A few weeks ago, I drove a 2020 Nissan Armada Platinum edition SUV with all-wheel-drive. Nissan’s flagship SUV would be the perfect vehicle for a family vacation—if only we weren’t still under quarantine during my week of test driving.
The 2020 Armada operates on a 5.6-liter Endurance™ V8 engine and 7-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift control. It also features all-wheel-drive selector and hill start assist to help you get off to a fast, efficient start to your journey. The SUV seats up to eight in comfort, with plenty of leg and head room. Armada also features lots of flexible cargo space.
Photo: Nissan
My test Armada was a Platinum edition, but the manufacturer added a Platinum Reserve package that brought a terrific 22” wheel package. The lovely design featured 14-spoke forged aluminum-alloy wheels and all-season tires for extra stability on the road.
Appearances can be deceiving, but Armada’s bold and powerful exterior testifies to the SUV’s enhanced performance abilities. Its bold, aggressive stance features a V-motion front grille with LED low-beam headlights and daytime running lights. The rear features combination lights with LED taillights.
I was especially fond of the power lift-gate with its automatic closing feature that made it really easy to operate. The Armada also boasts body-color front/rear bumpers with chrome accent side window moldings and door handles. Sidestep rails and roof rails add to the Armada’s sporty styling.
Photo: Nissan
With seven exterior paint colors, ranging from Hermosa Blue Pearl to Pearl White TriCoat, my test Armada came in Super Black. The cabin featured premium two-tone leather seats and unique stitching, also part of the optional platinum reserve package ($2,250). A Captain’s Chair Package ($2,250) was also added, with second-row captain’s chairs like those for the driver and front-seat passenger. A second-row center console with padded armrest reduced the available seating from eight to seven passengers.
Intelligent rearview mirror featuring a high-resolution camera gives the driver of Armada Platinum and Platinum Reserve models an expanded view. Both trims also add a DVD Family Entertainment System with dual 8-inch monitors, two wireless headphones and remote controller for movies, music and/or games. A large, sliding moon-roof comes standard on the Platinum trim.
Photo: Nissan
Technology features include rear door alert to warn if items are forgotten in the rear seat. Forward collision warning, intelligent cruise control, anti-lock braking system and brake assist are also featured. Intelligent lane intervention, blind-spot warning and intervention, and lane departure warning are included as standard features.
The MSRP for the 2020 Armada Platinum with four-wheel-drive is $63,530. With Nissan adding options like the Platinum Reserve Package, Captain’s Chairs Package, and others, the total price for the test Armada came to $71,335 (with destination charges).
Fuel economy for the Armada Platinum 4-wheel-drive was estimated at 13 mpg in town and 18 mpg on the highway, for an average of 14 mpg.
