SUVs with big V8 engines and truck-like off-road capabilities are making a comeback this year. There's the new Lexus LX 570, which is proving very popular, and now the more affordable Nissan Armada.
If somebody ever asks me what the best Nissan currently made is, I'm going to point at this big guy. It's designed to do one job, and it does it perfectly. Sure, the GT-R is an excellent bullet, but it's also getting old.
The Armada is based on the Nissan Patrol, a body-on-frame vehicle that has seen a lot of action. The Y62 version of that is combined with all of the luxuries from the Infiniti QX80 to make an attractive buying proposition.
The Fast Lane Truck recently subjected it to a rigorous trail test. Some flaws were revealed, like the vulnerability of the front overhang and low articulation of the front suspension. But overall, we think things are looking up for the Armada.
Not only did it successfully reach the top of the trail, but it seems to have done so without a scratch on it. Unlike the Porsche Cayenne or Mercedes G-Wagon, the Armada does things the old-fashioned way. Sure, it's got direct injection, but you don't need forced induction to go off-road. In fact, most would consider it a nuisance.
The 5.6-liter that's shared with the Titan is linked to a selectable AWD system that's also truck-like. As for the gearbox, the flagship packs a 7-speed automatic that plays a significant part in achieving up to 18 mpg on the highway. Laugh all you want, but the Mercedes G63 AMG gets 14 mpg.
A few of the systems that were designed for safety can actually be used to steer clear of obstacles. We are talking about the surround-view camera system borrowed from Infiniti.
Motor Trend once said it's impossible to do an exciting off-road test because the fun you're having doesn't translate on camera. While that might be so, true enthusiasts of the 4x4 genre aren't entertained by lap times.
Our favorite part of the Armada is both Made in the USA and a Japanse import. What we mean is that assembly takes place in Kyushu, but the engine is put together in Tennessee. So yeah, that's a pretty good reason to pay $60,000 for this thing.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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