Last of a Dying Breed - 2023 Nissan Armada Review

#nissan #armada
The Nissan Armada is one of the few surviving full-size body on frame V8 powered SUVs. Here's why this old-school SUV a great buy in 2023.
#Armada #QX80 #Patrol #v8 #4x4 #landcruiser
00:00 - Intro/Powertrain
02:15 - Cargo/3rd row
03:10 - 2nd row
04:24 - Front Seats
07:10 - Driving Impressions
15:33 - Conclusion and B-Roll

[@nintendoatarikiller]

The facelifted Armada is perfection. Infotainment that isn't out of 2012 and it has real Japanese reliability that matches pre-Ghosn Nissan. This is the last call for any potential Land Cruiser buyers who missed out. It's essentially a Nissan Patrol and people in the Middle East drive these. If it can survive the Middle East, it can survive suburban America.

[@JokerG16]

maaannnn i took a trip to Dubai a month ago and this and the Land Cruiser were literally all i saw. like thousands of them. i’ve never seen so many in my life

[@haroldnavarro9055]

Yes nissan patrol and land cruiser in middle east. Tried nd reliable

[@faheemabbas3965]

I heard the difference between the Patrol and Armada besides slight appearance differences (Patrol has shorter bumpers) has something to do with the axles? I forgot but I heard it’s much better to off road the patrol compared to the Armada. But yeah basically the Armada is the Patrol in the US. One of the last Land Cruiser alternatives available for sale in the US.

[@JokerG16]

@@faheemabbas3965 yeah the Patrol has all of the off-road modes and also with HBMC system. the Armada has the same body (can do so mild off-roading with some good tires) but doesn’t have the different modes and HBMC system

[@SvenQ45]

Never was there but yeah it´s essentially either a Patrol or a Landcruiser. 😁

[@dboyq329]

My niece just bought this exact model for Christmas, and she absolutely loves it! Very nice, high-end presence....

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

Excellent

[@simotion76677]

Great video Kirk, your videos with a cameraman are great! Much better than the POV videos!

[@lforeman9467]

Another excellent review Kirk, and I can relate as I'm a car enthusiast with a family of four as well.

[@jakef2518]

Great review! Definitely a bit old school but the road presence and that V8 are top notch. Love it!

[@mahdavimail]

What a good weather you have there! I am jealous we have at least two feet of snow on the ground and more to come here in Montreal 😇 TNX for video

[@xRomeo999]

Hey man great real review video.

[@JokerG16]

the key to nailing the throttle is to hit the gas pedal like 3/4 down. it’s weird, but i’ve gotten used to it. if you floor it, it’ll just take its time.

[@cdb5662]

Awesome! Great review.

[@erictate8986]

Kirk Kreifels friend keep up the great work and God Bless you and your family 💪💪🇺🇸🇺🇸😃😃👍👍👍👍

[@twanjr]

I love that truck rented one when I visited family on the east coast. Side note Kirk the outro music is amazing 🙌🏾… I need that track.

[@callimoore4986]

I just got this vehicle and I love it! Can easily remove center console in the back too.

[@nathanfidalgo2760]

Best review

[@Tnapvrvideo]

Great review! btw, What's the biggest BFG KO2 tire that can be put on a stock 2023 Armada? and where's the V8 on the outside? Thanks!

[@danwaller5312]

Just bought one…..WHAT A GREAT VEHICLE!!!

[@t-jh4236]

Lol my wife and I shop at the Whole Foods you could see in the background at 8:57. I mean to say at that very location. We love our 2022 Armada Platinum. Great reviews Kirk. Keep it up.

[@KirkKreifels]

That is awesome!

[@keithgentrysr3668]

I just bought one, I love it

[@medo-he2xn]

This thing is a beast i will definitely get one in the new year.

[@mrgurulittle7000]

I was just telling my dad, I wish we could get this Armada we’re we live. The biggest Nissan SUV is the Rogue, and third row seat is literally imaginary. The newer Nissans are quite some lookers.😍

[@elizabethmiller7918]

Where do you live?

[@mrgurulittle7000]

@@elizabethmiller7918 JPN

[@linh811]

Hands down THE best value in the used market.

[@laurenzdeganos9875]

Even though I like the new design of the Sequoia. The Armada still looks modern. This suits you well and looking fit! Kirk

[@japerezo75]

Thanks to this video and the one from the Engineer Armada prices are going up again.

[@dorist7280]

BEV, BEV, BEV... I will miss the V8 engine😢. (not to mention V12, too. Yes, V12👍) Armada is not my cup of tea, but I love V8. I love your kids; they are so cute and adorable🥰.

[@moeanthony9308]

Gas pig

[@mrgurulittle7000]

His kids are great.👍😍

[@luvslogistics1725]

You can get a lower trim in the low 50s and it’s a beast. I love the powerful engine and growl it makes. It’s roomy and comfortable. I love the rear end including it’s powerful bumper.

[@deet4895]

Nissan Patrol

[@darrenr.3590]

Love this unit just purchased a 2023. I hope they keep using the v8. Amazing 👏

[@salhernandez2229]

Last year for v8 n 7 speed transmission

[@omostim2385]

I spent about a week with the pre facelifted Armada. That whole time my friends and I kept saying “why spend the extra money on the QX”. It’s getting pretty old now but I still prefer the Armada to all of the other big body on frame suvs. 70k seems like a lot though. Not that I can justify having something that large but if I did I’d just find an used QX or Armada for under 30k and call it a day.

[@linh811]

yep, also great that on the used market the QX and Armada are comparable in price if you prefer a different badge

[@donnad3133]

The new lx is a downgrade

[@donnad3133]

The new lx is a downgrade

[@AbeyantHero]

There is something just nice when you pop a disc in & it works vs passwords/connection, etc plus a collection is something tied to nostalgia for the little ones to keep. Passengers w/ Captain chairs is a nice touch, but prob could use a slider on the middle console to access the far rear seats or possible modular storage. 17MPG in this day & age is a no go unless driving a literal tactical fortress for high profile clients (that pay the fuel bills, hah)

[@azaanow2327]

Love the armada/qx80. An extended wheelbase version would be sick to compete w suburbans/esv Escalades. Obviously a different crowd but if u want a Japanese body on frame suv this is a better value than a Toyota/Lexus. Also has more interior space than a land cruiser/sequoia while coming in a price comparable to a gx or 4Runner. Overseas these are known as patrols and are very popular. I have also noticed a good amount of armadas and qx80 refreshes on the road in my city. I will say tho that u are getting what u pay for when u spend more on the Toyota Lexus product but it’s still a great product and the only new v8 full sized suv from a Japanese company

[@erictate8986]

Nissan needs to seriously keep that V8 engine into there Armada s u v for the next generation please just refreshed V8 engine and Transmission up for technology Efficiency, but very good V8 engine and Transmission for sure 🇺🇸🇺🇸💪💪💪👍👍

[@sorojinidungdung6979]

Nope they can't carry on the legend for next gen

[@salhernandez2229]

They’re dropping it, twin turbo 10 spd trans

[@rightlanehog3151]

Kirk, I have no issues with the Nissan Armada, it is the Renault Armada that concerns me. 😉

[@joskjj3625]

Love Nissan armadas, very reliable and it’s not a lousy crossover

[@chaldeankurdistani2322]

Im thinking of buying one i know i will love it

[@keithgentrysr3668]

that mirror is great

[@salhernandez2229]

If you press map voice in the center control/consul while on maps, it will expand to the entire screen and rid of that “dead space/screen”.

[@AB-coyote]

Great review. The engine is not built in Japan. It’s built in Decherd Tennessee. That version of the 5.6 was built in Japan for the QX56 / QX80 until 2017.

[@kevinm2025]

One classy ride

[@carree7942]

i rented a infiniti qx80 2014 that thing moves

[@angheloherrera]

Can you review the titan pro4x

[@flatsixrules]

Great to see it packed with kiddos and their stuff … looks familiar. 😂 Would a 23 Lexus RX 500 be at least as roomy and quick - thinking of the RX for us.

[@KirkKreifels]

Rx 500h is quicker, batter handling, of course only two rows. This feels smoother overall imo.

[@naveenthemachine]

So much better than the catastrophic sequoia

[@Max-wd8ox]

@ 0:17 you can see the great quality build of the leather on the arm rest lol

[@lanyiasdad]

I just rented a brand new Armanda Platinum and did a 2000 mile road trip. It was a nice truck, but to me the seats were very uncomfortable driving 7 to 8 hours a day. Also the adaptive cruise could use some work as it is overly sensitive. It would pick up vehicles in the lane exiting next to me and brake hard then gun the engine extremely hard to get back to it's previously set speed. The ability to use regular gas was a plus though!

[@nicholasolsen4698]

Uncomfortable? These seats are amazing!

[@lanyiasdad]

@@nicholasolsen4698 Like I said previously, it was brand new so maybe the seats needed to be broken in. However for sitting in them for 8 hours a day they were very uncomfortable for my wife and I.

[@PA-yy8vu]

@@lanyiasdadare you and your wife fat by any chance ?

[@ethanle5077]

What's the music artist and song name at the end??

[@rheo591]

I always appreciate any built-in monitors. Much safer than ipads or phones. Even in minor accidents, any loose objects can kill or do serious damage to any passengers. Just ask anyone who works in emergency rooms or ICUs.

[@elizabethmiller7918]

I just bougth the "S" trim in 4WD! I always wanted to have an affordable Y62 Patrol. Between the decontenting for the US market, picking the entry level trim and end-of-year deep discounts I was able to afford it!! 😍

[@KirkKreifels]

Good choice!

[@desizz]

How much you paid for it. There is one close to my house listed for $50000 How do you like cloth seats and the 18inch wheels?

[@elizabethmiller7918]

@@desizz I love the 18inch wheels. though I do miss the leather. I paid well under the number you mentioned.

[@AM-bj6qn]

Does it have a dvd player?

[@emersongo9147]

In Asian market Nissan is very well known for having the best AC system compared to other Asian counterpart

[@BuRNingFLaN]

Love the Armada-- but they need to add Nissan's ProPilot Assist system with lane-centering and adaptive cruise just like the pathfinder and Rogue. Vehicles in this category are great for roadtrips and freeway driving-- Their ADAS systems need to match their utility.

[@fifthcircle1]

The lane keep in the Armada blows.

[@JokerG16]

but it already has a great adaptive cruise system tho

[@salhernandez2229]

It does have it on certain models- I know my platinum has them

[@BuRNingFLaN]

@salhernandez2229 wow did not know the Armada has Pro Pilot Assist. That's great news! Will go for a test drive.

[@phlfly10]

I'm getting 17 avg with town it's all good

[@joskjj3625]

This suv shows that Nissan can make reliable vehicles, just wish they sprinkled some of that reliability to their core models such as the rogue or Altima then Nissan would be back in the game

[@ricardoramirez9510]

Mic your wife next time. Would be awesome to get a moms perspective and it sounds like she has a lot to say! Haha great review

[@AE86FTS]

I wish they made a Pro-4X variant

[@volcalstone]

V8 V8 V8, get your V8 while it lasts. I never had anything with a V8 but I've heard so many good things about it. I kinda avoided them cause of the gas usage over the V6. Looking at it now I rather get anything other than a 4 cylinder turbo. There is no replacement for smoothness.

[@mrgurulittle7000]

@Brian Lee Nissan CVT is ok now. No major issues in the last five years.👍

[@joshuagraham3222]

We have a 2022 Mazda CX9 which we really like but it does have a 4cyl. It does have a lot of power but the gas mileage is only about 20mpg. Not a huge difference from a V-8.

[@philipjohn1338]

I'd sell the Mazda and get this beast.

[@2004cyrus]

That’s a good point, I went from a 2019 CX-9 to a 2022 CX-5. And it was because I was worried that gas would hit $10 per gallon.

[@maribelperez6508]

If I buy this one, I order the nismo package 😎

[@healer81]

Much better buy than the Lexus and Sequoia

[@KirkKreifels]

I agree 💯

[@ToxicCookie]

Nothing better than a good ol v8 from a suv based on the patrol 🔥

[@sorojinidungdung6979]

​@@ToxicCookie if dealership won't screwed up the ownership

[@markcoopers1930]

6:05. Telling Mazda they don't need to be locked into a *rotory* ? For Mazda that activates "challenge accepted" mode.

[@vancity2349]

Its very nice, I have a Titan, same drivetrain.

[@JokerG16]

you’ve got the 9spd, which i wish Nissan added to this. but the 7spd is still awesome tho

[@vancity2349]

@@JokerG16 No mine is a 2018, SL midnight edition, its has the 7 speed.

[@JokerG16]

@@vancity2349 ah! got you. those are super solid trucks.

[@vancity2349]

@@JokerG16 Yes it is and super reliable

[@Louis1059]

Tennis guy eh? My guy!

[@rachaad]

Pefect timing . Im in market for full size SUV that is affordable and reliable for family

[@dboyq329]

You should closely consider this vehicle. Family member loves hers, and great deals to be had over at the Nissan house. Good luck yo!

[@rachaad]

@@dboyq329 appreciate that input. And thank you 🙏🏽

[@sorojinidungdung6979]

​@@rachaad better check yo nearest dealership is trustworthy and supportive before checking out the vehicle

[@3mr136]

I recommend you to buy this beautiful suv this year because the next generation will have a v6 twin turbo

[@Painfulwhale360]

You can get the 2021+ Armada SL's for $40,000 with about 60,000 miles which to me is a fantastic price compared to buying the sequoia.

[@alengreen589]

It´s Ok.

[@tomquimby8669]

I wonder how many they will sell.

[@2004cyrus]

About 500-800. I work in marketing for Nissan North America.

[@SvenQ45]

Didn´t know the engine is now also built in Japan.

[@jordanh4127]

I would like to compare to my 2022 sequoia with towing. The rating is 7100 lbs but I am confident I could tow much more. I have a 5.7 6 speed with a 4:10 rear axle. It tows my family of 7 with a 6k trailer. The main thing I worry about is wheel base and payload. Might need to upgrade.

[@salhernandez2229]

8500 lbs

[@JDMSwervo2001]

When big Altima energy isn’t big enough so you get an Armada

[@mrgurulittle7000]

@Brian Lee The CVT seems ok. I don’t what the fuss is.

[@faheemabbas3965]

@@mrgurulittle7000 reliability. It’s the number one reason people stopped buying Nissans. Maybe not bad for Honda but for Nissan it’s really that bad. The earlier Nissans were good but Renault really messed them and Mitsubishi up with the alliance. Thankfully recently Renault cut their share of Nissan from 40 something percent to 15%. Hopefully Nissan can make a comeback.

[@mrgurulittle7000]

@@faheemabbas3965 True. I’d still consider Nissan as more reliable than say GM or Hyundai, but yeah.

[@MrAntoniorey]

I respect your channel and opinions. But touch screens and panos are waaay overrated. I’d rather not reach for any screen while I’m enjoying my drive.

[@alejofox10]

Can Nissan be trusted, Like Toyota or Honda?

[@user-vh6gq5jc7l]

Каждый снимает обзор и думает, что он расскажет что-то новое. Сотни обзоров на эту машину!!!

[@danwaller5312]

V8, no auto START STOP, GREAT PARKING BRAKE, TOW HOOKS FRONT AND BACK, AUTO LOAD LEVELING SUSPENSION, GREAT DRIVING POSITION AND ALL THE TECH YOU NEED. GOT THE SL MODEL. WHY DID THEY EVER TAKE DVD PLAYER OUT OF CARS

[@dbsantanapr]

Did your wife drive the vehicle? Asking because I’m her size and wondered how comfortable it is for someone short to drive.

[@Morraless21]

I would remove that second row center console in a second.

[@roozbehnazer1840]

I'm looking at buying a used 2017 Armada but the engine knock issue is scaring me away. Such a shame

[@JokerG16]

so get a 2019, i think that was the year it was best rated

[@nicholasolsen4698]

They replace the engines for free if you have the engine knock.

[@keithgentrysr3668]

I had a 2017, motor was great but tranmission broke at 60395

[@Faisal-ld7ni]

In Saudi Arabia cost 100,000. $😢

[@donnad3133]

Please keep the v8 in the next generation and for the qx80 give it the nismo

[@donnad3133]

Add auto stop start and direct injection

[@cristianmolina8148]

btw; made in japan..

[@fortheloveofnoise9298]

Meanwhile I just want Suzuki to come back to the U.S.

[@sorojinidungdung6979]

They gone forever

[@mrgurulittle7000]

Me too.😢

[@styner3]

Even the seats look outdated, I gave the video a thumbs up anyway.

[@KirkKreifels]

Yes. But it adds to the old school charm 😅

[@mrgurulittle7000]

😂

[@A15689]

A great car indeed. Not interested in the new TT LC300 with its extremely overpriced tag here in my country.

[@electrikoptik]

It’s not overpriced. You get the best built SUV known to man. No other SUV is built to the standard of the LC. And if you look at the price in the past and adjust for inflation you’ll see that prices remained the same.

[@A15689]

​@@electrikoptik I would have agreed with you if we were talking about older LC generations but the new LC300 has so many drawbacks such as the Aluminum body which does not give you confidence whether from the hood shaking at normal speeds or the body getting bent from small rocks & the Interior is also less spacious than before.

[@sorojinidungdung6979]

​@@A15689 well previous gen lc was overweight and give them infamous efficiency. This same thing ford did with f150 use aluminum for weight reduction

[@occasionalquest]

it is not last ... Taho will be in production with V8 many years to come ... at least 5-10 ...

[@cjb8764]

Not worth it. I would chose the Sequoia Limited fuel economy, power and reliability.

[@kevinbarry71]

Monitors in the second row? 2002 baby. Along with no USB in the third row. And they still haven't figured out how to put in the superior nine speed transmission. And people complain about Toyota having old technology

[@2004cyrus]

This has usb charging in the 3rd row. More gears doesn’t equate to better. What’s wrong with screens in the back? Not everyone gives their kiddies iPads

[@dunxelll]

How is its CVT. The only reason I would not buy a Nissan is the transmission.

[@chinox4wd]

It has the 7 speed AT not a CVT

[@uli3119]

If anyone needs to change its Nissan. They are lagging way behind.

[@nicholasolsen4698]

They just have a longer cycle time. Every time they release a major update or redesign it surpasses competition, but they do not refresh as much as competitors.

[@fifthcircle1]

Owning one for the last 6.5yrs, I have some added insights. Suspension is too soft, and feels like a boat with all the weight. Lane departure is annoying at best. To correct you from crossing a lane line, it brakes the opposite wheels. It SUCKS! I just got back from a road trip in a friend's Lincoln Aviator, and the lane keep us so much better in that! Seat cooling/heating is acting up. Very noisy and shutting off randomly, something is wrong and I need to take it in. Gauge cluster was replaced under extended warranty, due to LEDs out. That was at 50k mi. The can't replace LEDs, it's the entire cluster. We had a ton of transmission problems in the first year, software related, and have been better since then....BUT, this is where Nissan is not good. Service department is typical "just another car". You go with a Lexus, and you get the red carpet for anything you need. It makes a difference. The climate control just makes me angry. Set it to auto, at 68°F, and it will cook you. Drop it down to 67°F, and it'll freeze you. I constantly have to mess with it on trips from being hot or cold. Lots of good things about it, but it's death by a thousand cuts.

[@billyvision1360]

You’re commenting on a 6 and half year old truck! I own a 2008 Armada and didn’t have any of the issues you mentioned….kept it for 10 years. Now driving a 2023 Armada and love it.

[@healer81]

Toyota needs to kill the twin turbo V6 and build a more efficient V8 or troll all the EV people and bring the V8 diesel engine.

[@sorojinidungdung6979]

Don't dreams too much they can't go beyond simplicity old skool ancient v8 spec otherwise God forbid japanese put German complexity or cheapo parts in them. Toyota already have diesel d4d v8 but now only for LC70 series line-up but it is also on the verge of extinction

[@healer81]

@@sorojinidungdung6979 I'm aware and most people with drive with that engine rave about it. The only vulnerability is the fuel filter. As long as you keep the fuel filter clean you'll be a happy camper. Ironically the new CEO has an engineering background in diesel engines. The green people are ignorantly fearful of diesel engines but the reality of trucks are all you need is torque. 300hp with 500 lb torque is more than good enough for many applications. There isn't any EV that can do well with weight and gasoline motors that can do what a diesel can do needs about 430++ hp to equal the torque of a diesel motor which will burn more fuel in those cases. This is why the Toyota V8 gasoline motor was so thirsty.

[@haze1123]

Chrome is lame. Manufacturers need to stop.

[@volcalstone]

I don't like chrome either but I believe people should have a choice. That's why he mentioned there is a blackout option. If not we could black out stuff on our own.

[@haze1123]

They paint the chrome and call it a blackout or midnight package and charge more for it! LoL

[@volcalstone]

@@haze1123 I could see where you're coming from tho. I don't like it when manufacturers charge a lot for their blackout option but you have to remember that chrome is luxury and you're buying into a luxury brand first. If you want it sporty then it's gonna cost you.

[@BigAltimaEnergy719]

Nissan need to bring that new rogue/pathfinder interior this suv is overpriced especially with analog gauges and outdated infotainment screen.

[@JokerG16]

what’s wrong with analog gauges and how is the infotainment “outdated”? it literally has the same software that the Rogue/Pathfinder have lol.

[@BigAltimaEnergy719]

@@JokerG16 imagine paying over 60-70 grand and hearing that microwave beep when you start the car up... not worth it brand new

[@BigAltimaEnergy719]

@@JokerG16 I rather save me some money getting the more modern qx60/pathfinder with a better updated interior.

[@iamgeek01]

@@BigAltimaEnergy719 2022 Nissan rogue/pathfinder and the qx60 all have the new chime and they all have digital analog screens with a newer and improved infotainment. Seems like your talking about the models before 2021-2022

[@BigAltimaEnergy719]

@@iamgeek01 those 2022 models and newer have those interior just wish Nissan did the same with their armada/qx80/titan

[@lajlijthoj]

Sorry, if you're spending $70-80k for a Nissan, you need to take a second look at life. Even with a V8 option...

[@2004cyrus]

Everyone is different and it’s a big world. Open your mind. Anyone who spends $20,000 for a Chevy Impala has credit issues

[@JokerG16]

lol you’re obviously not familiar with this tank

[@2004cyrus]

@@JokerG16 agreed