The Armada gets a significant makeover for 2021, starting with a squarer front end featuring prominent headlights. The design revisions reach out back, too, with a new bumper and taillights that are connected by a continuous trim piece. There's also a newly available Midnight Edition with blacked-out trim. Inside, Nissan redesigned the center stack and added a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay.
PROS Serenely quiet and comfy, smooth, potent powertrain, pillowy ride.
CONS Dreadful fuel economy, some dated interior elements, wanders at highway speeds.
The 2021 Nissan Armada is a big, comfortable brute that can tow the boat and haul the family all at once.
PROS Spacious inside Lusty V-8 Strong for towing Good safety features Value at the base level
CONS Gas guzzler Third row for kids only Gets expensive Plodding moves
For 2021, the X5's xDrive50i model has been replaced by the plug-in hybrid xDrive45e. The new plug-in hybrid powertrain consists of a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and an electric motor for a total output of 389 horsepower. A 24.0-kWh battery pack is said to provide up to 30 miles of electric-only driving range. The regular 40i models also receive some light electrification in the form of a 48-volt hybrid system.
Pros Wide range of available engines, high-quality cabin materials, intuitive infotainment interface.
Cons Somewhat vague steering feel, tight third-row passenger space, V-8 performance costs a lot extra.
The xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model debuts.Last year's xDrive50i is discontinued.Android Auto is now standard.Minor feature changes.
Pros Strong performance from available engines Luxurious, comfortable cabin lives up to its price tag Spacious cabin and cargo area
Cons Small mirrors and wide roof pillars create blind spots Limited interior storage Wide doorsills inhibit entry and exit
