The 2017 Nissan Armada ranks 6 out of 6 Large SUVs. Nissan reintroduced the Armada for the 2017 model year, and it has a quiet ride, above-average cabin quality, a powerful engine, and spacious second-row seats. However, the front seats are less roomy than in rival SUVs, and the infotainment system feels a step behind many rival systems.
Pros Powerful engine Quiet ride Quality cabin materials Sprawling second-row seats
Cons Antiquated infotainment system Subpar cargo space Disappointing first- and third-row seats
After rotting on the vine for years, the 2017 Nissan Armada's redesign brings it upscale and makes it competitive with its recently updated truck-based full-size SUV rivals. With the 2017 Armada, Nissan has adopted what is basically a U.S. version of the global Nissan Patrol SUV. The new Armada is a soul mate of the Infiniti QX80 once again, with a body-on-frame design and its eight-passenger seating. To distinguish it from the QX80, it gets new styling and new engineering, plus additional safety features.
Pros More modern looks Quiet cabin Ready power Good choice for towing Room for people and their stuff
Cons Thirsty Big and heavy Slow steering Tight third-row seat
The redesigned 2017 Nissan Armada is a substantial improvement over the vehicle it replaces. If you're looking for a big three-row SUV that can tow and venture off the beaten path but also comfortably handle the daily urban grind, the new Armada will be a great choice. After a one-year hiatus, the Nissan Armada is back for 2017. Fully redesigned, it boasts a higher quality interior, a more powerful V8 engine and a new, more chiseled look for its exterior styling.
Pros Higher-quality cabin that betters most competitors Smooth and quiet V8 engine More comfortable and less trucklike to drive than some rival SUVs Plenty of ground clearance for off-road adventures.
Cons Fuel economy is poor, even for this class of vehicle Third-row seat is less spacious and comfortable than those of some SUV and crossover rivals Heavy steering in parking lots.
The 2018 Dodge Durango ranked #8 in Midsize SUVs. Currently the Dodge Durango has a score of 8.4 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 58 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Brawny optional V8 engines Intuitive infotainment system Above-average cargo capacity
Cons Slightly below-average safety scores Pricey upper trims
The 2018 Dodge Durango gets a high-performance SRT model, an updated infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, a new steering wheel with paddle shifters, and two new exterior colors: B5 Blue and In Violet Metallic. All models get a 7.0-inch touchscreen and rearview camera as standard equipment.
Pros Powerful engines Comfortable ride Roomy interior with a usable third row
Cons Not very efficient Active safety features not standard Gets expensive with options
The new Durango SRT is powered by a 475-hp, 6.4-liter V-8 engine that can accelerate the SUV to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds. Maximum towing capacity for the Durango SRT is 8,600 pounds.
Pros SRT model's quickness Stylish interior design Comfortable, supportive front seats 8.4-inch touchscreen available 8,600-pound maximum towing capacity (SRT)
Cons Hefty curb weight Second row doesn't slide fore or aft No physical buttons for available heated front seats
