NISSAN’S ARMADA COMES UP HUGE

Capable giant packs in plenty

There’s something fundamentally massive about the 2018 Nissan Armada; if you’ve got a big crowd to move around, this is your vehicle.

You’ll feel like the commodore of the fleet when skippering the Armada as you ride high with a sweeping view of the road from the eight-way adjustable two-toned captain’s seat.

The three rows of adultsized seats that will hold seven people, eight with a squeeze, in leathertrimmed upscale comfort, are the linchpin to this fullsized SUV. This all-wheel drive, V-8 powered machine is a super comfortable road ride and sits up very tall while providing some reasonable off-road capabilities.

Our well-heeled Platinum Reserve edition starts with a wood-trimmed cabin, the aforementioned leather appointments, and adds polished plastics and soft-touch surfaces and a smartly designed dash with easy-to-read gauges and information. Steering wheel controls are easy to learn, although I wished the touchscreen on the infotainment center was angled toward the driver a tad. The 13-speaker upgraded Bose sound system really enhanced the HD radio.

As tested at $66,695 Nissan doesn’t skimp on the upscale tech, offering heated and cooled front seats, individual rear seat climate control and loads of connectivity, including five USB ports. A bonus was the terrific hands-free cellphone reception the Armada offered.

The 5.6-liter V-8 cranking 390 HP was tuned nicely to provide a smooth ride. The 20-inch chrome wheels mounted on double wishbone independent suspension easily absorbed any road bumps. Selectable four-wheeldrive presets allow you to match driving conditions. A full suite of safety features found on most luxury cars are part of the Armada experience, including intelligent distance control, emergency braking, lane departure, blind-spot monitors and a back-up camera with alerts.

Expect 15-16 mpg on average in this broad-shouldered, deepgrilled SUV. A power tailgate opens to a deck wide enough to easily put my golf clubs in. If you’re only traveling with four or five people, drop the third row for a larger deck for your luggage. Louvered fenders, flared splash guards, running boards and roof rails complement the utility aspects of the Armada.

The Armada fares well in a class that includes the popular Ford Expedition and GM’s trio of the Yukon,

STAFF PHOTO BY JIM MAHONEY RIDING HIGH: The Nissan Armada doesn’t scrimp on upscale tech features, and the full-size SUV puts passengers in ample comfort.

STAFF PHOTOS BY JIM MAHONEY CAPABLE CARRIER: The Armada’s three rows of adult-size seats can carry seven people — at least. And lots of cargo, too.