Combining unbridled power, premium interior comfort and a wide range of available technology, the Nissan Armada continues to stand out in the full-size SUV segment. For 2012, Armada is available in SV, SL and Platinum models in 2WD and 4WD drive configurations. Armada has a towing capacity of up to 9,000 pounds (when properly equipped).
The enhancements for the 2012 model year include the addition of a standard power liftgate in the SV Driver Package and on the SL trim and heated front seats on SL trim. On the Platinum trim, standard features now include a new padded center console lid, 2nd row heated seats and a 2nd row padded center armrest with the Captain's Chair option. One new exterior color, Brilliant Silver, is also offered.
In 2012, Nissan Armada is again offered with available Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) technology, which allows drivers to use traditional gasoline or E85 Ethanol. All three 2012 Armada models are equipped with a standard 5.6-liter Endurance V8 engine rated at 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque, along with an advanced 5-speed automatic transmission, heavy-duty fully boxed ladder frame and comfortable double-wishbone suspension.
An Expressive Exterior and Roomy, Versatile Interior
Armada's expressive exterior design combines modern styling with traditional Nissan SUV ruggedness. With its wide stance, long 123.2-inch wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs, Armada offers a highly manageable length of just over 17 feet (207.7 inches) – along with exceptional passenger and cargo room. Armada SL and Platinum models feature chrome grilles (body-color on Armada SV), while all models include chrome front door handles body-color rear door handles, one-piece type roof rails, side step rails, halogen headlights and privacy glass on 2nd and 3rd row windows and rear liftgate.
Armada also features two-piece body-color side moldings with chrome insert strips on SL and Platinum models, along with SL and Platinum badges on the respective models. Other available equipment includes fog lights, chrome roof rack and chrome tailpipe finisher (standard on SL and Platinum), power-operated flip-out rear quarter windows (Platinum), power-folding outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and puddle lamps (Platinum), power-operated liftgate (SL, Platinum) and power tilt/sliding glass moonroof (optional on SL, standard on Platinum Edition).
Armada is offered in seven exterior colors: the new Brilliant Silver and carryover colors Espresso Black, Tuscan Sun, Lakeshore Slate, Galaxy Black, Smoke and Blizzard.
The Armada interior, like the exterior, combines modern style, functionality and versatility for active families. The large, comfortable interior offers class-leading 2nd row roominess and best-in-class interior overhead – along with standard seating for eight. Second row Captain's Chairs with 2nd row padded center armrest are optional with the Platinum model.
Luxurious Seton leather-appointed seating is standard on Armada SL and Platinum Editions, with cloth seating on Armada SV. The front bucket seats feature 8-way power adjustment and a manual lumbar support, while a 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat is standard on SL and Platinum models (4-way manual on SV models). Armada SV models include a flat-fold front passenger seat with recessed work area. A gated floor-mounted shifter adds a sporty appearance and enhanced shift control.
Heated 2nd row seats, heated steering wheel, padded center front armrest and Platinum logo embroidered front seats are offered on Platinum models. Armada's highly functional front center console includes specialized storage areas for pens, tissues, CDs, HVAC vents, two cupholders and 12-volt power outlet at rear of console. The overhead console features multiple storage bins, six overhead dome lights and rear HVAC controls. The 2nd row offers a fold flat 40/20/40 split bench seat while the elevated 3rd row 60/40-split folding bench seat (folds flat into floor) includes a standard power-folding feature on SL and Platinum Edition.
Every Armada also offers up to 14 cupholders and dual-zone automatic climate control. Again in 2012, Armada is available with a Bose® audio system with AM/FM/MP3/CD6, 11 speakers and subwoofer (optional on SV 4x2, standard on SV 4x4 and SL models). The Platinum model takes it a step further with a standard premium Bose® audio system with AM/FM/MP3/CD6 with 11 speakers and subwoofer, dual media (allows use of radio and CD at the same time – headphones must be used to listen to the second audio source), amplifier and XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately). The Platinum model also includes a standard Nissan Navigation System with XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information (XM® subscription required, sold separately).
Wood grain interior trim is also standard on SL and Platinum models, along with Nissan Intelligent Key®, RearView Monitor, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver. Helping keep rear passengers occupied on trips of any length is an available DVD Family Entertainment System (standard on Platinum, optional on SL) with 8.0-inch rear monitor, two wireless headphones and remote controller.
The 2012 Armada is offered in two interior colors: Almond and Charcoal.
An Adventure-Ready Driveline
Along with its highly flexible interior, every Armada features the maximum versatility provided by its advanced drivetrain and available all-wheel drive. Standard on every 2012 Armada is Nissan's rugged F-Alpha fully boxed frame, 4-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension and a refined 5.6-liter DOHC V8 engine, producing 317 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm and 385 lb-ft of torque @ 3,400 rpm.
The engine includes an aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, forged steel crankshaft, microfinished crankshaft and camshafts, graphite-coated pistons, 6-bolt main bearing caps, single-stage timing chain and an electronic "drive-by-wire" throttle. Available Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) technology allows for the use of E85 Ethanol.
Also standard is a reinforced electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul modes for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. A unique gear set, variable lock-up torque converter and advanced A/T management are utilized for improved shifting and economy.
Armada is offered in two-wheel drive or with an available All-Mode 4-wheel drive system with Auto/2WD/4H/4LO modes, electronically controlled part-time transfer case and 3.35:1 4LO crawl gear ratio. Under normal driving conditions, the system operates in two-wheel drive mode, but it can distribute torque to all four wheels when road conditions warrant (up to 50 percent of torque can go to the front wheels on demand).
Responsive braking is provided by a 4-wheel disc brake system with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Also standard are 2-wheel or 4-wheel limited-slip (ABLS) and a Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system (includes a deactivation switch). Steering is provided by an engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system.
Along with the responsive independent suspension, SL and Platinum models offer an automatic self-leveling rear air suspension, which helps provide a level ride when towing or carrying heavy cargo. Armada offers a 9,000-pound maximum towing capacity for SL and Platinum 4WD and 8,200 for 2WD models (when properly equipped).
Three wheel and tire packages are offered, depending on model: Armada SV features 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (painted finish) with P265/70R18 Conti-Trac tires on SV models; 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (painted finish) with P275/60R20 Michelin tires are offered on SL Edition; and the Platinum features 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum-alloy wheels with P275/60R20 Michelin tires.
A Focus on Safety and Security
Armada's safety features includes Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and front occupant classification sensor; roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags for side impact and rollover head protection for outboard positions in all three rows; front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags; and front seat Active Head Restraints.
Also standard are 3-point front seat belts with dual pretensioners and load limiters; 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants, including center position; LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system; child safety rear door locks; Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones; engine immobilizer; and Vehicle security System. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is also included, with warning lamp in the gauge cluster or a warning display in the navigation system (Platinum Edition).
A Choice of Three Well-Equipped Models
The 2012 Armada lineup includes three models – SV, SL and Platinum – each offered in 4WD and 2WD drive configurations. In addition to the long list of standard equipment offered on the Armada SV, the SL model includes power liftgate, heated front seats, Nissan Intelligent Key®, leather-appointed seating, RearView Monitor, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, premium Bose® audio system with 11 speakers, power folding 3rd row 60/40-split seat, auto-leveling rear air suspension and 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
The Platinum model adds heated front and 2nd row seats, heated steering wheel, power rear liftgate, moonroof, DVD Family Entertainment System and Nissan Navigation system with XM NavTraffic® system with Real-Time Traffic Information (XM® subscription required, sold separately). It also includes chrome clad 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and Front Sonar System.
Five option packages are offered. The Driver Package (SV 4x2 only) features Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, fog lights, RearView Monitor, premium Bose® audio system, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), power liftgate and auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink®.
The SV Tow Package (Armada SV 4x2 only) adds a receiver hitch and a 7-pin wiring harness plug. The 2nd Row Captain's Seat Package (Platinum only) replaces the 2nd row bench seat with 2nd row Captain's Chairs and 2nd row center console with padded armrest. The Moonroof Package (SL) adds power tilt and glide moonroof, while the DVD Family Entertainment System (SL) offers an 8-inch rear display monitor, a video port in the center console, DVD changer, remote controller and two wireless headphones.
Source: Nissan
