2009 NISSAN Armada 5.6L V8 2WD 5AT (317 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Nissan introduced an upgraded version for the Armada SUV in 2008 and gave it a bolder stance and improved engines.

Even though the world financial crisis had already started to bite the automotive sector, Nissan decided to improve its biggest SUV on the market, the Armada. Thus, it tried to keep the sales higher even when the rest of the automakers struggled to survive. Their strategy worked, and the big SUV survived until 2016, when it was replaced by a new generation.

Nissan understood that subtle changes wouldn’t attract too many customers to its showrooms, so it changed the front fascia by adding a chromed trim on the grille. In addition, the lower side of the bumper got a different styling, with an A-shaped air intake. Yet, just like its predecessor, it featured a pair of round fog lamps placed on the outer side of the bumper. On the profile, the car featured two-piece body-color side moldings with chrome treatment.

Inside, the Nissan improved the eight-seat cabin and provided a new infotainment system fitted with a 9.3 GB hard drive for music. In addition, the DVD player featured a roof-mounted display for the second and third rows of seats. Moreover, the 11 speakers Bose sound system transformed the large cabin into a concert hall. The second and third rows of seats could have been folded or removed to expand the trunk space.

Under the hood, Nissan placed an upgraded version of its 5.6-liter V8 gasoline engine that provided 12 HP more than its predecessor. The automaker offered the big SUV with either a rear or all-wheel drive system.