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TheCarConnection.com's editors drove the new Nissan Armada in order to give you an expert opinion. TheCarConnection.com's SUV experts have also researched available road tests on the new Nissan Armada to produce this conclusive review and to help you find the truth where other car reviews might differ.
Likes:
- Seating position
- Towing capacity
- Powertrain performance
Dislikes:
- Expensive
- Clumsy handling
- Obscured rearward visibility
- Very poor fuel economy
- Subpar interior materials
With its imposing stance and rugged styling that’s a bit bolder than that of other full-size SUVs, the 2009 Nissan Armada stands out in looks but not necessarily performance or practicality. Revamped for the 2008 model year, the Nissan Armada returns for 2009 with its standard 5.6-liter V-8 engine producing 317 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque, as well as a sprinkling of revised equipment and package offerings.
The 2009 Nissan Armada’s five-speed automatic transmission offers class-leading towing capacity of up to 9,100 pounds and doesn’t hesitate to downshift. The Armada is, quite simply, a guzzler; the EPA city rating is just 12 mpg, and lower real-world figures are likely if you’re doing a lot of stop-and-go. The ride of the 2009 Nissan Armada is firm but smooth, soaking up most major bumps, but all of its heft is felt in corners and when braking.
The front seats are perched relatively high, which gives good forward visibility, though the thick rear side pillars impair backward visibility. The front seats are quite comfortable, though, and it's easy to find a good driving position with the available adjustable pedals. The 2009 Nissan Armada has a seating capacity of up to eight passengers with standard second- and third-row bench seats; second-row captain's chairs are also offered for a seven-passenger capacity. When the third-row seats are up, there's very little cargo space left. The instrument panel is eye-catching, but the materials and plastics inside still lag those used in top rivals.
