The 2021 Nissan Armada arrived in the new model year with a fresh new look and enhanced capabilities. With three rows of seating, best-in-class standard horsepower, and a max towing capacity of 8,500-pounds, the refreshed Armada is a good option among the large SUV segment. But if it isn’t the perfect fit for you? There are plenty of alternatives to the Nissan Armada that are worth considering too. 

Is the Nissan Armada a bad SUV?

The Nissan Armada isn’t a bad SUV but there are some reasons that might keep you from choosing this year’s model over its competitors. First, according to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Nissan Armada didn’t earn the highest reliability ratings. In fact, Consumer Reports gave this year’s model a two out of five predicted reliability rating. It’s worth keeping in mind, however, while Consumer Reports gave it a low reliability rating, J.D. Power gave it a Best quality and reliability rating.

Consumer Reports also gave the Nissan Armada a two out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating. Beyond the new SUV’s owner satisfaction rating, only 58% of Armada owners told Consumer Reports they would buy the SUV again.   

The 2021 Nissan Armada isn’t the most spacious either. According to Cars.com, the Nissan Armada’s third row of seating is fairly cramped. Cars.com explains, “The roomy second row gives way to a third row that’s sized more for children than adults. This is a disappointment, considering many competing SUVs can comfortably seat adults in the back row.”

The Toyota Sequoia is a Nissan Armada alternative

The Toyota Sequoia makes for an appealing alternative to the Nissan Armada. Consumer Reports gave the 2021 model a four out of five predicted reliability rating. Compared to the Armada’s two out of five predicted reliability rating, that score is impressive.

J.D. Power, meanwhile, gave it a Great quality and reliability rating. Unlike the Armada, this year’s new Sequoia also earned a four out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating. According to Consumer Reports, 74% of Sequoia owners would consider buying the SUV again too.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia is a cheaper alternative to this year’s new Armada too. While this year’s refreshed Armada will have you spending nearly $53,000 on a base model, a base model Sequoia will only have you spending $50,200. Even better, unlike the Armada, this year’s Sequoia comes standard with complimentary factory scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000-miles, whichever comes first.

Consider the Chevy Tahoe as an alternative to the Nissan Armada

The Toyota Sequoia isn’t the only alternative to the Nissan Armada that’s worth your attention. For an SUV that’s a tad more fuel-efficient than this year’s Armada, Kelley Blue Book recommends taking a gander at this year’s new Chevy Tahoe. According to the EPA, this year’s Tahoe delivers an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. As for the Armada? The EPA reports it’s only able to manage an EPA-estimated 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.

Unlike the Nissan Armada, this year’s Tahoe can be had with a diesel engine under its hood. When equipped with a diesel engine, the Tahoe is capable of towing up to 8,200-pounds, which is slightly less than the Armada. However, when driven by a diesel engine, the Chevy Tahoe remains the more fuel-efficient pick of these two large SUVs.