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The Redesigned, More Powerful 2017 Armada Debuts

(Credit: © Nissan)

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The Redesigned, More Powerful 2017 Armada Debuts

2017 Nissan Armada

2017 Nissan Armada (Credit: © Nissan)

The Nisan Armada has been overdue for a redesign for quite some time. While it’s never been a bad SUV, per se, its looks have been dated for years, and its V-8 engine lacked the punch that most modern eight-cylinders offered. At the Chicago Auto Show, Nisan laid these issues to rest with a new Armada based on the same platform as the Nissan Patrol.

The first thing about the new Armada is it looks significantly better than its predecessor, which looked like little more than a converted Titan. This new body, which borrows a lot from the Infiniti QX80, has a more rugged look while also looking a tad more upscale than before. If you were to put the X80 and the new Armada side by side, it is very obvious that this is an Infiniti with a new nose and tail—both places that the QX80 looked a little disproportionate. Dare I say that this is a prettier QX80?

2017 Nissan Armada

2017 Nissan Armada (Credit: © Nissan)

In terms of size, the 2017 Armada is 1.2 inches longer than its predecessor but rides on a 2.1-inch-shorter wheelbase. It is also 0.6 inches wider and 2.2 inches lower than the last-gen model.

The Armada has always excelled in one area, roominess; and this continues in 2017 as it still has room for eight people and plenty of space for soccer balls, hockey equipment, et al. Like the Armada before it, the 2017 model is plenty luxurious for its class as it comes standard with heated front seats, steering wheel, heated second-row seats, a 13-speaker Bose sound system, and Nissan Navigation. Nissan also added acoustic glass on the windshield and front side windows, and added more sound-deadening material to keep the interior noise to a minimum.

2017 Nissan Armada

2017 Nissan Armada (Credit: © Nissan)

For buyers looking for more features, there are the SL and Platinum trim levels. The latter trim level really loads up this body-on-frame SUV, with its highlights being the DVD Family Entertainment System with its dual 7-inch headrest monitors and wireless headphones, and a power moonroof.

Power was a big issue in the previous Armada, as its outdated V-8 could only muster up 317 horsepower. For the new generation comes a revised version of Nissan’s 5.6-liter V-8 that pumps out a more competitive 390 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Nisan also expects improved fuel economy from the new V-8. Also outdated was its five-speed automatic, which is supplanted by a seven-speed unit in 2017. Despite the extra grunt, the Armada actually loses 500 pounds in towing capacity as it falls to just 8,500 pounds.

2017 Nissan Armada

2017 Nissan Armada (Credit: © Nissan)

Nissan also claims to have sorted out the Armada’s not-so-hot ride with a new front and rear double-wishbone setup with 36 mm and 26.5 mm stabilizers on the front and rear, respectively, and twin-tube shocks. As for rolling stock, the base SV will feature 18-inch aluminum wheels shod in 265/70R18 all-seasons, the SL’s wheels will grow to 20 inches with 275/60R20 all-season rubber, and the Platinums will get machine-faced 20s.

The 2017 Nissan Armada will hit showrooms in the summer of 2016, Pricing will roll out as we approach its launch date.

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