Armada QX56 Size

[Tatonka]

I'm thinking of buying a bigger SUV - one that can pull a trailer (our Pilot is very limited) . I thought I'd look at Nissans - maybe a used Armada or QX56 but keep reading and hearing that the Armada and QX56 are "huge" vehicles. Are they really?

(I had an '02 Honda Odyssey - it didn't look very big but I think in terms of its length and width it was pretty close to being a full sized vehicle.)

So how big are these? Much bigger than the average 1/2 ton pickup?

[BlkQman]

I just bought an '07 Q and I have to say to drives smaller then it really is. I owned a GMC Z-71 in the past and I think it drove "bigger" than this does. The Q has a backup camera that REALLY helps seeing behind you. I know the turning circles of these 2 trucks are about the same but the Q seems to do it better. Went through my 1st small drive thru yesterday and I did not curb it or anything! .

You need to drive one to know for yourself, we also have a Murano and the 2 are not that much different dynamically if you ask me.

Hope this helps....now go out for a test drive! Jason

[AZhitman]

Welcome aboard, Tatonka and Q!

The Armada is based off the Titan, so hopefully that helps. It's a big girl, but she handles real well (and is good-looking to boot!)

[MinisterofDOOM]

If you're looking for Armada towing abilities without the "XXL" size, wait a few months for the new Pathfinder. It's smaller than the Armada, but will offer the same 5.6 V8 that's in the Armada as an optional engine. It is also based on a downsized Armada platform, so it's a solid machine (This is actually what will likely make the biggest difference between the Pilot and Armada/Pathfinder when towing--the Pilot is built on a modified Accord platform, while the Pathfinder and Armada are boxed ladder-frame trucks. The Pilot will have a smoother ride because of this, while the Pathfinder is more "beefy".)

The V8 Pathfinder isn't available yet, but is slated to hit showrooms in "Spring 2007."

If you're looking for something with a bit more towing capacity than your Pilot, even the V6 Pathfinder should be considered. The 4.0 liter in the V6 Pathfinder makes quite a bit of torque and is good for a 6,000 lb towing capacity (the V8 will have a 7,000 towing capacity, and the Armada's is 9,100 lb). For comparison, the Pilot's towing capacity is 3,500 lb (4,500 for towing boats) and Honda only recommends towing if you have power steering cooler and a transmission cooler (the latter is especially good advice).

[h22accordvtec]

I actually replaced my 03 Pilot EX-L with an 06 QX56 fully loaded 8/pass seating.

When you get into the QX and im sure the Armada feels the same in size... It does feel a little bigger and taller then the Pilot. I still have the pilot next to my QX and looking at them side by side the QX is not much bigger in width and height.

People always thought the pilot was too small for 8 passengers but once inside they found it was actually quite roomy for its size. the same goes for the QX. They made key aspects of the vehicle larger to give it a larger look. If you look at the dimensions of the 2 vehicles the QX is not much larger. it is only about 2" wider, about 6" taller and I think about 18 inches longer which accounts for more leg room and an a larger trunk.

Im sure you will find the QX/Armada very easy to drive.

The Pilot was great. It got decent gas mileage. It was fairly roomy and I could occasionally tow my accord to the track when my truck was unavailable but it just became too small for my wife, 3 kids and all the trips we take.

I wanted something more roomy, powerful, and could tow a toy hauler. It is definitely a great choice over a Navigator or Escalade because of the advanced features and trunk space the QX has over the others. One of the biggest issues I have with mid-size SUV's with 3rd row seating is the lack of trunk space when occupied.

A 04' QX56 could be found used for around 35-40k.

hope this helps.