The 2018 Nissan Armada ranked #6 in Large SUVs. Currently the Nissan Armada has a score of 7.6 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 19 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Strong V8 engine Good towing capacity Expansive second-row seats Well-built cabin
Cons Outdated infotainment system Below-average cargo space Below-average fuel economy Smaller front seats than rivals
Instead of imitating the boxy and costly stalwarts of this popular segment, the Armada breaks the mold—sort of. After all, it’s still a big-bodied, fuel-thirsty family dreadnought. But the three-row Armada has a serene, expensive interior and an upscale exterior that enable it to undermine high-rent rivals when it comes to price.
Pros Rich, comfortable, and quiet interior; useful power and towing capacity; looks expensive.
Cons Old-school fuel economy, no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, imprecise steering.
Nissan redesigned the Armada last year, so the 2018 model carries over with only minor changes. NissanConnect telematics services, an 8-inch touchscreen display, HD radio, hands-free text messaging, and additional USB charging ports now come standard on all trims. A rearview mirror that can stream a constant video feed from the rear camera is also new this year
PROS High-quality interior is appealing Smooth V8 engine delivers ample power for towing and hauling Rides more comfortably, less trucklike, than some rival SUVs
CONS Third-row seating isn't as spacious as some rivals Infotainment system is dated No getting around the V8's poor fuel economy
The 2018 Lincoln MKX ranked #17 in Luxury Midsize SUVs. Currently the Lincoln MKX has a score of 8.0 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 24 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Cushioned handling Light on the wallet for the class, heavy on features Top-tier crash test scores
Cons Below-average gas mileage
The 2018 Lincoln MKX has an athletic feel and a classy interior, but we wish that its most advanced safety tech was available at a lower price point.
Pros Robust V-6 engines Comfortable, upmarket interior Good infotainment system Rides and handles well Conservatively handsome looks
Cons Thirsty lineup lacks hybrid option Frustrating push-button shifter Advanced safety tech is costly Is Lincoln a true luxury brand?
The MKX is unchanged for the 2018 model year.Overall, we recommend the MKX's Select trim level. It's just above the base Premiere trim level and adds a few creature comforts. More important, it's the key to getting desirable options packages such as the Climate package and the Select Plus package
PROS Quiet interior with spacious rear seating Comfortable ride quality A lot of features for the money Strong turbocharged V6 engine option
CONS Interior quality isn't as high as that of many European rivals Thick roof pillars and a small rear window impair rear visibility
