relax in. It’s great for road trips that the front seats are well-padded and can be switched out. With high-quality materials like stitched leather, the Platinum Reserve grade of the Armada gives it a truly luxurious feel. There is room for eight people in the Armada’s second row with the normal bench seat, but only seven with the optional captain’s chairs. Not only are the seats very well padded, but they also fold out quickly to make room for the third row. Unlike some smaller SUVs with three rows, the Armada has both a comfortable second row and a space for three people in the third row. Two people under six feet tall can be seated in the back row, but adults shouldn’t be seated there as much as in the first and second rows. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG 75-mph Highway Fuel Economy (Invoice Pricing): Platinum Reserve delivers 22 mpg, while the Pro-4X achieves 18 mpg. EPA City Fuel Efficiency Ratings: Range between 15 and 16 mpg EPA Highway Fuel Efficiency Ratings: Range between 18 and 20 mpg The EPA estimates that cars achieve 18 to 20 miles per gallon on the highway. The EPA has not yet released the 2026 Armada’s fuel economy numbers. However, the 2025 model achieved up to 16 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, and an average of 18 mpg overall. The Expedition did better in the city than the Armada, but it did worse on the highway. The Platinum Reserve got 22 mpg on our real-world speed test at 75 mph, which was better than the EPA’s numbers. The Pro-4X only got 18 mpg. Infotainment and Connectivity The 12.3-inch touchscreen is basic, and a 14.3-inch touchscreen is available as an option. Connectivity through Bluetooth and WiFi Google Auto and Apple CarPlay. Klipsch’s 12-speaker stereo is available as an option, while a 6-speaker stereo is the standard. 12.3-inch screens that span the dashboard are standard on all trim levels. On the left screen is a digital instrument cluster, and on the right is a touchscreen entertainment system. On better trim levels, the 14.3-inch touchscreen is even bigger. No wires. Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone syncing. You can choose to use Google’s built-in apps if you want to. A Klipsch 12-speaker sound system comes with the SL, Pro-4X, and Platinum trim levels. Range, Charging, and Battery Life The invoice pricing for the test at 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The Ford Expedition, on the other hand, is a much faster option for anyone seeking a large SUV. It reached 60 mph on our test track in 4.9 seconds. Towing and Payload Capacity The Armada can pull up to 8,500 pounds, which is slightly more than the Chevrolet Tahoe’s 8,400-pound limit but less than the Ford Expedition’s 9,600-pound limit. Price and How to Choose The 2026 Nissan Armada is expected to cost between $60,000 and $80,000, depending on the trim level and any optional extras. It comes with a premium audio system, heated front seats and steering wheel, a motorized liftgate, and power-folding third-row seats. We think the SL is the best deal. Most trim levels offer four-wheel drive as an option for $ 3,000, but the off-road-focused Pro-4X comes with it as standard.
