2010 Nissan Armada

Like most full-size, body-on-frame SUVs, the Nissan Armada suffered greatly from the gyrating gas prices in recent years.

Still, there are enough big families with big hauling needs to keep these road giants alive, and for 2010 the Mississippi-made Armada is ready to cater to all of them.

When it arrived for the 2004 model year, it was known as the Pathfinder Armada. And despite frequent updates, its signature big fenders, big wheels, and big bold grille are still there. But, the name has been downsized to simply Armada. Also, this year the up-level “LE” trim gives way to a pair of “Special Editions” - Titanium and Platinum.

And, the top Platinum trim we recently tested lives up to its precious metal name, with navigation, music hard drive, DVD entertainment, sunroof, and power lift gate included.

Even the base Armada SE is well equipped, now adding new seat-mounted side airbags.

And it’s still huge inside, with seating for up to eight adults, or 97 cubic feet of cargo space.

All moved along by a carryover 5.6-liter V8. Over the years horsepower has nugged up 12 to 317, allowing four and a half tons of trailer tow.

Nissan’s king-of-the-hill sports-ute is in showrooms now starting at about $37,000.

 

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