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After extensive research and multiple test drives, I recently purchased a white 2018 Nissan Armada Platinum AWD. I've barely got 500 miles on it, but here are my summarized thoughts.
2017 -> 2018 Changes:
1. Optional Intelligent Rear View Mirror on higher trims
2. Slightly updated infotainment system that's a bit more modern (but still outdated)
3. More USB ports, loss of aux-in jack option
4. Rear Seat Entertainment system replaced RCA-in jack with HDMI
PROS:
+ Great engine and transmission performance
+ Very minimal road/wind noise
+ Comfortable to drive; excellent highway cruiser
+ Nice interior with lots of good quality leather
+ Around View Monitor is great; I'm now becoming OCD about parking "in the lines."
+ Good value for the utility and functionality provided
+ True solid body-on-frame platform allows for respectable towing capacity
+ It looks really nice; already getting compliments and inquiries from curious drivers
+ Most safety tech actually works; blind spot monitoring/intervention, adaptive cruise control; back-up intervention, etc.
+ Very comfortable seats for 4 adults with captain chair package
+ Rear seat entertainment system may lack blu-ray, but now has HDMI for 2018, and works well.
+ Great LED headlights
CONS:
- Creaking plastics around dash and center console
- Outdated infotainment system; no android/apple, ancient monochrome DIC in center console, old software/UI, etc.
- 3rd Row can be tight, and takes up lots of room when folded down (creates a notable angle in cargo area)
- No LED for high-beam or fog lights
- Some dash controls aren't the most intuitive, are too small, and can be a stretch to reach
- Steering is vague, light, and over-assisted
- Handling is better than some claim, but can exhibit more body roll than I'd like
- Poor MPG (but only requires 87 octane)
OTHER:
* The Bose stereo is respectable with a good high quality audio source; I'd still like a better "upgrade" option for high-level trims
* Intelligent rear view mirror is handy, but do find it hard to use permanently due to relatively lower resolution which make identification of rear objects difficult and sometimes appear "artificial."
* The front fake skid-plate and section of the rear bumper are painted silver regardless of vehicle color. This should either be body color or match the accent "gray" color on the rest of the vehicle.
* You tend to sit higher than expected due to feeling as though you sit "on" seats, versus "in" them.
* While they've added more for 2018, needs more USB ports and an aux-in jack (especially in center console)
OVERALL:
Obviously the Armada, and most full-size SUV's, aren't going to be as roomy, fuel efficient, or "practical" as a mini-van and some crossovers would be. It makes up for this with a powerful engine, capable off-road capabilities, towing, and overall comfort for passengers. My biggest issues continue to be the outdated infotainment tech and persistent creaking noises from cheap plastics. But if you need/want a vehicle in the class, it's a great value with available discounts.
2017 -> 2018 Changes:
1. Optional Intelligent Rear View Mirror on higher trims
2. Slightly updated infotainment system that's a bit more modern (but still outdated)
3. More USB ports, loss of aux-in jack option
4. Rear Seat Entertainment system replaced RCA-in jack with HDMI
PROS:
+ Great engine and transmission performance
+ Very minimal road/wind noise
+ Comfortable to drive; excellent highway cruiser
+ Nice interior with lots of good quality leather
+ Around View Monitor is great; I'm now becoming OCD about parking "in the lines."
+ Good value for the utility and functionality provided
+ True solid body-on-frame platform allows for respectable towing capacity
+ It looks really nice; already getting compliments and inquiries from curious drivers
+ Most safety tech actually works; blind spot monitoring/intervention, adaptive cruise control; back-up intervention, etc.
+ Very comfortable seats for 4 adults with captain chair package
+ Rear seat entertainment system may lack blu-ray, but now has HDMI for 2018, and works well.
+ Great LED headlights
CONS:
- Creaking plastics around dash and center console
- Outdated infotainment system; no android/apple, ancient monochrome DIC in center console, old software/UI, etc.
- 3rd Row can be tight, and takes up lots of room when folded down (creates a notable angle in cargo area)
- No LED for high-beam or fog lights
- Some dash controls aren't the most intuitive, are too small, and can be a stretch to reach
- Steering is vague, light, and over-assisted
- Handling is better than some claim, but can exhibit more body roll than I'd like
- Poor MPG (but only requires 87 octane)
OTHER:
* The Bose stereo is respectable with a good high quality audio source; I'd still like a better "upgrade" option for high-level trims
* Intelligent rear view mirror is handy, but do find it hard to use permanently due to relatively lower resolution which make identification of rear objects difficult and sometimes appear "artificial."
* The front fake skid-plate and section of the rear bumper are painted silver regardless of vehicle color. This should either be body color or match the accent "gray" color on the rest of the vehicle.
* You tend to sit higher than expected due to feeling as though you sit "on" seats, versus "in" them.
* While they've added more for 2018, needs more USB ports and an aux-in jack (especially in center console)
OVERALL:
Obviously the Armada, and most full-size SUV's, aren't going to be as roomy, fuel efficient, or "practical" as a mini-van and some crossovers would be. It makes up for this with a powerful engine, capable off-road capabilities, towing, and overall comfort for passengers. My biggest issues continue to be the outdated infotainment tech and persistent creaking noises from cheap plastics. But if you need/want a vehicle in the class, it's a great value with available discounts.