Nissan Moves Armada SUV Upmarket

Nissan Motor Co. is shifting its Armada SUV from the Titan pickup truck platform to a modified version of the company’s fullsize SUV chassis, which already is used for the Infiniti QX80 and overseas-market Nissan Patrol.

The switch is intended to position the Armada as a “near-luxury” model with more refined driving characteristics. The redesigned Armada also will get a variety of interior amenities and acoustic glass windshields to reduce noise levels.

The Armada’s new platform is two inches shorter than the current Titan-based unit. But the SUV’s overall length and width have been slightly increased, while its height has been lowered two inches.

The suspension is softer for on-road driving. Torsional rigidity has been improved by about 20%, Nissan says.

Styling updates include a more prominent grille, LED headlights, front fender vents and chrome trim. Other goodies include footwell lighting, step lamps and stitched leather seats. The engine compartment and body also have been redesigned to minimize NVH.

Enhancements to the current 5.6-liter V-8 engine, including new pistons and direct fuel injection, increase power and boost fuel economy, Nissan says. Horsepower is increased 23% to 390 hp, while torque is up 4% to 385 lb-ft. Fuel economy ratings haven’t been announced. The engine will be mated with a 7-speed automatic transmission in two- and four-wheel-drive configurations, both of which provide 8,500 lbs of towing capacity.

With the move to the new platform, Nissan will produce the Armada alongside the Patrol and QX80 at its Kyushu, Japan, plant. This will allow the company to build more Titan pickups at the Armada’s current plant in Canton, Miss. The V-8 engine, which also is used in the Titan, will be made in Dechard, Tenn.

Nissan unveiled the new Armada this week at the Chicago auto show. Sales are due to launch this summer.