Refreshing or Revolting: 2017 Nissan Armada

No longer sharing its underpinnings with the Titan full-size truck, the 2017 Nissan Armada is essentially the global-market Nissan Patrol with a different name and is now closely related to the more expensive Infiniti QX80. The 2017 Nissan Armada remains a V-8-powered, body-on-frame SUV that can tow up to 8,500 pounds, but unlike the model it replaces, it promises to be more upscale.

Though we haven’t driven the 2017 Armada yet, we can compare its exterior and interior design with its predecessor. Right away, you’ll notice the new model looks less bulky and more streamlined since it’s not as boxy or truck-like as the old Armada. Additionally, the outgoing Armada appears like it was a Titan that had its cabin stretched all the way through its truck bed while the new 2017 model is a more cohesive SUV that hides its truck-based bones exceptionally well.

Up front, the 2017 Armada features a more sophisticated face with a version of Nissan’s V Motion grille flanked by headlights with integrated LED accents. In comparison, the outgoing Armada’s front fascia is more industrial and purposeful, hinting at its truck roots and relationship with the last-gen Titan pickup. The side profile is where both cars show their differences, with the 2017 Armada continuing with the upscale theme and looking more like an Infiniti QX80. Its predecessor appears taller and more massive, despite both SUVs having similar exterior dimensions.

At the rear, the 2017 model looks better integrated and more SUV-like while the old model makes it clear that it was born from a truck. From the C-pillar back, the outgoing Armada looks like a Titan pickup that had its bed covered with a shell and integrated into the rest of the passenger cabin. The 2017 Armada, on the other hand, looks like it was built to be an SUV from the ground up.

The biggest differences are in the cabin because the 2017 Armada clearly has a more upscale look and makes its relationship with the more luxurious Infiniti QX80 known. Featuring wood trim, a large infotainment screen, and richer colored materials, the 2017 Armada is more premium and plush. Compared to the new model, the outgoing Armada continues the industrial theme inside its cabin.

Do you think that the 2017 Nissan Armada will be a stronger competitor than its predecessor? Will it be able to compete against established full-size SUVs from the Detroit Three? Sound off in the comments below.

Last week’s installment of Refreshing or Revolting featured the 2017 Honda Ridgeline and responses were mixed.

“Simple is good this time.  While, not exciting, I find it’s exterior refreshing in that unlike all other new trucks, it isn’t trying look like a road going locomotive or a scaled down earth mover,” said 48chevy.

“That is one boring looking truck. All of Honda designers must be 60+ years old,” said Keith Adtkins.

 

“It’s refreshing in its simplicity. There’s no outlandish or overly complicated detailing, which is nice,” said NOTROD86.

“Revolting, as this “truck” is nothing more than a Pilot with a bed, a very cheap design idea. At least the old Ridgeline actually looked like a real truck,” said The Prius Hunter.

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