When you think of full-size SUVs, you may think of the Ford Expedition or Chevy Suburban. Although the Nissan Armada is another large, three-row SUV, it’s somewhat of a sleeper. That is, it doesn’t have the same recognition as the other two when one thinks of SUVs for large families. Yet if cost of ownership is a big selling point for you, then you shouldn’t overlook the 2021 Nissan Armada. It’s the cheapest full-size SUV to own.

The 2021 Nissan Armada is a full size SUV that won’t cost you thousands of dollars down the road. Why not? According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2021 Nissan Armada is the lowest cost full size SUV to own. Let’s look at why Kelley Blue Book gave this large luxury SUV the distinction of lowest cost to own.

The 2021 Nissan Armada costs less than other large SUVs to own

If you’re car shopping, you’ve likely been comparing the costs associated with buying a new full size SUV. Some of these costs include the SUV’s purchase price, plus dealer and destination fees. If you’re really doing your homework, you’re also taking into account how much your SUV will depreciate, and comparing vehicles to one another to see which hold their value best. 

Kelley Blue Book has done this homework for you already, and they’ve determined that the 2021 Nissan Armada  is your best bet. If you don’t want to lose a whole lot of money on a huge investment like buying a new full size SUV, you can’t go wrong with the Armada. It will only cost you $63,224 to own for five years. This is $5,431 cheaper than the average cost of owning any of the other large SUVs.

The 2021 Nissan Armada price is reasonable

That’s right, you can put eight passengers in the 2021 Nissan Armada. Kelley Blue Book notes that this is possible because of its powerful engine, a 5.6-liter V8 that can do 400-hp.

In addition, the interior of the Armada is comfortable, and it’s easy to drive. Some of its nicer features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a heated steering wheel on the Platinum Armada.  

The Armada shares a platform with its sibling, the Infiniti QX80. And while there are many similarities between the two large SUVs, price isn’t one of them. The 2021 Nissan Armada price starts at about $50,095, while the 2021 Infiniti QX80 comes in at around $69,150. Note that the price of the Armada doesn’t include the $1,395 destination fee. 

How does Kelley Blue Book determine the five-year cost of ownership?

You already know that how much you pay for your car when you first buy it makes up a huge portion of what you’ll pay for your vehicle over the course of five years. Still, it isn’t the only factor. Kelley Blue Book looks at everything you pay to keep your SUV in good working order, including regular maintenance and repairs, fuel, and insurance. 

Perhaps most difficult to figure out on your own is the depreciation of your vehicle. Kelley Blue Book uses the Fair Purchase Price of an SUV when it’s new, and compares this to the vehicle’s value at the end of five years, when you might sell it or trade it in. Then it comes up with the depreciation value.

If you’re in the market for a new full size SUV and you’ve been considering the 2021 Nissan Armada, you can rest assured that it won’t cost you big bucks down the road. Well, it probably won’t cost you big bucks down the road. After all, you never know what you’re getting when you buy a new car or SUV. Yet by following the research and data, you’re making a good bet that the 2021 Nissan Armada will be a good financial decision.