We can’t deny that the 2021 Nissan Armada looks and feels great. It got a makeover that turned out pretty well. However, before you go all-in on the new Nissan Armada, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider first. 

Is the 2021 Nissan Armada a good SUV? 

Yes, the 2021 Nissan Armada is an excellent SUV option. It offers three rows of seats and plenty of cargo space to rival competitors such as the Ford Expedition, Chevy Tahoe, and Toyota Sequoia. 

According to AutoBlog, the new Nissan Armada feels like a near-luxury brawn. We are interpreting this as the Armada feels pretty nice and has plenty of muscle to offer. But the Armada begins at about $48,600, which is a high starting price. Check out the three issues Autoblog found to see if it’s worth buying. 

1. The Nissan Armada is thirsty 

If you want a fuel-efficient SUV, then you may want to consider another option. The 2021 Nissan Armada is a gas guzzler. The 2WD version gets an EPA estimated 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. If you add 4×4, then you lose one mpg across the board. 

The Armada has a single powertrain option which is a 5.6-liter V8. This beefy engine provides 390 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, the Nissan Armada can tow up to 8,500 lbs. It can probably haul your camper or boat. 

Edmunds got the Armada to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.7 seconds, which is one second faster than the Chevy Tahoe with its 5.3-liter V8 engine. The peppy acceleration is impressive for passing others on the highway. 

2. The Armada doesn’t have the best ride quality 

While no one should expect the 2021 Nissan Armada to handle like a sports car, the AutoBlog team still provided crucial feedback to consider. Its body-on-frame construction doesn’t do the best job of dampening bumps in the road. Potholes and other obstacles in the road may send you bouncing. 

But on a positive note, the new acoustic windshield does an excellent job at keeping wind noise down. The brakes are dependable and confident, and the handling is responsive. The steering can be hard to gauge, but that only results in having to turn the wheel a little more than expected. 

3. The Nissan Armada could be more comfortable 

The 2021 Nissan Armada has a high seating position that remains upright. You get a commanding view of the road, but the seats lack support. They are soft and flat, though. AutoBlog recommends sitting in the seats to see if you can find a comfy position. 

You’ll find that the first and second rows have plenty of space for adults, but the back is reserved for smaller kids. Rivals like the Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia offer more space in each row. 

Also, the high cargo floor can make it difficult to load heavier cargo items. The third-row seat is power-folding, though. So it does automatically move out of the way as needed. There is 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row with up to 95.4 cubic feet total.