The Nissan Armada (retrospectively referred to unofficially as the Nissan Pathfinder Armada) is a full-size SUV manufactured by Nissan for the North American market.
| Nissan Armada | |
|---|---|
2021 Nissan Armada | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Nissan |
| Also called | Nissan Pathfinder Armada (2003–2004) Nissan Patrol (2016–present) |
| Production | 2003–present |
| Model years | 2004–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size SUV |
| Body style | 5-door SUV |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive |
From 2003 to 2015, the first-generation Armada was assembled in Canton, Mississippi based on the Nissan Titan.[1] From mid-2016 onwards, the second-generation Armada has been built in Yukuhashi, Kyushu, Japan and shares the same platform as the Nissan Patrol, with American-specific modifications, and went on sale in late mid-2016 as a 2017 model. A luxury version of the Armada has been sold as the Infiniti QX80 (originally QX56).
First generation (TA60; 2003)
edit| First generation | |
|---|---|
2008 Nissan Armada | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | TA60 |
| Also called | Nissan Pathfinder Armada (2003–2004) Infiniti QX56 |
| Production | August 2003 – 2015 |
| Model years | 2004–2015 |
| Assembly | United States: Canton, Mississippi (Nissan USA) |
| Designer | Toshio Yamashita, Diane Allen, Giovanny Arroba (2001)[citation needed] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | Nissan F-Alpha platform |
| Related | Nissan Titan Nissan Frontier Nissan Xterra Nissan Pathfinder |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Gasoline: 5.6 L VK56DE V8 |
| Transmission | 5-speed RE5R05A automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 123.2 in (3,129 mm) |
| Length |
|
| Width |
|
| Height |
|
The 2004 model Pathfinder Armada was unveiled on April 17, 2003, at the New York International Auto Show. Developed under Carlos Ghosn's NRP (Nissan Revival Plan), development was done in September 1999 to 2003 under lead designers Shiro Nakamura and Diane Allen and chief engineers Yuzo Sakita and Larry Dominique. In January 2001, a final exterior design by Giovanny Arroba had been approved by Sakita, Allen, Nakamura, and Nissan executive management, with the final design freeze being completed in July 2001.[citation needed] It is assigned the platform code TA60.
Prototypes based on the Y61 Patrol were hand-assembled as mules from 2001, with the first TA60-specific prototypes being completed and sent to testing in early 2002. Design patents were filed in 2003, with production starting on August 14, 2003, and going on sale on October 1, 2003.[2][3]
The Armada had a 5.6 L VK56DE V8 engine that made 305 hp (227 kW) and 385 lb⋅ft (522 N⋅m) of torque. This was mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, and the Armada had a choice of either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. There are some Armadas that are capable of using E85. It has a towing capacity of up to 9,000 lb (4,000 kg).[4]
The rear door handles are installed on the "C" pillar as part of a Nissan design tradition that started with the 1986 Nissan Pathfinder. When the four-door Pathfinder was introduced, Nissan chose to conceal the door handles as a part of the "C" pillar trim to visually make it appear like a two-door truck with a camper shell, with conventional door handles on the front doors.
The switch to the Armada name occurred in September 2004 for the 2005 model year, where it received new badges without "Pathfinder."[5] The 2005 model year also included a backup camera.[a][6]
Starting with the 2006 model year, the third-row seats receive a 60/40 split.[7]
2008 refresh
editA facelift was designed through 2005, being introduced in early 2007 for the 2008 model year.
The updated VK56DE V8 engine now produces 317 hp (236 kW) and 385 lb⋅ft (522 N⋅m) of torque with an improved towing capacity of up to 9,100 lb (4,127 kg) when equipped with towing package.
Standard features now include an 8.0 inch infotainment screen, an updated interior, a new front fascia and rear fascia, new headlamp and fog lamp designs, a twist knob ignition switch for the Intelligent Key System[b], a new one-piece roof rack design, and third-row seats that fold electronically.[c][8]
The latest Nissan Armada Platinum edition features a 9.3 GB hard drive for storing music, and a CF (Compact Flash) memory card reader.
The 2011 model year Armada removed the SE and Off-Road trim levels and moved to a tiered system: SV (base trim), SL (middle trim), and Platinum (top trim). Nissan discontinued the use of the Armada platform for the Infiniti QX56 produced in Japan.
The 2013 model year added Bluetooth and satellite radio as standard on all models, Platinum Reserve trim package and an updated steering wheel. Navigation added NavWeather capability, Zagat Survey, Bluetooth audio streaming, one USB port, and a 40 GB disk drive. The Nissan DVD Entertainment System mounted screens in the back of the front head restraints.
The 2015 model year updated interior door panels.
The Nissan Armada (TA60) was sold in the United States (including all US territories), Canada, Mexico, and the Middle East in left-hand-drive only.
Second generation (Y62; 2016)
edit| Second generation | |
|---|---|
2017 Armada Platinum | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | Y62 |
| Also called | Nissan Patrol |
| Production | June 2016 – present |
| Model years | 2017–2024 |
| Assembly | Japan: Kanda, Fukuoka (Nissan Shatai Plant) |
| Designer | Taisuke Nakamura, Shinya Momokawa, Minoru Yoshida, Sugita Akihiro[citation needed] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | Y62 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Gasoline: 5.6 L VK56VD V8 |
| Transmission | 7-speed RE7R01B automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 3,075 mm (121.1 in) |
| Length | 5,305 mm (208.9 in) |
| Width | 2,030 mm (79.9 in) |
| Height | 1,925 mm (75.8 in) |
Nissan unveiled the second-generation Armada at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, and it went on sale in August 2016 as a 2017 model. This version is based on the Nissan Patrol (Y62), the platform also used for the Infiniti QX80, as moving the Armada and Patrol to the same global platform instead of the Armada sharing the platform of the American-built Titan saves considerable development cost.[9] The Armada grew in length and width, but the wheelbase and height were moderately reduced.
The engine was upgraded to the VK56VD Endurance V8, increasing horsepower from 317 to 390 hp (236 to 291 kW; 321 to 395 PS) at 5200 rpm and torque from 385 to 394 lb⋅ft (522 to 534 N⋅m; 53.2 to 54.5 kg⋅m) at 4000 rpm. In addition to the Endurance V8, a seven-speed transmission was introduced to improve fuel economy and acceleration. The exterior moderately differs from the updated Patrol, which was introduced in early 2014. As with the previous generation, the Armada continued to offer 2WD and 4WD and available in SV, SL, and Platinum trims.[10][11] It has been described as a large-sized, low-volume, but high-profit model for Nissan.[12]
2021 refresh
editAn updated version of the Nissan Armada was revealed in December 2020.[13] The front end was redesigned, with a larger grille and C-shaped LED headlights along with two new exterior colors. The taillights were redesigned as well and are also LED. Inside, the center console was redesigned, with a wider infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto along with a wireless smartphone charger standard. Nissan's "Safety Shield 360" became standard. Trim levels and powertrain remained the same with the SV getting leatherette seating with silky carbon trim, SL retains leather-appointed seating with wood-tone trim and new 20-inch wheels, and the top-of-the-line Platinum getting new quilted leather-appointed seating with birdseye maple wood tone trim, along with new 22-inch wheels and the base S will be available at a later date, although the 5.6 L V8 gained 10 horsepower (7 kW; 10 PS) and 19 pound-feet (26 N⋅m) of torque. A Midnight Edition, which treats the exterior to an under-the-radar, blacked-out color scheme, was also added.[14] The updated Armada went on sale in North America in late January 2021.
For the 2022 model year, one-touch power-folding third row seats were added as standard equipment for the Armada Platinum.[15]
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2021 Armada SV (front)
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2021 Armada SV (rear)
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Interior
Third generation (Y63; 2024)
edit| Third generation | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Model code | Y63 |
| Also called | Nissan Patrol |
| Production | 2024 (to commence) |
| Model years | 2025 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Related | Infiniti QX80 (Z63) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Power output | 425 hp (317 kW; 431 PS) |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 3,076 mm (121.1 in) |
| Length | 5,324 mm (209.6 in) |
| Width | 2,116 mm (83.3 in) |
| Height | 1,946–1,981 mm (76.6–78.0 in) |
| Curb weight | 2,575–2,772 kg (5,677–6,111 lb) |
The third-generation Armada was unveiled on September 3, 2024.
Sales
edit| Calendar year | United States[16] | Canada[17] |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 6,673 | |
| 2004 | 37,275 | |
| 2005 | 39,508 | 411 |
| 2006 | 32,864 | 219 |
| 2007 | 31,632 | 153 |
| 2008 | 15,685 | 100 |
| 2009 | 9,903 | 196 |
| 2010 | 19,344[18] | 413 |
| 2011 | 18,311[18] | 611 |
| 2012 | 18,072[19] | 537 |
| 2013 | 14,383[19] | 539 |
| 2014 | 12,593[20] | 462 |
| 2015 | 12,737[20] | 634 |
| 2016 | 14,035[21] | 689 |
| 2017 | 35,667[21] | 1,105 |
| 2018 | 32,650[22] | 1,435 |
| 2019 | 32,044[22] | 593 |
| 2020 | 19,640[23] | 358 |
| 2021 | 22,814[24] | 596 |
| 2022 | 11,923[24] | 427[25] |
| 2023 | 21,184 | 874[26] |
Notes
edit- ^ The 2005-2015 model years of some first generation Armadas continued to be produced without backup cameras.
- ^ The 2008-2015 model years of some first generation Armadas continued to be equipped with traditional ignition switches.
- ^ The 2008-2015 model years of some first generation Armadas continued to be produced with manual folding third row seats.
References
edit- ^ "Nissan Canton Prepares to Celebrate 10 Years of Manufacturing in Mississippi". Official U.S. Newsroom. December 18, 2012. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
- ^ Rechtin, Mark (25 June 2001). "Nissan may launch SUV ahead of pickup". Automotive News. Retrieved 16 December 2020.
- ^ "2004 Nissan Pathfinder Armada SUV Pricing Announced". Truck Trend. 25 September 2003. Retrieved 16 December 2020.
- ^ "2004 Chevy Tahoe vs. Dodge Durango, Ford Expedition, Nissan Pathfinder Armada, Toyota Sequoia". Car and Driver. 2004-04-01. Retrieved 2022-12-10.
- ^ "Nissan to Drop Pathfinder Name from Armada SUV". Automotive Fleet. February 2, 2004. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
- ^ CarGurus Editorial Team (August 8, 2022). "2005 Nissan Armada Reviews, Pricing & Specs". CarGurus. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
- ^ "2006 Nissan Armada". Conceptcarz. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
- ^ "2008 Nissan Armada Press Kit". Official U.S. Newsroom. 2007-02-01. Retrieved 2022-12-10.
- ^ Bruce, Chris (2016-02-10). "2017 Nissan Armada prepares to Patrol the US". Autoblog. Archived from the original on 2019-04-13.
- ^ "2017 Nissan Armada Press Kit". Nissan USA. 11 February 2016. Retrieved 16 December 2020.
- ^ Duffer, Robert. "2017 Nissan Armada full-size SUV debuts on eve of Chicago Auto Show". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 16 December 2020.
- ^ Lassa, Todd (11 February 2016). "2017 Nissan Armada Takes On the Toyota Land Cruiser". Automobile Magazine. Retrieved 16 December 2020.
- ^ Palmer, Zac (2020-12-09). "2021 Nissan Armada gets a facelift and big interior improvements". Autoblog.
- ^ Takahashi, Mark (December 17, 2020). "Nissan Murano Prices, Reviews, and Pictures | Edmunds". Edmunds.com.
- ^ "2022 Nissan Armada U.S. pricing starts at $48,900". Official U.S. Newsroom. 2021-08-13. Retrieved 2022-11-05.
- ^ "Nissan Armada US car sales figures". carsalesbase.com. 2015-11-09. Retrieved 2021-03-27.
- ^ "Nissan Armada Canada Sales Figures". CarFigures. Retrieved 2024-04-05.
- ^ a b "Nissan North America Sales Increase 7.7% for Record December" (Press release). Nissan USA. 4 January 2012. Retrieved 16 December 2020.
- ^ a b < "Nissan Group Reports December and 2013 Year-End U.S. Sales" (Press release). Nissan USA. 3 January 2014. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ a b "Nissan Group reports December and 2015 calendar year U.S. sales". Official U.S. Newsroom (Press release). 5 January 2016. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ a b "Nissan Group reports December and 2017 calendar year U.S. sales" (Press release). Nissan USA. 3 January 2018. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ a b "Nissan Group reports December 2019 and 2019 calendar year U.S. sales" (Press release). Nissan USA. 3 January 2020. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ "Nissan Group reports fourth-quarter 2020 and 2020 calendar year U.S. Sales". 5 January 2021.
- ^ a b "Nissan Group reports 2022 fourth quarter and 2022 calendar year U.S. Sales". Official U.S. Newsroom. 2023-01-04. Retrieved 2023-01-14.
- ^ "Nissan Group reports fourth-quarter 2022 and calendar year 2022 Canadian sales". Official Canada Newsroom. 2023-01-04. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
- ^ "Nissan Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Annual Sales for 2023". Official Canada Newsroom. 2024-01-04. Retrieved 2024-01-15.