The Japanese-manufactured Nissan Armada is in its second iteration and up until 2021 had only seen minor tweaks since the model launched in 2017. Based on the Nissan Patrol platform, which also serves the Infiniti QX80, the Armada is one of many contenders in a full-size SUV class which also features the likes of the Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, and Chevy Tahoe.

With options starting from around $50k, a similar price model to its competitors, the '21 Armada is a significant upgrade from its predecessor. Engine-wise, the Endurance V8 block has had a small increase from 390 to 400 hp, but the main changes are away from what's under the hood.

10 A New And Improved Exterior Design

all-new-2021-nissan-armada_v2
all-new-2021-nissan-armada_v2

The Armada features an overhauled look, with both the front and rear ends having some significant changes. At the front, a squarer, more truck-esque look is on the cards, with a larger grille, new LED headlights (which are also on the rear), and a flatter hood.

2021-nissan-armada-suv-debut-9
2021-nissan-armada-suv-debut-9

Out back, there's a new rear bumper which is connected to the taillights using a continuous trim piece; and again, it's squarer, flatter, and looks more modern than the previous design.

9 The Massively-Updated Interior

What you get inside ultimately comes down to how much extra you're willing to pay- the Armada's four options, from standard to Platinum, will each give you a slightly different interior. If you choose Platinum, for example, you'll be treated to a wooden trim with quilted seats, and every seat from the front to the second row is heated.

PrestonNissan-LPI-2021Armada-sb2
PrestonNissan-LPI-2021Armada-sb2

When it comes to the more standard specification, the Armada's basics are still the same: good quality of production with strong noise insulation from the outside, and a spacious three rows of seats to fit up to eight people. This is a luxury SUV even at the cheapest option.

RELATED: The Armada's Success Will Transform Nissan's Fortunes In America

8 An Infotainment System That Finally Catches Up With The Competition

It's fair to say that the Armada was lacking in the infotainment department, but the 2021 model finally brings the basics and then some. The 12.3-inch touchscreen is equipped with Apple CarPlay, subscription-based Sirius XM, built-in satnav, WiFi, wired Android Auto, and wireless phone charging- but there are still USB ports, of course.

The top-tier Platinum model also features two 8-inch entertainment screens at the rear; whether that's worth forking out the extra money would largely depend on how many people you're expecting to have in the car, and for how often.

7 The Midnight Edition

It's for looks only, but the Midnight Edition Armada certainly stands out from the crowd, and it's not the most expensive option either. The highlight feature has to be the 20-inch black aluminum-alloy wheels, but more easily noticeable is the obvious fact- everything is midnight black, both inside and out.

2021 Nissan Armada midnight edition taillights with black surround

Even the taillights and Armada badge are given black accents, and the darker interior certainly gives a more premium feel to the SUV, even compared with the most expensive Platinum model.

6 A Comfortable, Quiet Ride

2021-Nissan-Armada

Being based on Nissan's Patrol platform gives the Armada a solid, and comfortable, foundation to build on. As such, this is an SUV that offers a silky-smooth ride on the road and the capability to be taken off the beaten path with ease.

The rock-solid suspension (with auto-leveling technology) and little road noise mean the Armada is ideal for both scenarios; whether it's a long highway road trip or taking to dirt roads out in the country. The 'Intelligent 4x4' system does most of the job for you, but you can manually override this and choose a setting for the conditions- there's even a 'Snow' mode for when things get a little cooler.

5 The Trailer Brake Controller

With towing capabilities such an important part of the modern SUV, the Armada has the strength to tow up to 8,500 lbs- quite a way behind the Ford Expedition's 9,300 lbs potential but comfortably in line with the GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe.

Additionally, a trailer brake controller mounted on the dashboard allows the driver to adjust and activate the trailer brakes when necessary. And, for windy conditions, the trailer sway control monitors the movement of the trailer and can apply the brakes automatically.

RELATED: Ranking The 10 Toughest Towing Vehicles That Aren't Pickups (And 10 That Are)

4 Updated Safety Features

As standard with most modern vehicles, the '21 Armada comes with numerous safety features and driver aids, helped by having cameras placed at the front, rear, and sides of the car. Known as the 'Safety Shield 360', this puts the Armada in line with the competition when it comes to safety, and is standard on every model. Lane departure warning, cross-traffic alert, emergency braking software, and blind-spot warning are all equipped within the Armada.

3 360-Degree Camera View

Via BuyaCar

As mentioned above, the '21 Armada's 'Safety Shield 360' has cameras places all over the car- but it has more use than just for safety- it's mightily useful for parking and backing out of spaces. The 'Intelligent Around-View Monitor' is an interactive, birds-eye 360-degree look at the Armada and its current location in relation to nearby objects. On top of that, utilizing the many camera angles, you can go split-screen and see the view from a particular part of the car. This is pretty handy for maneuvering any car, let alone an SUV the size of the Armada.

2 Remote Access

Utilizing the 'NissanConnect Services' app, the Armada can be found, locked and unlocked, and controlled by a mobile device. This is becoming more and more prevalent in modern cars, and it's certainly useful for those silly moments where we forget where we park, but it can be used for more serious issues too. If someone else is driving your car, you can set a physical (location) boundary, speed limits, and even a curfew, and you'll be notified when any of those are exceeded. You can also contact the 24-hour Nissan Concierge if you're feeling really lazy, or simply don't have the time, to book that all-important family meal at your favorite restaurant. It's gimmicky but still nice to have.

RELATED: See Matt Maran's Review Of The 2021 Nissan Armada Platinum

1 Bose Audio System

From the 'SL' version and above, you're treated to a Bose audio system made up of 13 speakers 'strategically' located around the Armada's cabin, as well as a noise-canceling system to detect outside sounds and adjust the Bose audio volume accordingly. This was designed specifically for the Armada, and we think it's pretty cool, but it's a costly few grand on top of the standard model if you want one.

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