Don’t Dismiss NISSAN

Nissan debuted the Armada Snow Patrol in February at the Chicago Auto Show. Before you turn the page as the graphics overcome you with a wave of nausea, have a quick look at the specs. The Armada has a solid heritage globally as the Nissan Patrol, one of the most iconic overland vehicles of the 20th century. What’s even better is that the modifications performed on this body-on-frame SUV are aftermarket components you and I can buy. I love the Jeep concept vehicles introduced during Easter Jeep Safari each year (well not all of them), but to recreate them you’d need some serious fabrication skills and a wellequipped shop.

Before we discuss mods, let’s take a quick look at the platform that has increased sales of this SUV in 2017 by 154% over 2016. A body on frame truck with eight passenger seating, 390 hp and 394 lb ft of torque from a 5.6L DOHC V8 linked to a seven speed transmission with up to an 8500 lb towing capacity, even in 4WD.

Modifications to create this show vehicle include Pro Comp Cognito Series 61 wheels, MT2 35” tires, 2” front and 1” rear suspension, 5” LED fogs, Explorer S4 LED cube lighting and lightbars; while Smittybilt enhances recovery, safety and storage courtesy the M1A2 offroad bumper, XRC 12,000lb winch, M1A2 side steps, M-1 fender flares and Defender 4’x4’ roof rack.

Add premium leather-wrapped seats by Katzkin and you’ve got a helluva SUV to tackle Canadian winters and overland adventures. Sure, there are still a few things we would like to see changed, there always are, but this is a great start.