2020 Nissan Amanda: Is It Really a Mega SUV?

This was a warship-inspired full-size SUV. Eminently seen in a robust body-on-frame construction. Having a massive seating capacity for up to eight passengers this is certainly a good choice among full-size SUVs, as its towing ability is superb with available four-wheel-drive and standard V-8 engine.

It was first launched in 2004 model year, with its second generation debuted for 2017. It’s mechanically and visually similar to the Infiniti QX80, though more focused on value and utility than its luxurious counterpart. It comes in 4 trims namely SV, SL, Platinum, and Platinum Reserve trim levels.

One of the upgrades for the 2020 Amanda, is a standard heated side mirror for all its trims. A new 22-inch alloy wheel design is also available, except on range-topping Platinum Reserve trim where it’s standard.

It has an upgraded interior even though its infotainment still lacks Apple or Android compatibility.

The 2020 Nissan Amanda has enormous cabin space for both passengers and cargo which can only be rival by Toyota Land Cruiser in the mega SUV class.

Under the hood comes a strong 5.6-liter V-8 rated at 390 horsepower, a slick-shifting 7-speed automatic transmission, and a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive.

Styling

2020 Nissan Armada: Is It Really a Mega SUV
source:HamrobazarBlog

The 2020 Nissan Amanda doesn’t have a much appealing exterior that looks like the modern-day crossover as it spent much of its time on the spacious interior and its performance.

Its bulbous front end works better here than it does on the nearly identical Infiniti QX80, retro-style two-tone fender flares, and the simple taillight that give it a rugged look backed up by its decent off-road chops and dark exterior chrome is phenomenal.

Performance

2020 Nissan Armada: Is It Really a Mega SUV
source:Autoblog

The 2020 Nissan Armada doesn’t boast of turbochargers or hybrid technology but has a superior off-road performance with it 5.6-liter V-8 producing 390 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque.

That output is sent through a seven-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels as standard, or, optionally, it recorded 0-60 mph acceleration times between 6.2 and 6.3 seconds.

EPA-rated fuel economy comes in at 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway for RWD models and 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highways for models equipped with 4WD. Those numbers are pretty low, but no other Nissan can tow up to the Armada’s 8,500-pound towing capacity with its automatically leveling rear air suspension

The interior

2020 Nissan Armada: Is It Really a Mega SUV
source:nissanandinfinitinissanandinfiniti

The massive interior and cargo space have really been Amanda’s selling point. With all three rows of seats upright, the Armada’s cargo area has 16.5 cubic feet of capacity. Fold down the 60/40 split third-row and you’ll find 49.9 cubic feet behind the second row.

With the third and 60/40 split-folding second-row down, there’s a maximum of 95.4 cubic feet of capacity behind the first row. Underfloor cargo area storage bins help keep items organized and out of sight.

The front-row legroom is a spacious 41.9 inches. In the second row, 41.0 inches of legroom are available head to the third row and the Armada offers 28.4 inches of legroom.

Amanda doesn’t have cutting-edge infotainment like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto as compare to its QX80 or the Toyota Land Cruiser counterpart. It still boasts of soft-touch plastics, low-sheen surfaces, and reasonably convincing fake wood.

Even the cloth-upholstered Armada SV has an appealing interior. Armada’s 8.0-inch touchscreen comes with GPS navigation and the standard audio system is a 13-speaker Bose setup, with four USB ports that come standard.

An available Entertainment package adds 8.0-inch displays to each front-row seatback, as well as two USB ports, VTR inputs, two wireless headphones, and a remote. An optional digital rearview mirror displays and an image supplied by a camera on the tailgate.

The Competition

Nissan Armada vs. Infiniti QX80

Nissan Armada vs. Infiniti QX80
source:KellyNissan

In a nutshell, the Infiniti QX80 is an ultra-luxe version of the Armada. The two truck-based SUVs share a common platform and powertrain though the QX80 is marginally more potent, and cabin functionality is roughly the same. The Infiniti uniquely offers hydraulic body roll

Nissan Armada vs. Ford Expedition

Nissan Armada vs. Ford Expedition
source:KeystoneFord

The Nissan Amanda pulls no threat to Ford Expedition as the expedition outclass Amanda in almost every conceivable way. The Expedition handles more comfortably, with a modern tech interface, more room in the third row with a higher towing limit than what is obtainable in the Amanda.

The Expedition boasts a twin-turbo V6 that is more efficient than the Nissan’s V8. The Expedition offers a larger cargo area, and you can upgrade to the Expedition Max if you want even more storage.

Safety Features

2020 Nissan Armada: Is It Really a Mega SUV
source:TheCarConnection

The Nissan Amanda comes with standard airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability and traction control, all Armadas come standard with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, backup camera, parking sensors, and hill start assist.

Also available are lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning with intervention, and rear emergency braking.

The 2020 Nissan Armada hasn’t been crash-tested as of this writing. NHTSA gave the 2019 Armada an overall safety rating of four out of five stars, and we don’t expect that to change for 2020. It earned three stars in frontal crash and rollover tests, and five stars for side crash.

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