2022 Nissan Armada review // Who really needs a full-size SUV?

This is a Motormouth couple car review of the 2022 Nissan Armada full-size three-row body-on-frame SUV. Big, Bold and Rugged, the Nissan Armada! Last year, the Nissan Armada SUV got quite the makeover with improved power, the addition of the new Nissan logo, a squarer front end, prominent headlights, a new rear bumper and taillights and a bolder Armada script. The Nissan Armada also has changes to the interior as well with a larger 12.3” touchscreen, wireless Apple Carplay and wired Android Auto, a new 7” gauge cluster and a new centre console. We didn’t get the opportunity to drive the 2021 model, so when the 2022 arrived, we thought we would take it for a spin. The Armada has lots of positives, it’s an 8-passenger SUV, it offers plenty of power, space, storage, comfort, an isolated cabin and excellent towing capacity at 8500 pounds, but where it falls short is in fuel economy, its competitors do better especially since they offer a variety of powertrains. The Armada gets 17.5L/100 km, 13 MPG city and 12.9L/100 km, 18 MPG highway with gas prices at an all-time high, this is a tough one to swallow. I would much rather go with something like the Toyota Sequoia Hybrid if I really needed all this space and towing capacity, it can tow up to 9,000 pounds. The Nissan Armada SUV has a 5.6L V8 with a 7-speed automatic transmission, 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. Standard 4WD in Canada and in the US, 2WD and 4WD options are available. The Nissan Armada starts at $70,498 CAD for standard 4WD and in the US 2WD $49,900 USD and 4WD $52,900 USD. In Canada, it comes loaded with a 12.3” touchscreen with Navigation, 7” instrument cluster, surround view monitor, wireless Apple Carplay and wired Android Auto, wireless charger, Bose Sound System, power driver and passenger seats, driver seat memory, heated front seats, leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, a moonroof and a power liftgate. In the US, with the lower starting price not all these features are standard, move up to the higher trims for extra options. We are driving the Nissan Armada Platinum trim without the captain’s chairs, price as tested $77,998 CAD/$69,200 USD.
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Andrea Instagram / motormouth_andrea
Zack Instagram / motormouth_auto

[@njdad2476]

One of the few most reliable body on frame SUVs out there. Nissan Patrol/Amada never die!

[@mowcowbell]

can't pass a gas station, though

[@richardsanders3750]

And armada cost less than main competitors...

[@hertzair1186]

…and Infiniti QX80! Reliability with luxury and style is the reason I bought my QX80.

[@jonaswatkins]

Yasssssss ❤❤❤

[@linh811]

body on frame = SUV. unibody = crossover, regardless what the marketing says

[@nikolayrayanov2895]

The Nissan Patrol/Armada is as reliable as the Toyota LandCruiser, it's a pitty then don't have any modern alternatives to the V8 engine. Don't get me wrong, that V8 is fantastic and it will live hundreds of years if maintained well, but boy it's thirsty.

[@johncanalese588]

what do you mean by modern? The VK56VD V8 in this vehicle IS very advanced so iI'd call it modern! Its a 32-valve, quad-cam with the VVEL system that continually varies the valve timing and valve lift to get great low down torque and manage consumption. It ain't an old-school pushrod 16-OHV V8.

[@hertzair1186]

Worth it for the reliability….I have a 2020 QX80 and that’s one of the reason I bought it

[@jonaswatkins]

Me to 😂😂

[@A3A4Tom]

There is no substitute for their V8 performance and interior space of a full-size SUV. When I was still a student at university, there was a professor who only owned full-size SUV, who needs to commute between Langley and Burnaby, on freeway 1 everyday. I still remember it fondly. She drove a GMT-900 Chevy Tahoe, similar to MotoringTV's crew truck GMC Yukon, vintage. Given the reliability of GM full-size truck, she probably still owns one.

[@shawn_hu]

Hmm SFU or TWU

[@bettermost]

No one buys a full sized V8 SUV that’s worried about fuel mileage/costs. I have owned this truck since April. No issues no regrets. It’s amazing.

[@steviea3618]

Everyone needs a full size suv This is 🇺🇸 AMERICA💪🏻

[@rimarcadu]

The last Japanese V8 SUV thanks for that great review 👍🌹

[@juangainza5114]

Just scooped up one of the last 2024 Armada Platinum with 18k in rebates, before the 2025 v6 turbo arrive.

[@ricardogil7665]

hello Zack and Andrea this vehicle is sold as NISSAN PATROL LE in my homeland as Zack mentioned in the review. The price is around US $ 83,490. It is pretty expensive considering PERU is a developed country and our earnings are lower than Canadians. Greetings from LIMA PERU. Another great review keep it up. BTW, We do not get the TOYOTA SEQUOIA but We get the TOYOTA LAND CRUISER PRADO V8.

[@nikolayrayanov2895]

The Prado is a beast, but the ride is not as refined in the Patrol.

[@wkndwarrior4733]

Looking at prices. The armada is going for significantly less used than a Yukon or Tahoe. You can get a 2022 or 2023 Armada for less than a 2021 Yukon or Tahoe with more miles. It’s a shame that second row doesn’t slide, that’s biggest downfall

[@murrynathan]

Some dudes just really like a huge trunk space!

[@DanielMitraMusic]

Great review as always! I remember growing up in Abu Dhabi seeing these around before moving to Toronto, the Armada was one of my dream cars. Though now, I'd say the Expedition Max / Suburban / Yukon XL is the best in class. Sequoia is great provided people don't need the 3rd row.

[@haileehamlin9608]

I love my Armada but I am trading it in this weekend for a more fuel efficient vehicle at this time. I only get 14.5 mi to the gallon in my Armada with me traveling a lot. That just doesn't work for me anymore. Great vehicle though. Never had an issue. I have had mine for 3 years

[@evoemperor3776]

Fiy it is just as much efficient as the 4runner with the smaller v6.

[@angrypenguin956]

I like this truck, but I could not justify buying one. You need to have a need to drive a gas guzzler such as this beast.

[@10OF9OFBORG]

It’s looks more like a truck than SUV and I think that quite a boxy monster truck. I thought most the car companies stop making V8 except the sport vehicles. I think they should add either hybrid or EV. Cheers! ☕️☕️

[@michaelwiebe4282]

Love your reviews, and Andrea is always dressed stylish! The Armada is a beast, not available in my country!

[@andreaspencer9813]

Thank you, really glad you are enjoying them!

[@bassandtrebleclef]

This thing drives like the old versions of the GL550. Big compliment. Wonderful to drive. Much better than any other Nissan.

[@cldans804]

I have owned Armada's since 2008, I have driven a 2012 Platinum for a while, and will be keeping it. That model is 9100 towing air ride stabilized. Every vehicle in that class are more expensive, and while it maybe smaller in some since, I can trailer whatever. But, the Toyota Sequoia with the Twin Turbo's are not getting good reviews. And, mine even being 10 years old, still offers everything I need and want.

[@abhardwaj02]

Thank you for educating us about what body on frame and unibody designs are. Love the weather over there! It’s crazy out here in east coast with such frequent snow squalls

[@BUEAU]

You know I woke up and saw this video and this is definitely the dumbest vehicle on the market today. Unless you wanna intimidate everybody on the road to a ridiculous degree and spend all your money on gas? If you're driving this Frankenstein I'm sure you've got a lotta gas to burn.

[@shopwithaaron]

Hope Nissan is not adopting the Toyota adage "don't spend a dime till you HAVE to" to bring new products...Or maybe Nissan created that idea... Thx you two!

[@MIZUNOMP60]

It's another Nissan product that's in the pipeline for a complete redesign, I think in 2024. It has value in the U.S., it's reliable, comfortable, and capable for hauling people around or towing. Its big knock is the fuel efficiency especially with ever increasing gas prices.

[@mowcowbell]

Increasing gas prices? They're going down here. $2.77 a gallon today.

[@avvv6245]

​@@mowcowbellWhere do you live? Here in California, it's much more expensive

[@mowcowbell]

@@avvv6245 Oklahoma, but prices are a bit higher now... $2.83 for 87 octane E10.

[@Invinciblehero580]

People who buy this are not worried about fuel consumption. It is bought for its power, status, reliability, comfort, space.

[@AB-coyote]

Body on frame will handle heavy towing far better. An important piece left out when comparing to the unibody.

[@Playvoodoo]

The Arabs really loves this SUV, all trims are 4WD standard in the Middle East. Armada and Patrol are one and the same.

[@kellingtonlink956]

I rarely see these on the road (the QX, the Sequoia or Lexus LX). I absolutely love these full size SUVs, especially over the American options. I have never driven or been in one. But they (this along with the Infiniti QX56/80) have always impressed me in that they looked very luxurious on the inside, but were less than good looking on the outside (particularly the Infiniti). Which oddly is why I prefer them over the competition (akin to an ugly well loved sweater or cat). Thanks for another very interesting review. (Andrea, great information and impressions. You are rapidly becoming the automotive doyenne on KZbin! Well done you.).

[@kellingtonlink956]

By ‘doyenne’, I mean… “ a woman who is the most respected or prominent person in a particular field” (Oxford Dictionary).

[@jonaswatkins]

Yassss❤

[@jsfbay1]

The Sequoia's cargo space is a hot mess. I would have bought one but it's a no-go for that reason alone.

[@belanger.fran6]

They should have made a LWB version too. LWB is king in my neck of the woods.

[@briansleepylee]

We just bought a 2017 as the used market is finally coming back down to earth. We have a smaller vehicle for the city so we are super fussed about mileage. But for road trips and towing our trailer, the Armada is fantastic. It is a beast in the snow and is secure. Did you guys mention if the new 400hp model requires premium fuel or not? I believe it does. Also our 2017 has rear helper-air bags for self levelling - you're saying that the 2022 doesn't have them anymore? Keep up the great work!

[@danielson5850]

It does bcuz my mom bought a 2023 Infiniti qx80 and it has auto levelling and it has the corner thingy. I think this has it too bcuz they are practically the same.

[@AB-coyote]

Cylinder deactivation is troublesome and leads to EXPENSIVE repairs.

[@JuanLopez-oz9kh]

I think the Armada offers the best value and package for the price. The price differences between brand will be use for gas on the Armada.

[@seymorefact4333]

🇺🇸 Armada is for the Milfs, like a Rover. Btw, saw a brand new Land Rover stalled at intersection last night with a tow truck near our Costco. I'l buy the LX600F or land cruiser.

[@TheFberry100]

I love my 2018 Armada. Rented one to drive to Disneyland and fell in love with it. Came back and bought one. Shipped it to Oahu when we moved so we don't put a lot of miles on it so gas is really not an issue. I do like the new interior but can't justify the expense right now as mine is paid off. Great vehicle. Towed my 31 foot travel trailer back in Cali. Cons. the rear seats take forever to lie flat. I would love the new navigator as the interior is the best of any full size and the 3rd row is huge!!

[@michaelsylvester7272]

Move out of the way here comes, Andrea!😊

[@vicp8772]

Hope u really need this. It's dated, but does its designed job. Which isn't a single person going to soccer camp.

[@westcoast708]

Great vehicle sometimes its not all about gas mileage just for the reliability it's worth it thx guys. 👍.

[@vancity2349]

Great review. I have the pickup version in a 18 Titan, we use to pull our boat and its rock solid for that job. Other than that I work from home so do drive it much. The interior in your review is light yrs ahead of mine.

[@Mac_Raymond]

Sometimes I watch the videos just to check out Andreas outfits

[@andreaspencer9813]

Thank you!

[@ricardocaceres6345]

I like all the comments and suggestions you made , thanks

[@RCDiaz-Balart]

To be completely transparent My 2011 Acura MDX which is significantly smaller, gets the same gas mileage even though to be six So upgrading to the Armada makes no difference in fuel consumption and I get a lot more power a lot more space and a lot more towing capacity.

[@stever5359]

Body on frame vehicles are almost always quieter than unibody vehicles because it’s easier to isolate road noise from the cabin.

[@axvarela]

Haters: "Who needs a truck like this...?" ✋

[@FrankySilverFace]

Ppl who need a vehicle like this should paint it yellow and get skoolbus for a license plate.

[@MrMingming123]

I think the Gx is also aother choice for this category!

[@rcast9022]

Corny

[@jonaswatkins]

I dd9ntvtell it up to the point where it is a little more complicated than

[@artistnyc123]

Andrea, you could be in a Mini Cooper and people will get out of the way when they see you coming.

[@matthewm3912]

Giggity.

[@markymarc136]

Here is my guess on how much it would cost to fill this up if it's your daily driver and you are a busy person, maybe with some kids: How about $100 a week? I don't think I would be off by that much if you live in Vancouver with prices at $2 a liter. What was the final number at the pump Zack?

[@bakirdawood]

I did own an Infiniti q80 after watching zack review and it was the worst purchase , the car has a terrible handling and stability in snow and the ABS locks and the car skids all over the place , sold it after three months

[@zoner__]

Infiniti has gone downhill for quite a while.

[@robvilla622]

The host mentioned that the Armada does not have an air ride suspension, but it does have an automatic leveling rear end suspension. When I tow my trailer, a rear mounted compressor comes on to raise the rear on my 2021. I assume that has not changed.

[@jimmydeneus7109]

This truck is bigger thanks for watching

[@ThinkBeFree99]

Way nicer than the sequioa. Especially with those hard touch surfaces and ugly interior styling that Toyota insist on keeping foe another 10 yrs

[@bluebird6219]

I wouldn't want a diesel engine these days after emissions, so much costly maintenance on top of the initial high price tag. Know a guy that just had to replace his system in his 2018 at 120k miles and cost $13k for the new emissions crap. Government should have left the diesels alone instead of fining them and making them pay advertisements telling everyone they cause cancer and disease, brain washing the generations that didnt grow up using them, it could run off renewable fuels and outlasted any gas engine 3x as long. Yet they worry so much about our health so have to be regulated, if that was true they would shut down fast food chains too because the fryers are essentially burning the same fuel, accept those are also contributing to obesity!

[@janoycresnova9156]

These things used to be in 40-50k few years ago. It's insane that they're now starting in 70k.

[@ricardocaceres6345]

The only competition it has, the sequoia

[@timphillips4147]

This is a giant of a car Andrea with plenty of pulling power with the V8. Only problem as you point out costs a whole heep of money to run too Andrea!

[@andreaspencer9813]

Does it ever, I know I don't want to fll it up every week 😉

[@timphillips4147]

@@andreaspencer9813 Absolutely with you on that Andrea, fuel costs are difficult for many these days 😑

[@fromabove9774]

No "fuel management", no turbos, no CVT, low tech; Looking forward to the Armada in my driveway.

[@tylerbehnke6307]

Engine management systems lead to uneven heating of the engine block, and turbo v6's lead to poor reliability at 100,000 miles and are maintenance intensive engines. Old School still is the best when you actually take a closer look.

[@BBlackmen]

You know we know what else is really good with this SUV different than the Tahoe and the Suburban and the Yukon and the expedition this vehicle that your Nissan Armada has a much better reliability rating than those Vehicles she's a tank and she does not break down it has a lot of old school features and it's reliability is really great you buy one you can keep it for years on top of years and it will keep going

[@castanedarebeca1005]

I love Armadas. I owned a 2008 armada, then I owned a 2016 Mustang, and now I want the 2024 Armada went to check and on internet it said 72 but on the dealer is 75 who to trust😒

[@ShaneOMalle]

I daily mine, as a once three car owner (2 now)and a single father of two girls its my favorite car to drive. Only legitimate 8 seater I could find for multiple families, trips and safety. Its almost as fun as my EV to drive.

[@erniearruda8861]

I would have to correct your decision on one of the competitors is the Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon not the Chevy suburban just to point that out

[@gogrape9716]

13 MPG ??? See You in the funny pages.... 😅

[@jamesfabros8829]

This car I drive 1 hour flood area and I go home safe the water is on my seat already and nothing happened.they cannot beat the engine .

[@crazyone1067]

If only Nissan would put the 9spd transmission in this, it would be perfect.

[@pkdhdkdjdbkfjcj]

I have over 138,000 miles no issues. Chevy ford you will pay more on maintenance

[@swinglow33]

With the push towards EVs, would auto companies still work on fuel saving tech?

[@weirdshibainu]

It really needs the 9 speed transmission out of the Titan.

[@matthewm3912]

No. It doesn’t. I hated the 9speed in my 21 titan. It was garbage. I drove a rental armada and the 7speed paired to the 5.6 works WAY better.

[@topgearalwaysrock]

Love it's tall riding height though. But boot space is really miser with all seats up...

[@pkdhdkdjdbkfjcj]

Much cheaper than Chevy or fords with all the options. I love the long trips in my armada

[@fishyfish7042]

it doesn’t drink/eat gas it breaths gas. gas tank should be bigger. super reliable and lots of power.

[@aranda5150]

Great!

[@stellion5014]

Good evening! Thanks for the review! The car is cool! I have a 2012 NISSAN PATROL (for Russia) and (ARMADA for the USA) in Yekaterinburg with 30,000 miles. We rode it on a trip this summer and drove 10,000 miles in three weeks. The car goes wherever you want. I drove a NISSAN TEANA before this car. How much does such a car cost you? In Russia, I bought it for $33,300.

[@pkdhdkdjdbkfjcj]

Best engine in its class. Wet roads you will sail right through them

[@linh811]

JDM full size v8 SUV, the last of its kind.

[@t3true-games]

I'm a big guy. Will have a big family. This is for me. I will not look at this truck with new eyes. It's definitely in the running now!

[@tomdrummy4984]

Who really needs a full time SUV is a great question ! Great review 👍

[@andreaspencer9813]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed the review!

[@marclangman4836]

Those that do a lot of camping. You need a body on frame truck or suv to pull a large camper.

[@ricardogil7665]

@@marclangman4836 and also for OFF ROAD

[@trippplefive]

great highway cruisers.

[@marclangman4836]

@@brokeduece1691 silly statement. By the same logic, 98% of what people use a RAV4 for can be done with a hatchback.

[@louspagnuolo2925]

Great review . You guys make it so entertaining. Thumbs up to review but thumbs down to this big 8 banger. Money money !!! Not in my life lol. But still enjoyed watching review. Great job guys. Keep them coming .

[@andreaspencer9813]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@cncfan]

It’s surprising the Armada has such a bad resale value, at least in the US

[@DavidStanleymusic]

too big too thirsty too old too expensive

[@johncanalese588]

The Armada for the Nth American market is primarily aimed at the Luxury Barge/Mall Crawler market. The Nissan Patrol, that has been around for about 50 years as a model and is sold globally is a different beast. The Patrol in Australia for example is made for true Towing and Off-road duties with much more rugged drive-train like LSD rear end and diff Lockers, multi-function traction control etc. Unfortunately we don't get the updated dashboard as we are RHD and Nissan Japan didn't want to spend the money to re=engineer it. But that hideous, fat-arse rear bumper is thankfully not fitted to our Patrol's

[@davidchurchill1651]

Uh Pathfinder’s better b/c it’s equipped w/foot trunk activation. Armadas do not have hands free foot trunk activation.

[@focusedmessagemarketing958]

Too many SUV’s are cramped. Not this Armada. Sure it’s thirst but it has 400HP, it’s heavy, so what do you expect?

[@rimarcadu]

Hello my Lexus NX 350 make 17 miles per gallon and it’s only 4 cylinder turbo 2.4 liter premium package. I love v8

[@leviconner]

Felt like I was listening to two robots jeez

[@stuntmonkey00]

Coming to a Costco near you.

[@christinaozoraakri777]

...so u re citizen of Canadian. And u live in a British culmbia area? I guess the car number plate simmilar Like an British culmbia state area...

[@DogShortsVideoss]

If your 6,5 and this car is not for you big Car Little Seat Cabin 😢

[@artchiu584]

i guess Nissan has the ability to upgrade the transmission at the very least, and re-tune the engine. i guess Nissan is running out of money to make any improvements ....look at the dying Infiniti division...

[@davidryde6296]

Living in NW Alberta, these make sense. Have something to cruise Forest Service Roads when visiting in BC.

[@rockerfeller9492]

interior appears like from Nissan flintstones, Toyota Tundra got way better interior

[@shawn_hu]

The armada does have the rear air ride for leveling the rear end when tow. It does not have the HBMC system which is found on the QX80. You will notice the one with HBMC has even less body roll. Of course the magnatic ride on the GM full size suv is definitely the new gen tech. However not sure about the longivity though.

[@sinisajakus3602]

18 lit vauuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

[@ECCMoversDeliveryGuy716]

Me I have 4 kids 😆

[@HighAltitudesCO]

How is Nissan still in business?

[@sallo45]

Hi. Great video. What armada model is the nissan patrol version? Is it 2019 or 2020 onward?

[@cncfan]

2017 onward

[@blackcyborg009]

Y62 Patrol / Armada is long in the tooth

[@Baebon6259]

exterior looks great. Except for the rear lip...

[@tempestv8]

When these first came out back in 2009, the V8 had timing chain stretch issues, but this has long been fixed and definitely a reliable vehicle.

[@vanceistifo7309]

Very good and informative review, Zack and Andrea. Here is one design flaw on Nissan’s part. The second row seats do not have the tilt and slide forward feature like many other newer SUV’s have in this segment these days. So for a family with three young children and if even two of those kids require child seats, there is no access now to the third row. And, if you were to put one child seat in the third row then there goes your cargo space. Guess I have to wait for the kids to grow before considering this vehicle lol. Too bad cause I really like it.

[@d.perkins1588]

Drove one a 2022 a few days ago. The second and third row seat both recline but do not slide.( Which is a bummer!) Probably my only complaint other than mpg. Power was awesome. You have to sacrifice something for the price.

[@AngieS_91]

I love mine!!

[@jonaswatkins]

Okkkkkkkl l

[@belka85]

Got a 22 Midnight Edition. We don't need a truck like this but its perfect for our garbage roads here in Saskatchewan. Gas mileage is terrible but that's about it. Love it otherwise and will be hard pressed to downgrade into something smaller after driving this beast.

[@MrNizzy209]

Does it have the rear leveling?

[@belka85]

@@MrNizzy209 yes

[@debann2864]

Have a hybrid? Or Electric?

[@amymichelle5950]

I love my midnight edition! To me it's not that big.

[@cam2027]

What kind of gas milage do you get.

[@amymichelle5950]

@@cam2027 16.9 is what I'm averaging

[@cam2027]

@@amymichelle5950 Thank you... I'm looking at the new Sequoia also but I'm not a fan of the V6 TWIN TURBO HYBRID engine they chose to power it. When I see TWIN TURBO HYBRID my mind quickly shifts to REPAIR COSTS 😆... I love the all black midnight edition SEQUOIA 👍🏾

[@BBlackmen]

You know it's funny I woke up and I saw this video and this is one of my favorite trucks you know over here in America it is the best value of the big trucks body on frame SUVs it is even at the top trim it being fully loaded coming in around about 71 or 73,000 it is cheaper than the Expedition then the Yukon then the Tahoe the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer and the Sequoia

[@palvini]

okey bro. i know

[@maurinethelizard6085]

Especially used ones, my family very recently bought a 2019 Platinum with only 47k miles for $36k

[@BUEAU]

Let's melt it down and sell it for scrap.