2023 Nissan Armada

SUV · 5.6L NA V8 · RWD

73/100

AutoVault's overall score, weighted for what a suv is actually for — performance, technology, comfort, reliability, safety and value.

Specifications

Engine	5.6L NA V8
Horsepower	400 hp
Torque	413 lb-ft
0–60 mph	6.5 sec
Top speed	119 mph
Drivetrain	RWD
Seats	5
Combined MPG	12 mpg (10 city / 15 hwy)
Range	215 miles
MSRP	$50,700
Body style	SUV

The verdict

What's good

V8 engine delivers muscular towing capability without strain or hesitation
Cavernous three-row interior genuinely fits seven adults on long road trips
Smooth power delivery from naturally aspirated V8 avoids turbo surge typical of rivals
High seating position provides commanding all-around visibility rare in full-size SUVs

What's not

Real-world fuel economy among the worst in the full-size SUV class
RWD base trim is a liability in snow without the AWD upgrade
Interior tech and infotainment feel dated versus Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition
Fuel range on a full tank barely reaches 200 miles requiring frequent stops

The engine

VK56

Naturally Aspirated V8

A big-lunged, naturally aspirated V8 built for sustained torque and heat-soaked durability, delivering effortless hauling muscle rather than a high-strung soundtrack.

Nissan's VK-series V8 debuted in the 2004 Armada and was derived from the acclaimed VQ-series V6; the engine is built in Decherd, Tennessee.

Nissan's VK56 was nominated as the spec powerplant for LMP3 prototypes, meaning every LMP3 car at Le Mans during the 2020-2024 rules cycle ran a version of this truck engine.
The same architecture has been pushed past 2,000 horsepower by drag racers, a remarkable ceiling for an engine designed to haul SUVs.
The hottest factory version, the 428-hp Patrol Nismo, was never sold in the United States.

See the rest in AutoVault

The six sub-scores behind the 73 — performance, tech, comfort, reliability, safety and value
Market value today and year-by-year value history
All 5 trims with pricing
Studio photography — exterior, rear and interior
Side-by-side comparison with up to four cars

Open in AutoVault