2010 Nissan Armada Titanium Edition

[dmuramoto]

This week I've had the opportunity to test a 2010 Nissan Armada with the Titanium option package. Very nice full-size SUV and it’s no wonder Nissan continues to sell everything they make with this line. Running on regular grade fuel, the Armada offers 317 HP with 384 lb/ft. TQ at 3800 RPM. With EPA figures of 12 MPG city and 18 MPG highway, there’s no doubt the VK56DE is both powerful AND thirsty.

With some curiosity, I hooked up the Armada to my fully loaded 24’ racecar trailer. The Armada’s backup camera came in handy with helping me back accurately onto the anti sway hitch. After several tries, I could hook the Armada up and could hear the load leveling system at work, pumping air into the rear and evening out the ride height. Starting up, it was noticeable how easily the Armada pulled what must be close to a 10,000-pound trailer. Without the trailer brakes and lights hooked up, I restricted my test drive to my immediate neighborhood.

Still, the Armada was amazingly comfortable as a tow vehicle. I was surprised to find it performed so well, particularly in comparison to my Chevy Silverado one-ton crew cab dually. The Nissan interior is light-years ahead--with instrumentation, ergonomics and build quality at the top of the list. And while I like having a one-ton chassis and class V receiver to rely on for long distance hauling, the Armada would be one HUGE upgrade. Only one problem: I don’t have $45G in spare change burning a hole in my pocket, PLUS the Chevy has been paid off for years now. SIGH

[dmuramoto]

Even with the new 2011 Infiniti QX56 being released, don't look for an entirely new Nissan Armada just yet. The body-on-frame platform will still be used until a new Titan is designed. And I'd guess that project won't be ready until 2012.

[dmuramoto]

Met another racer who was towing a similar trailer to mine with an Armada. I was disappointed to learn he averaged 8-10 MPG while towing and said the Armada's VK56DE had to work hard to do so. He also mentioned how much sway he had while towing, despite the anti-sway hitch he used with his Armada. So the old Chevy one-ton dually is looking better for the job I need to do.

[audtatious]

Thanks for the review. Do you feel the Armada has a design issue as it seems to have issue being a car hauler? I would think it was more designed to pull boats

Then again, I'm sure boats are not the lightest things either.