“i love the sitting up high and floating down the road. i love the light interior and ease of interior controls. i love the way it looks inside and out. i love that i can drive it anywhere because i have the 4 wheel drive option! i i love the weight-it feels safe and secure.”
2018 Nissan Armada: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2018 Nissan Armada is an upgraded standard 8-inch infotainment system with easier multitouch control and added features. This is otherwise a light update rather than a redesign.
About the 2018 Nissan Armada
2nd generation Armada (2017 redesign), second model year.
Nissan positions the Armada as a full-size SUV for families who still want real towing strength and available low-range 4WD, not just passenger space. The big selling points are its strong V8, up to 8,500-pound towing capacity, roomy three-row cabin, and a more upscale interior feel than many mainstream rivals. For most buyers, the Armada is a traditional truck-based SUV that blends family hauling, long-trip comfort, and serious trailer duty better than most crossover-style alternatives.
The 2018 Armada remains a three-row, V8-powered SUV with seating for up to eight and a towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds. SV covers the practical essentials with navigation, Bose audio, heated front seats, and towing hardware, while SL adds leather, a 360-degree camera, and a power-folding third row. Platinum emphasizes comfort and safety features, and the new Platinum Reserve gives that package a more distinctive look with two-tone leather, open-pore wood, and dark chrome trim.
What changed, by category
2018 Nissan Armada specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.6 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.6 Liter | V8, 5.6 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.6 Liter | V8, 5.6 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.6 Liter | V8, 5.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Synch Rev | Auto, 7-Spd Synch Rev | Auto, 7-Spd Synch Rev | Auto, 7-Spd Synch Rev |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 2WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas |
| MPG City | 14 mpg | 14 mpg | 13 mpg | 14 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 18 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Horsepower | 390 hp | 390 hp | 390 hp | 390 hp |
| Torque | 394 lb-ft | 394 lb-ft | 394 lb-ft | 394 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 8500 lb | 8500 lb | 8500 lb | 8500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 95.4 cu-ft | 95.4 cu-ft | 95.4 cu-ft | 95.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 28.4 in | 28.4 in | 28.4 in | 28.4 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors with Auto Brake | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2018 Nissan Armada redesigned?
No. The 2018 Armada is the second model year of the generation introduced for 2017, so its body-on-frame construction, three-row layout, and core design carry over.
What infotainment updates did the 2018 Nissan Armada receive?
The 2018 Armada's standard 8-inch infotainment system adds multitouch control, HD Radio, hands-free text messaging, and more USB ports across the lineup.
Which trim was added to the 2018 Nissan Armada lineup?
Platinum Reserve was added as the top 2018 Armada trim. It builds on Platinum with dark chrome exterior details, two-tone leather, contrast stitching, and open-pore wood trim.
Did the 2018 Nissan Armada get a new engine?
No. The 2018 Armada carries over its 390-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 and seven-speed automatic transmission.
Which 2018 Nissan Armada trims have the camera-based rearview mirror?
The camera-based rearview mirror is fitted to the 2018 Armada Platinum and Platinum Reserve. It uses a rear-facing camera to provide a view behind the SUV.
2018 Nissan Armada Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Nissan Armada.
“Armada is roomy and luxurious! Whole family fits, with luggage! Has great get up and go.”
“smooth ride, quite, luxurious, more value for your money, spacious, larger seating capacity than most vehicles in this class.”