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A red 2021 Nissan Armada off-road.

Can the 2021 Nissan Armada Compete With Rivals?

Typically, it feels like the Nissan Armada is on the sidelines. Why bring one into play when the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition are running the game? Well, the 2021 Nissan Armada may come with a few valuable updates to prove its worth.  What to expect with the 2021 Nissan Armada  The new Nissan Armada …

Typically, it feels like the Nissan Armada is on the sidelines. Why bring one into play when the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition are running the game? Well, the 2021 Nissan Armada may come with a few valuable updates to prove its worth. 

What to expect with the 2021 Nissan Armada 

The new Nissan Armada is getting a slight refresh to provide a more modern look and feel. So it is catching up with the recently refreshed Chevy Tahoe.

An image of the 2021 Nissan Armada off-roading outdoors.
2021 Nissan Armada | Nissan

Not to say the Nissan Armada copied the Tahoe or any other rivals. But even the Chevy Suburban already has an updated look with LED wrapped headlights. The Ford Expedition is the next SUV that’s up for a new look, so not feeling outdated is a victory for the Armada.

There will be a new trim level, called the S, which will be the base model. The SV, SL, and Platinum trims will roll over from the previous model. You can also add the Midnight Edition package to the SL trim to black it out. 

The package includes black rearview mirrors, black painted roof rails, black skid plates in the front and rear, a blacked-out grille, black exterior logos, and a black interior. So, we do know that the 2021 model at least looks better. 

How is the 2021 Armada tech? 

The layout of the 2021 Armada has been improved for technology. There are fewer buttons below the center stack, making finding what you need a little easier. Also, the infotainment center has been upgraded from 8-inches to 12.3-inches. 

According to Car and Driver, there is also a new 7.0-inch display screen between the tachometer and speedometer. It comes standard with wireless Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and a wi-fi hotspot. 

An image of the 2021 Nissan Armada off-roading outdoors.
2021 Nissan Armada | Nissan

You also get more standard features such as forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot intervention, and driver attention alert. These features are in addition to blind-spot detection, automatic emergency braking, high-beam assist, and more. 

In the Chevy Tahoe you will find a 15-inch class-leading head up display, but it only has a 10.2-inch touchscreen. That’s a little short compared to rivals. A wi-fi hotspot also comes standard.

With the Chevy Tahoe, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, automatic emergency braking, and more come standard. Certain features like blind-warning, parking sensors, lane departure warning, and more are a little extra.

How does the 2021 Armada perform? 

The 2021 Nissan Armada isn’t receiving much of a power upgrade. It will still have the 5.6-liter V8 engine, but it has a slight boost in power to provide 400 hp and 390 hp. This engine can still only be paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. So, the Chevy Tahoe still has more power with 420-hp. 

The Armada is offered in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. You will have to pay to upgrade to AWD. Also, the off-roading driving modes only include Auto, 4HI, and 4LO modes. We wouldn’t exactly call it the best SUV for off-roading. 

An image of the 2021 Nissan Armada off-roading outdoors.
2021 Nissan Armada | Nissan

You can get started in a 2020 Nissan Armada for about $47,500. Meanwhile, the Ford Expedition has a base model price of about $32,225. The pricing for the 2021 Armada hasn’t been released yet, but it could have a small increase because of the refresh. New models are currently expected to reach the dealership by the end of January 2021, and that’s when pricing information should be released.

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