2023 Nissan Armada: A Decent Full Size SUV With 1 Glaring Issue

The 2019 Nissan Armada at the Cincinnati Auto Expo inside the Duke Energy Convention Center in downtown Cincinnati on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019.Cincinnati Auto Expo
The 2019 Nissan Armada at the Cincinnati Auto Expo inside the Duke Energy Convention Center in downtown Cincinnati on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019.Cincinnati Auto Expo /
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The 2023 Nissan Armada isn’t what most people would call one of the best full size SUVs. This is the case despite the SUV having been on the market for quite some time. Of course, this doesn’t mean the Armada is an overall bad SUV. It just means it doesn’t particularly excel in a single area. However, low fuel economy is one glaring issue that perhaps stops the vehicle from being as popular as it could be. People often compare it to models such as the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe.

Here’s a look into the 2023 Nissan Armada and what holds it back from being considered among the best full size SUVs.

The 2023 Nissan Armada might be one of the best full size SUVs for performance

Other full size SUVs on the market deliver more power and better speed than the 2023 Nissan Armada. However, this is a solid option for buyers in this regard. According to Edmunds, it has a 5.6-liter V8 engine with a maximum output of 400 horsepower and a torque of 413 lb-ft.

The 2023 Nissan Armada has rear and four-wheel drive configurations and uses a seven-speed automatic transmission. This is also one of the best full size SUVs for towing, as it can handle up to 8,500 pounds. Regarding speed, it only takes the Nissan Armada 6.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour. For the sake of comparison, this is about one second faster than the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe.

The 2023 Nissan Armada has poor fuel economy

Fuel economy is one significant reason people don’t add the 2023 Nissan Armada to the list of the best full size SUVs. Low efficiency has been a massive complaint from buyers for several years. The problem is that the automaker has not modernized the SUV’s powertrain. Yes, people love V8 engines, but most would agree that it’s not necessary in a vehicle like the Armada.

Regarding fuel economy, the 2023 Nissan Armada averages 14 miles per gallon in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. This gives drivers 364 miles of city driving and 494 miles on the highway. For comparison, the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe is a tad bit better as it offers 15 miles per gallon in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. This isn’t a huge difference, but it shows that the Armada could be better in this area.

It doesn’t have great ratings

The 2023 Nissan Armada also can’t be called one of the best full size SUVs because it doesn’t have solid ratings. Sure, its ratings from J.D. Power aren’t bad, but they also don’t do much to inspire great confidence among buyers. The vehicle has an overall 79 out of 100 from the organization. It has the same score for reliability. This is only considered average. The 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe has an overall 83 out of 100, which is considered ‘great.’

Overall, there are many things people appreciate about the 2023 Nissan Armada. However, fuel economy is one reason it’s not as popular as it could be.