Nissan Armada reviews

2010 Nissan Armada Interior Features

The Nissan Armada cabin looks, feels and sounds like a state-of-the-art SUV, and not like something lifted straight out of a work truck. (In fact, none of the interior pieces are shared with the Titan pickup.) The leather on the new Titanium and Platinum models features contrasting-color stitching. Interior woodgrain has been improved for 2010 as well.

The cabin is generously proportioned, with more middle row legroom than the front of many cars, seating for seven or eight people, and nearly 100 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats to be split in a variety of ways. There are plenty of spaces to put smaller items and 14 beverage holders, some able to contain a half-gallon bottle. The front passenger seat folds flat into a tray table on the SE, but (oddly) not on the up-level models.

Slide into the driver's seat and the sense of power envelopes even before anything is started. A commanding view forward is matched by the view to the back, which is relatively unobstructed, although the windshield pillars get quite wide at the base and conspire with large outside mirrors that could create blind spots for shorter drivers. With adjustments for pedals, seat and steering wheel, everyone can find a comfortable driving position.

Large captain's chairs are provided up front. A soft-touch sweeping dash encompasses complete instrumentation, woodgrain trim, a variety of colors and textures, and a comprehensive central area for control of audio, climate, drive, and (on Platinum) navigation systems, now based on a computer hard drive that also handles music and displays real-time traffic info through XM Satellite Radio. For the sheer volume of controls everything is well-placed and fairly intuitive, although we admit some confusion over two Back buttons just two inches apart on some models. You do not need the Platinum's navigation system to have a rear-view camera.

The middle row is a 40/20/40 split bench, unless you order the Platinum with captain's chairs and a console. The latter are more comfy, the former more functional, although the center rider should be of narrow persuasion to avoid pinching from seat belts and hinges.

Access to the third row is aided by the low floor, itself a byproduct of independent rear suspension (shared only by Ford Expedition in this class). The leather-look seat splits 60/40 for best load flexibility; a power fold third row is standard on most models. A full-length overhead console contains rear air controls and vents and reading lights for both back rows.

On Platinum models, the overhead console also houses an 8-inch screen for the DVD player. The system comes with two sets of wireless headphones, a remote control and a separate video port.

Desert testing wasn't on the program, but the combination of opening rear quarter windows (powered on Platinum) and a powerful ventilation system did keep third row occupants comfortable in an 83-degree thunderstorm gridlock in a black-on-black Armada. With 11 speakers throughout, myriad source choices, and marked reductions in road and engine noise, the sound system easily keeps a crew entertained.