2022 Nissan Armada Review: Classic V8 Power in a Digital World
A full-size V8 SUV that prioritizes comfort and value over modern technology and efficiency
The 2022 Nissan Armada is a full‑size, three‑row SUV that does not pretend to be something it is not. It is built around a 400‑horsepower V‑8 engine that delivers smooth, effortless power but punishes you at the pump. It offers a quiet, comfortable cabin with upscale materials that rival vehicles costing significantly more, yet it trails competitors in cargo space, fuel economy, and modern technology. It is the cheapest way to get into a three‑row V‑8 SUV, but it depreciates faster than almost anything in its class.
For buyers who want a large, comfortable SUV for towing and highway cruising and plan to keep it for the long haul, the Armada makes a compelling case. For those who prioritize fuel efficiency, resale value, or cutting‑edge tech, it is a harder sell. This is a vehicle that rewards those who understand its trade‑offs and accept them willingly.
Our Take
The 2022 Nissan Armada is a value‑oriented compromise. It offers a plush ride, a powerful V‑8, and a cabin that feels genuinely upscale on higher trims. But that lower entry price comes with real trade‑offs: abysmal fuel economy, dated technology, and depreciation that will hit you hard when you sell.
This is the SUV for buyers who want the cheapest used entry into the full‑size, three‑row segment and do not care about resale value. It is not the best vehicle in its class, but it is one of the most affordable ways to get V‑8 power and three rows of seating. If you plan to keep it for 8–10 years, the Armada makes sense. If you want the most modern or fuel‑efficient full‑sizer, look elsewhere.
Pros
- Standard 400‑hp 5.6‑liter V‑8 engine delivers smooth, effortless power
- Quiet, comfortable cabin with high‑quality materials on higher trims
- Smooth, composed ride quality that absorbs road imperfections well
- Strong towing capacity of 8,500 pounds
- Lower starting price than key rivals like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe
- No auto start‑stop or cylinder deactivation (a reliability plus for many owners)
Cons
- Terrible fuel economy: 13–14 mpg city, 18–19 mpg highway (premium fuel required)
- Limited cargo space behind the third row (just 10.4 cubic feet)
- Dated 12.3‑inch touchscreen with graphics that feel old
- Numb steering and noticeable body lean in corners
- Poor resale value: loses 60.4% of its value in five years
- Snug third row that is not adult‑friendly
What’s New for 2022
The 2022 Nissan Armada is nearly identical to the 2021 model, which received a major refresh. The only meaningful addition for 2022 is a one‑touch power‑folding function for the third‑row seat, which is now standard on the range‑topping Platinum trim. The SL trim saw a $410 price increase, but otherwise, the Armada carries over unchanged.
The 2021 refresh was far more significant, bringing a rugged new front end, a redesigned center stack with a 12.3‑inch touchscreen, a 10‑horsepower boost to the V‑8, and the discontinuation of the Platinum Reserve trim. The Midnight Edition appearance package, introduced for 2021, also returns for 2022.
Bottom line: The 2022 model offers nearly everything the 2023 does for less money, with the only trade‑off being a slightly higher odometer reading.
Exterior Design
The 2022 Armada is a large and imposing SUV, measuring 208.9 inches in length and riding on a 121.1‑inch wheelbase. Its design is bold and unmistakably Nissan, with a massive V‑motion grille that dominates the front fascia. The 2021 refresh brought a more aggressive front end with C‑shaped LED daytime running lights and a revised bumper, giving the Armada a more modern appearance.
The Midnight Edition package adds darkened exterior elements including black badging, mirrors, roof rails, a black‑painted grille, and black skid plates. On higher trims, 20‑ or 22‑inch alloy wheels are available. The overall design is more about presence than elegance, and the Armada commands attention on the road. But the seven‑year‑old platform is starting to show its age, and rivals like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe feel more contemporary.
Driving Experience
The 2022 Armada is designed for comfort, not sportiness. The suspension is soft and absorbs most road imperfections, providing a smooth, composed ride on highways. Owners describe the cabin as “surprisingly quiet” and the ride as “soothing”. The commanding view of the road and great visibility are frequently praised.
But the Armada is not nimble. Steering lacks feel and response, and there is noticeable body lean around corners. In tight spaces, the large footprint makes maneuvering difficult. At highway speeds, some owners have reported a persistent steering wheel vibration that can be tiring on long trips. The Armada tends to wander on the highway, requiring constant steering corrections.
For buyers who prioritize a quiet, comfortable ride for long journeys, the Armada delivers. For those who want an engaging driving experience, it will disappoint.
Performance & Acceleration
The 2022 Nissan Armada is powered by a 5.6‑liter V‑8 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 413 lb‑ft of torque. It is paired with a seven‑speed automatic transmission and available in rear‑wheel or four‑wheel drive. The towing capacity maxes out at 8,500 pounds.
The V‑8 delivers smooth, effortless power. Acceleration is strong and confident, making highway merging and passing easy even with a full load. But the engine is thirsty, requiring premium unleaded fuel and returning just 13–14 mpg city and 18–19 mpg highway. In real‑world driving, owners report an average of 16.4–16.5 mpg combined.
Unlike many rivals, the Armada does not use cylinder deactivation or auto start‑stop, which many owners consider a reliability plus. The engine runs on all eight cylinders all the time, contributing to its smoothness and durability.
Ride Comfort & Cabin Refinement
Ride comfort is one of the Armada’s strongest attributes. The suspension is tuned to absorb road imperfections, providing a smooth, quiet ride on highways. Owners consistently praise the cabin for being “surprisingly quiet” and the ride for being “soothing”. The air conditioning is described as “ice cold” and among the best owners have experienced.
The first two rows are spacious and comfortable, with generous legroom and headroom. The seats are supportive, and higher trims add heating, ventilation, and power adjustment. However, the third row is tight and best suited for children or short trips. Adults will find the seating position awkward, with limited headroom and legroom.
Interior & Luxury Feel
The interior of the 2022 Armada is a highlight of the vehicle, particularly on higher trims. The cabin is finished with high‑quality materials, including soft leather, wood trim, and metal accents on the Platinum trim. The design is clean and modern, with a focus on driver‑centric controls and passenger comfort.
The front seats are wide and supportive, with multiple adjustments and memory settings. The second row offers generous legroom and can be configured with either a bench seat for three passengers or captain’s chairs for two. The third row, while usable, is tighter than those in competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe or Toyota Sequoia.
The 12.3‑inch touchscreen is a significant upgrade over older models, but the graphics are dated and the interface lacks the polish of rivals. The overall cabin feels premium, but it does not match the modernity of the Ford Expedition or the luxury of the Infiniti QX80.
Technology & Infotainment
The 2022 Armada comes equipped with a 12.3‑inch touchscreen that includes navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system is functional and easy to use, but the graphics feel dated compared to rivals. The backup camera, in particular, has been widely criticized by owners for its poor quality, described as “horrible” and “cheap” on a $62,000 vehicle.
Higher trims add a premium Bose audio system, a surround‑view camera, and a head‑up display. The driver assistance features are comprehensive and include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind‑spot monitoring, rear cross‑traffic alert, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, some owners have reported that the infotainment system can hang up within weeks of use.
Fuel Economy
The 2022 Nissan Armada is one of the thirstiest SUVs in its class. EPA estimates are 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined for rear‑wheel‑drive models. Four‑wheel‑drive models are slightly worse. In real‑world driving, owners report an average of 16.4 to 16.5 mpg combined.
The Armada requires premium unleaded fuel, which adds to the operating cost. Over five years, fuel costs are estimated at nearly $15,600. This is a significant expense that buyers should factor into their decision.
Compared to rivals, the Armada is less efficient than the Ford Expedition (19 mpg combined) and Chevrolet Tahoe (17 mpg combined), and only slightly better than the Toyota Sequoia (15 mpg combined). For buyers who prioritize fuel economy, the Armada is not the right choice.
Practicality & Cargo Space
The 2022 Armada offers seating for up to eight passengers, but cargo space is limited. Behind the third row, there is just 10.4 cubic feet of space, which is enough for a few grocery bags or small suitcases. With the third row folded, cargo capacity expands to 49.9 cubic feet. With both rear rows folded, it reaches a maximum of 95.4 cubic feet.
The cargo liftover height is high, making loading heavy items more difficult. The second‑row bench seat does not slide, limiting flexibility. For buyers who regularly need to carry cargo and passengers, the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe offer significantly more space.
Safety & Driver Assistance
The 2022 Nissan Armada has received a 4‑star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It has not been rated by the IIHS. Standard safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind‑spot monitoring, rear cross‑traffic alert, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Higher trims add a surround‑view camera and front and rear parking sensors. The safety systems work well but can be overly sensitive at times, particularly the rear cross‑traffic alert.
Competitors Worth Considering
Ford Expedition: The Expedition is the class leader in fuel efficiency, interior volume, and modern technology. Its twin‑turbo V‑6 delivers 380 hp and returns 19 mpg combined, significantly better than the Armada. The Expedition also offers more cargo space and a more refined driving experience. It is more expensive, but it holds its value better (56.9% depreciation vs. 60.4%).
Chevrolet Tahoe: The Tahoe offers an independent rear suspension, more cargo space, and a strong reputation for holding value. Its 5.3‑liter V‑8 produces 355 hp and returns 17 mpg combined. The Tahoe is more modern and feels more refined, but it is also more expensive.
Toyota Sequoia: The Sequoia is the most reliable and has the best resale value in the class, losing just 39.2% of its value in five years. It has a more spacious third row and cargo area, but it is less powerful (381 hp) and less fuel‑efficient (15 mpg combined) than the Armada. The Sequoia is also significantly more expensive on the used market.
Infiniti QX80: The QX80 is essentially an Armada with a dressier interior and flashier exterior. It shares the same V‑8 engine, fuel economy, and tight third row. The QX80 offers more luxury, but it also costs more.
Biggest Strength and Biggest Weakness
Biggest Strength: The 2022 Nissan Armada offers the cheapest entry into the full‑size, three‑row V‑8 SUV segment. It delivers a powerful 400‑hp engine, a quiet and comfortable ride, and a well‑appointed cabin at a price that undercuts the Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Toyota Sequoia. For buyers who plan to keep the vehicle for the long haul and do not care about resale value, the Armada is a rational choice.
Biggest Weakness: The Armada’s fuel economy is abysmal—13–14 mpg city on premium gas—and its resale value is among the worst in the class, losing 60.4% of its value in five years. The third row is tight, cargo space is limited, and the technology feels outdated compared to rivals. For buyers who prioritize modern features, fuel efficiency, or resale value, the Armada is a difficult sell.
Which Trim Does Cardrav Recommend?
Cardrav recommends the SV trim for most buyers. It offers the best balance of features and value, adding 20‑inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, a power liftgate, and a leather‑wrapped steering wheel over the base S trim. The SL trim adds premium features like leather upholstery and a premium audio system, but the price increase is significant. The Platinum trim is best for buyers who want the full luxury experience, with 22‑inch wheels, a power‑folding third row, and ventilated seats.
The base S trim is best avoided due to its limited features. The Midnight Edition package is appearance‑focused only and adds no performance benefit.
The Cost Reality: What You Are Actually Signing Up For
Let’s be honest about what owning a 2022 Nissan Armada actually costs over five years. These are not estimates—they are real numbers from real owners.
| Cost Category | SL RWD | Platinum RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation | $18,559 | $21,103 |
| Fuel | $15,587 | $15,587 |
| Maintenance | $8,081 | $8,559 |
| Insurance | $4,858 | $5,155 |
| Repairs | $1,658 | $1,658 |
| Total 5‑Year Cost | $58,006 | $62,458 |
You lose nearly $19,000** in depreciation alone. You spend another **$15,600 on premium fuel. Over five years, you are looking at more than $58,000 in total ownership costs—and that does not include the purchase price.
This is the reality of owning a 2022 Nissan Armada. It is not a bad SUV, but it is an expensive one to keep.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
Who should buy the 2022 Nissan Armada: Buyers who want the cheapest entry into a full‑size, three‑row V‑8 SUV. Families who prioritize a quiet, comfortable ride and do not care about fuel economy or resale value. Those who plan to keep the vehicle for 8–10 years and appreciate the absence of auto start‑stop and cylinder deactivation. Buyers who need strong towing capability (8,500 pounds) and a proven V‑8.
Who should avoid the 2022 Nissan Armada: Buyers who care about fuel economy—it gets 13–14 mpg on premium gas. Those who want modern technology—the camera and infotainment feel outdated. Buyers concerned about resale value—it loses 60% in five years. Those who regularly carry adults in the third row or need maximum cargo space. Buyers who like to modify their vehicles—aftermarket support is nearly nonexistent.
The hard truth: The 2022 Nissan Armada is not competing to win the segment. It is competing to remain the cheapest way into it. And for buyers who understand that trade‑off, it makes sense. For everyone else, the Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Tahoe, or Toyota Sequoia are better investments.
FAQ
Is the 2022 Nissan Armada a reliable SUV?
The 2022 Nissan Armada has a generally positive reliability record, though some owners have reported issues with faulty fuel injectors, steering wheel vibrations, and peeling black trim on Midnight Edition models. Nissan’s V‑8 engine is robust and does not use cylinder deactivation or auto start‑stop, which many owners consider a reliability plus. The 2022 Nissan Armada has a 5‑year/60,000‑mile powertrain warranty and a 3‑year/36,000‑mile basic warranty.
How does the 2022 Nissan Armada compare to the Toyota Sequoia and Ford Expedition?
The 2022 Nissan Armada offers more horsepower (400 hp) than the Toyota Sequoia (381 hp) and similar power to the Ford Expedition (380 hp). It has a lower starting price than both rivals. However, the Armada trails in fuel economy (16 mpg combined vs. 19 mpg in the Expedition and 15 mpg in the Sequoia), resale value (60.4% depreciation vs. 56.9% for the Expedition and 39.2% for the Sequoia), and cargo space. The Sequoia is the most reliable and holds its value best; the Expedition is the most modern and fuel‑efficient; the Armada is the cheapest entry into the segment.
What is the real‑world fuel economy of the 2022 Nissan Armada?
EPA estimates are 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined for rear‑wheel‑drive models. Real‑world data from owners shows an average of 16.4 to 16.5 mpg combined. The Armada requires premium unleaded fuel, which adds to the operating cost.
How much cargo space does the 2022 Nissan Armada have?
Behind the third row, the Armada offers just 10.4 cubic feet of space. With the third row folded, cargo capacity expands to 49.9 cubic feet. With both rear rows folded, it reaches a maximum of 95.4 cubic feet. The cargo liftover height is high, making loading heavy items difficult.
Is the 2022 Nissan Armada good for large families?
The 2022 Nissan Armada works best for families who do not regularly use the third row for adults. The first two rows are spacious and comfortable, but the third row is tight and best suited for children or short trips. Cargo space behind the third row is limited at just 10.4 cubic feet. For large families with older children or frequent adult passengers, the Ford Expedition or Toyota Sequoia are better choices.
Does the 2022 Nissan Armada have good resale value?
No. The 2022 Nissan Armada loses 60.4% of its value in five years, making it one of the worst‑performing SUVs in its class for resale. By comparison, the Toyota Sequoia loses 39.2% and the Ford Expedition loses 56.9%. Buyers should plan to keep the Armada for the long term or accept a significant loss at trade‑in.
