Whereas Nissan USA removes many of the critical off-road mechanical bits, the Armada stays a automobile that was designed to spend a big chunk of its life off the crushed path. It floats fairly nicely over imperfections, however you’ll be able to really feel the Armada’s bones are a decade-old primarily based on how the automobile rocks like a ship when it rolls over massive dips. As we discovered on our check drive, the suspension setup is compliant round city, so the youngsters actually will not be complaining about potholes and such.
That being mentioned, the Armada continues to be a body-on-frame SUV. It tries onerous however fails to disguise its humble roots on the freeway. The Armada does not really feel harmful, however the steering is obscure at freeway speeds. There’s additionally a noticeable lifeless spot within the steering when it is pointed straight forward. We initially thought this was restricted to our check automobile, however some analysis reveals that it is just about commonplace. Although the steering feels obscure on-center, it gives fairly good suggestions after preliminary flip in; a constructive aspect impact of the older steering setup.
Deal with it gently, and the Armada must be a very good long-distance cruiser. As for off-roading, the Armada can deal with greater than most, however it’s restricted by the dearth of locking differentials. Add aftermarket models, and you would be shocked what this automobile can do. With out the differential lockers, it is nonetheless excellent in comfortable sand. We have been fortunate sufficient to drive an Armada in Dubai’s dunes, and it is ridiculous how simply this massive SUV simply laughs within the face of humongous dunes. In low vary, with the tires operating a barely discernible psi, it feels unstoppable. On the market, you additionally understand why the steering is so obscure. Dune driving requires a whole lot of steering enter. You principally sit there hoofing it, sawing away on the steering wheel. If the Armada had a sooner, extra direct rack, the Dubai desert could be lined with toppled Armadas. Regionally, the Armada is completely able to dealing with snow and rain. The everlasting 4×4 system ensures energy is all the time going to the entrance and rear, supplying you with huge quantities of confidence in slippery situations.
