“The Infotainment system is 'glitchy'… several of the audio controls are non-functional (on every drive) until the audio menu button has been pressed. Also, the Infotainment system/Navigation system are prone to reboot spontaneously while driving! This is NOT Nissan's best effort!!”
2021 Nissan Armada: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Nissan Armada received a substantial mid-cycle refresh, making this a significant update rather than a carryover year. The headline change was a more modern exterior and cabin, led by revised styling and a new 12.3-inch touchscreen.
About the 2021 Nissan Armada
2nd generation (2017-2024), mid-cycle refresh year
The 2021 Armada is Nissan’s traditional full-size SUV: a body-on-frame, V8-powered three-row vehicle built for towing, long family trips, and buyers who want a more upscale cabin than many mainstream rivals offer. Nissan positions it as a flagship-style SUV with strong towing capability, standard safety tech, and a premium feel that edges close to the related Infiniti QX80, but in a more straightforward Nissan package.
Nissan positioned the S and SV as straightforward family versions, with three-row seating for up to eight, V8 power, and an 8,500-pound towing capacity. The SL adds leather, Bose audio, a 360-degree camera, and a moonroof, while the Platinum brings quilted leather, heated second-row seats, and dual rear entertainment screens.
What changed, by category
Styling
Nissan revised the front end, rear liftgate, rear bumper, and taillight design.
Tech
A 12.3-inch touchscreen and 7-inch driver display became standard. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and additional USB ports also became standard, along with an integrated trailer brake controller.
Safety
Standard driver-assistance coverage expanded to include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot and lane-departure warnings with intervention, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot sensors also changed from optional to standard on the SL.
Powertrain
The 5.6-liter V8 increased from 390 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque to 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft.
Trim lineup
Nissan added the simpler S model below the SV later in the model year. The SL’s power moonroof also changed from optional to standard.
2021 Nissan Armada specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.6 Liter | V8, 5.6 Liter | V8, 5.6 Liter | V8, 5.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Overdrive, Manual Mode & Synchronized Rev Control | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Overdrive, Manual Mode & Synchronized Rev Control | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Overdrive, Manual Mode & Synchronized Rev Control | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Overdrive, Manual Mode & Synchronized Rev Control |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 2WD | 2WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 14 mpg | 14 mpg | 14 mpg | 14 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Horsepower | 400 hp | 400 hp | 400 hp | 400 hp |
| Torque | 413 lb-ft | 413 lb-ft | 413 lb-ft | 413 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 | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| 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 | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2021 Nissan Armada fully redesigned?
No. The 2021 Armada received a substantial mid-cycle refresh rather than a full redesign. It remained part of the second generation but gained revised front and rear styling, updated cabin technology, broader safety coverage, and more V8 power.
How is the 2021 Nissan Armada different from the 2020 model?
The 2021 Armada has refreshed exterior styling, a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, broader standard driver assistance, a standard trailer brake controller, and a stronger V8. Nissan also added the S trim later in the model year.
Did the 2021 Nissan Armada get more power?
Yes. Its 5.6-liter V8 increased from 390 to 400 horsepower and from 394 to 413 lb-ft of torque for 2021.
Does every 2021 Nissan Armada have the 12.3-inch touchscreen?
Yes. The 12.3-inch touchscreen is standard across the 2021 Armada range, along with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 7-inch driver information display.
Was the Armada S trim new for 2021?
Yes. Nissan added the S later in the 2021 model year as the new entry trim. It has cloth seating while retaining the refreshed design, 400-horsepower V8, large touchscreen, three-row cabin, and standard driver-assistance features.
2021 Nissan Armada Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Nissan Armada.
4.0
2021 Nissan Armada
(142 reviews)
“Really needs more cup holders and the 2nd row video system does not work if you don't have an android device, which we didn't know and are very upset that they don't work for our kids.”
“If would want a large SUV with a comfortable third row and technology that makes it easy to handle, this is a great choice.”