It seems like Nissan is losing the pace with its rivals. While rumors mill is full of headlines about redesigns and new generations of Toyota’s, Ford’s, and Chevy’s SUV, the Japanese giant is not so active on the market. Well, they pay more attention to the compact segment, where Rogue is the best-selling unit. On the other hand, three-row SUVs are not so successful. Still, the new 2020 Nissan Armada will refresh the lineup with some small novelties. After 2021, the SUV will head towards the new generation and larger portion of changes.
Since the look of the 2020 Nissan Armada will remain the same, the company will turn its focus to other segments. The engine room keeps only a V8 petrol engine. Next season, the full-size SUV could finally bring the diesel unit. Rumors about this change are louder and louder. However, we don’t have official confirmation. Also, a mild-hybrid drivetrain is in the mix, but this is another rumor without foundation.
The towing capacity will get a boost if the diesel unit appears. On the other hand, the cost is paid by the gas mileage. Fully-equipped model is Platinum Reserve, but buyers will have few other configurations available for upgrade. The company will refresh the color palette and we hope to see the Pro-4X Armada as a response to TRD Pro addition to its big rival, Toyota Sequoia.
2020 Nissan Armada Specs
The drivetrain of the 2020 Nissan Armada is the 5.6-liter V8 unit. The most powerful petrol engine in Nissan’s lineup is delivering 390 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. That is 10 ponies more and 5 pound-feet less than Toyota Sequoia or Land Cruiser can do with its 5.7-liter V8. Converted to towing capacity, that is 8.500 pounds. Top models in this category haul over 9,000 lbs, while there are some that can’t pull 8,000. You don’t expect an excellent gas mileage from this kind of engine. A V8 returns only 16 mpg. Upgrade the 2WD with 4WD, and cut the consumption to 15 mpg combined. A seven-speed transmission sends power to rear wheels by default.
2020 Nissan Armada Diesel
Nissan also has a V8 diesel engine for the US market. However, the 5.0-liter unit can be found exclusively in the Titan XD truck. This drivetrain produces 320 hp and 555 lb-ft of torque. The same drivetrain could find the place under the bonnet of the Armada SUV. It will definitely put this model in an advantage over the competitors. No other big rig is offering such drivetrain. We can hear rumors about the Ford Expedition and Chevy Suburban getting a diesel unit from its truck siblings. However, none of these can be compared to the 5.0-liter turbodiesel V8 by Nissan.
Off-Road Pro-4X Package
The towing capacity of the diesel engine for the new Titan XD is 12,000 pounds. Also, the vehicle that uses this kind of powertrain will get a special suspension and shocks treatment to boost the off-road capabilities. While we all expect the Nissan Titan Warrior truck concept to show up with new features, the company could add the Pro-4X package to its full-size SUV. Only trucks are using this equipment at this moment. However, this move could make the Armada more interesting to buyers.
2020 Nissan Armada Platinum and Other Trim Levels
So, Pro-4X could become a new member of the lineup for the eight-seat SUV. But, until this happens, we can count on the standard offer that includes four different trim levels. The entry-level version is SV with 18-inch wheels and some features from the Nissan ProPilot package. More options you are getting with the SL model. It includes 20-inch wheels and a remote start system. Also, on this trim, you will find the leather upholstery. Top of the class for most Nissan vehicles is the Platinum model. However, the 2020 Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve sits above this one with few notable upgrades. Unique stitching and contrast interior will cost $3,000 more than the standard Platinum package with the rear-seat infotainment system.
The new 2020 Nissan Armada will finally get the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto services. The Japanese company didn’t offer these items in the entire lineup. However, the next Armada must have it, since it becomes one of the breaking points when buying a vehicle. It is still unknown which trim levels are going to offer these features and will they be available as standard equipment for Platinum and Platinum Reserve SUVs.
Price
The price of the new 2020 Nissan Armada will be just under $50,000. The SUV is one of the least expensive full-size models in the market. Now, all its rivals breached $50k mark. Nissan still cuts down some of the technology from the base package to keep it under this level. Still, if you start upgrading your ride, the price will be over $50,000 for the base model with AWD, or for the SL. With more options and upgrades, for example, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the 2020 Nissan Armada Platinum will have a price of around $65,000, and Reserve options add $3,000 more.
