By Autoreviewman

Big, bold and brash, the 2017 Nissan Armada has a new, second-generation refreshed exterior design, enhanced performance and an extensive list of available safety and convenience features to keep it in the big SUV running. Like the QX80, and the Nissan Titan, the Armada is powered by an uprated 5.6-litre Endurance V-8 developing 390HP (up from a previous 317). And like the QX80, the Armada has its big boy pants on, able to seat eight people and tow 8,500 pounds.   Its off- road credentials sorted as well.

The Armada comes in two luxury-equipped models for 2017 – SL and Platinum – both with four-wheel drive.

We tested the top-of-the line $69,998, Armada Platinum edition that adds such niceties as: front heated and cooled seats, rear heated seats, rear entertainment system, lane departure prevention and warning, and blind spot intervention – the Platinum model comes with a DVD system that features two screens, and sets of wireless headphones.

It goes without saying that cabin room in very good with spacious front and second row quarters. The second row Captain’s chairs are heated and fold and flip forward easily. With the third row folded you have access to 1,404 L and with the second row folded, there is 2,692 L.

On the road, the Platinum’s plethora of comfort, convenience and safety equipment makes the Nissan very easy to drive and spend time in. There is still some body roll on the bends as it a big tall vehicle, but its more controlled on this version Fuel economy is rated at 17.5 L/100km City and 12.9 on the highway.  Not much in the way of negatives. It is big SUV, and needs care when parking or manoeuvring, although the camera aids, and around view monitor greatly assists in that. It also has a tad cramped third row, but no surprise here as I have yet to find a third-row SUV that offers truly amazing third row room.  To sum up, the Armada offers the same driving dynamics and most of the features of the more expensive Infiniti QX80 at a considerably lower price. If you have large family, and need to haul a boat, camper racecar or any other toy, it’s well worth considering.

2017 Nissan Armada Platinum MRSP  $70,133 plus freight and PDI. Total price as tested: $71,928