Flagship SUV gets new front sheet-metal, interior upgrades.
As part of the NEXT initiative, which sees 12 new or updated Nissan products rolled out over the next 20 months, the Armada full-size SUV gets a significant refresh.
Offered in two trim levels, SL and Platinum, the body-on-frame Armada gets new front sheet-metal for 2021. There’s a new grille, front fenders, front bumper and a new LED headlight design with more than 50 individual LEDs used for running lights, high/low beams, markers, turn signals and daytime running lamps.
Other exterior changes include LED combination taillights, body-coloured over fenders, dark painted roof rails along with an acoustic windshield and front side windows.
There’s also rain sensing windshield wipers, side mirrors with memory function, side step rails, heat and puddle lamps and a power rear lift gate with an auto-closing feature.
Bigger touch screen
Inside, there’s a new 12.3-inch touch screen with high-resolution display that’s customizable and features short cuts for favourite user functions. The navigation feature includes 3D mapping and over-the-air updates.
Standard smartphone connectivity includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while there is also a standard Wi-Fi hotspot and connectivity for the over the air map and software updating.
Additionally, Nissan Door to Door Navigation, with SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link is also featured (with 3-month complimentary access) plus NissanConnect Services that can be accessed either through a SiriusXM satellite radio subscription with 5-year Plus and 6-month Premium complimentary trial access; or, via a smartphone, computer, or smartwatch app.
Other interior upgrades include a redesigned centre console that opens from both the front and rear with more versatile storage features, including a deeper well and removable tray.
Towing capability
One of the reasons both consumers and businesses choose a vehicle like this comes down to towing capability and on/off road capability. The Armada’s combination of rugged body-on-frame construction and stout 5.6-litre V8 engine make it extremely versatile in these categories.
The 5.6-litre engine, which sports gasoline direct injection, an 11.2:1 compression ratio and Nissan’s VVEL advanced variable valve timing and lift technology is rated at 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. It’s teamed exclusively with a seven-speed automatic transmission that features Adaptive Shift Control and Downshift Rev Matching to boost fuel efficiency, assisted by fairly wide gear ratios, idle neutral control and a transmission fluid warmer, designed to reduce friction.
Properly equipped, the Armada is capable of towing up to 8,500 lbs and Nissan has added further capability by adding a standard Trailer Brake Controller with tow hitch receiver and Trailer Sway Control which allows the brakes to be automatically applied should sway motion be detected.
All 2021 Armadas sold in Canada will come with standard part-time four-wheel drive, which features an electronic transfer case and automatic as well as four-wheel high and low-range options.
There’s also standard four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock and electronic brake distribution (EBD), standard Hill Start Assist, and Vehicle Dynamic Control with both two and four-wheel limited slip.
Fully-equipped
As part of Nissan’s strategy in offering a whole range of well-equipped models, the 2021 Armada is no exception.
Standard on the Armada SL is leather-appointed seats and door trim, as well as heated front seats and heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, along with LED fog lights, memory power driver’s seat and steering wheel.
There’s also a power-sliding moonroof, Intelligent Around View Monitor, Remote Engine Start System, power liftgate, 13-speaker Bose Audio system, third-row power recline and fold seats and Trailer Sway Control and 20-inch wheels and tires.
The Armada Platinum includes quilted leather-appointed seats, front climate-controlled seats, rear heated seats, Rear Family Entertainment System, Intelligent Rear View Mirror (I-RVM), wiper de-icer, front rain-sensing wipers, rear step lamp, Traffic Sign Recognition as well as Intelligent Backup Collision Intervention, illuminated cupholders and 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
Optional on the Platinum trim level are a Captain’s Chairs Seat Package (Platinum) which replaces the second-row bench seat.
The 2021 Armada goes on sale in Canada in January.
