Getting in and out is easy in spite of the high step up. The inside door handles are well designed for easy exit. The rear doors open wide. And the running boards help when climbing in or out.

Driving Impressions

The Nissan Armada offers brilliant throttle response and feels quicker and more responsive than other SUVs in its class. Its 5.6-liter V8 produces a best-in-class 305 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque.

The five-speed automatic transmission takes full advantage of the engine's strong low-end torque. Having five gears to choose from makes the Armada very responsive and the transmission never hunts around for the right gear. It shifts smoothly and the close ratios eliminate abrupt downshifts. The substantial torque is available even at low rpm, providing confidence-inspiring power when merging into heavy highway traffic with a loaded two-horse box in tow or when maneuvering off road. A 2WD Armada earns a 13/19 mpg City/Highway EPA fuel economy rating, 13/18 for 4WD.

Like the Titan, Nissan's brawny full-size pickup, the Armada is built on a fully boxed steel ladder frame that yields a smooth ride and responsive handling. Unlike Titan, Armada features an independent rear suspension, a design that enhances ride and handling. Indeed, the Armada makes a smooth transition as it turns into corners. Its handling feels controlled and handles emergency lane-change maneuvers well at highway speeds. The front suspension is also independent with rack-and-pinion steering.

We found the Armada to be very well mannered, instilling a sense of confidence in the driver that this full-size SUV will go and turn as well if not better than its competition. The brakes don't seem to be fully up to the task of repeated hard braking, however, a consideration when towing through mountainous areas.

The Off-Road package rides much better than we expected after looking at its big, aggressive off-road tires and reading about its Rancho suspension. Out on the highway, it does not ride as well as the standard suspension, however, as road vibration is transmitted on rough freeways. For driving off road, the angle of approach (without the front spoiler) and departure are 31.1 degrees and 27.7 degrees, superior to the Toyota Sequoia and Chevy Tahoe, and the ramp-over angle is 25.0. The 4x2 SE has 9.9 inches of ground clearance while the SE 4x4 and all LEs have at least 10.6 inches of clearance.

Summary

The Nissan Armada is a well-designed full-size sport-utility. Its powerful V8 and five-speed automatic work to produce responsive performance and smooth cruising. Its cleverly conceived interior provides the room and the creature features that should satisfy its owners. Armada provides heavy-duty towing capability. And the off-road model is capable in rugged terrain. In short, the Armada ranks at or near the top of its class, particularly for those who tap into its workhorse capabilities.

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Larry Edsall is based in Phoenix, Arizona.

Model Line Overview

Model lineup:Nissan Pathfinder Armada SE 2WD ($34,500); SE 4WD ($37,300); LE 2WD ($39,800); LE 4WD ($42,600); SE Off-Road 4WD ($40,800)

Engines:305-hp 5.6-liter dohc 32-valve V8

Transmissions:5-speed automatic

Safety equipment (standard):dual front airbags, roof-mounted curtain air bags covering all three rows of seats, seat belt pretensioners for driver and front passenger, 3-point harness for all seating positions, active head restraints for driver and front passenger, child seat tether anchors and LATCH system, child safety rear door locks, anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, Vehicle Dynamic Control, tire-pressure monitor system

Safety equipment (optional):driver and front-seat side air bags; RearView video camera

Basic warranty:3 years/36,000

Assembled in:Canton, Mississippi