2009 Nissan Armada SUV Continues to Offer Performance, Refinement, Utility,
06/01/2008
Nissan
The popular Nissan Armada, which was restyled and enhanced for 2008, continues to be refined for 2009 with revised equipment and package offerings - helping Armada retain its leading position as the full-size adventure SUV of choice for active, discerning families. For example, for the 2009 model year the equipment previously included in the Armada LE Preferred Package (heated front seats, power quarter glass flip-out, power folding outside mirrors with puddle lamps and turn signals, memory setting for driver's seat/mirrors/pedals and Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System) and Armada LE Tow Package (receiver hitch with 7-pin wiring harness, larger battery, 3.357:1 gear ratio) now comes standard on the Armada LE base model.
The 2009 Armada also features new 20-inch Chrome Clad wheels on the Armada LE equipped with the Technology Package. In addition, a moonroof is now available with the Armada SE Driver's Package and 2nd row Captain Chairs are available on all Armada LE packages. The major revisions from the 2008 redesign carry over to the new year, including the refined front fascia, headlight and fog light designs, revised one-piece roof rack design, revised rear fascia, and new exterior color palette.
The 2009 Armada also continues to offer the previous year's new 3rd row power folding 60/40 seat (optional LE), revised interior colors, fabrics and accents and new combination meter illumination. Available Armada technology includes a Nissan Intelligent KeyÔ with twist start (standard LE, optional SE), Bose(R) sound system with Music Box Hard Drive and 3rd row speakers and amplifier (standard LE, optional SE), Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System (standard on LE), available Nissan Navigation system with a XM NavTraffic(R) system with real-time traffic information (XM(R) contract required, sold separately) and an 8.0-inch screen for the optional DVD Entertainment Package.
Armada also continues to offer an advanced, standard 5.6-liter V8 producing 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque, with available Flexible Fuel Vehicle technology (FFV) - which allows drivers to use traditional gasoline or an alternative fuel such as E85 (containing 85 percent renewable ethanol and 15 percent gasoline).
Refined Yet Rugged Exterior, Versatile Interior
Armada's distinctive styling mixes modern cues with traditional ruggedness, with an aggressive front fascia, halogen headlights and fog lights, one-piece roof rack and available 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (LE model). With its wide stance, long wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs, Armada combines stability, maneuverability and exceptional cargo room.
Additional exterior features include a large body-color grille (SE, chrome on LE), chrome front door handles, chrome dual power-adjustable heated side mirrors (with power folding, puddle lamps and integrated turn signal on LE models), side step rails, privacy glass for the 2nd and 3rd rows and rear tailgate (power tailgate optional on SE, standard on LE), separate tailgate opening glass and manual flip-out rear quarter windows (power-operated on LE models). All models are also offered with a standard rear bumper-mounted rear proximity sensor system (back-up obstacle warning). A front proximity sensor/sonar system is also available.
The 2009 Armada is offered in eight exterior colors: Desert Stone, Timberline, Blizzard, Galaxy Black, Silver Lightning, Smoke, Red Brawn and Majestic Blue.
Armada's interior is highly functional and ergonomic, without sacrificing style and ruggedness. Available features include a 3rd row power folding seat (LE), heated steering wheel (LE), steering wheel illuminated controls, gated shifter, lockable glove compartment and wood grain accents (LE). Available technology features include and advanced audio system with 3rd row audio speakers and amplifier (LE), Nissan Intelligent KeyÔ with twist start (LE, optional SE), Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System (standard on LE), an 8.0-inch screen for the optional DVD Entertainment Package and an Nissan Navigation system with a XM NavTraffic(R) system with real-time traffic information (XM(R) contract required, sold separately).
The 2009 Armada delivers impressive room and versatility, including ample 2nd row legroom, up to 8-passenger seating, standard fold-flat 2nd and 60/40 split fold-flat 3rd row seats and large cargo space behind the 3rd row seat. Additional utility and storage space is offered by a full-length overhead console with six map lights, center console with large storage capacity, multiple pockets and bins throughout the cabin, up to 14 cupholders and four 12-volt power outlets (two in front, one 2nd row, one for cargo area).
In front, an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat and available 4-way adjustable front passenger's seat provide comfort and luxury, and leather-appointed seats are available in the 1st and 2nd rows (standard LE, optional SE). 3rd row occupants are placed higher than the 2nd row to facilitate easier conversation and better visibility for the occupants. Other luxury features include standard dual-zone climate control, rear air conditioning, remote keyless entry, power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, and AM/FM/6CD audio system with steering wheel controls and MP3 playback capability.
Also available are fold-flat 2nd row captain's chairs with a removable 2nd row center console and an 11-speaker Bose(R) audio system with dual media capability, allowing use of radio and CD at the same time (headphones must be used to listen to second audio source) and RearView Monitor. Two interior colors are available, Sand and Graphite.
Full-Size Foundation and Adventure-Ready Driveline
The 2009 Armada features the rugged F-Alphafully boxed frame and 4-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension with coil-over shock absorbers and stabilizer bar, combining on- and off-road comfort with responsive handling characteristics.
The independent rear suspension design, with its minimal intrusion into the interior, maximizes space, and an automatic rear air leveling system (optional SE, standard LE) improves stability and ride comfort when towing or carrying heavy cargo. The system automatically adjusts air pressure in the suspension bladders to maintain a uniform ground clearance and departure angle.
The heart of every Armada is its 317 horsepower 5.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine with 385 lb-ft of torque. The V8 is tuned to provide nearly 90 percent of the engine's torque below 2,500 rpm - where it's needed for hauling, towing or slow-speed off-road driving. Available Flexible Fuel Vehicle technology allows drivers to use traditional gasoline or an alternative fuel such as E85.
Assembled at Nissan's advanced engine facility in Decherd, Tenn., the Armada's Nissan Endurance V8 includes advanced features such as an aluminum engine block with cast iron cylinder liners, chain-driven dual overhead camshafts with silent single-stage timing chain, and electronic drive-by-wire throttle for precise control. For greater efficiency through reduced friction, the V8 uses graphite-coated pistons, microfinished forged steel crankshaft and microfinished camshafts. When equipped as a Flexible Fuel Vehicle, the 2008 Armada features a common fuel tank designed to run on varying blends of gasoline with ethanol or other fuel.
Standard on every 2009 Armada is a reinforced electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmissionwith tow/haul mode, which revises shift patterns accordingly. The transmission features a unique gear set for use in high torque situations, an advanced torque converter design for improved fuel economy and, for improved shift quality, an advanced powertrain management program. A 28-gallon fuel tank provides excellent driving range.
Tow Package-equipped Armadas (optional SE, standard LE) offer a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,100 pounds (when properly equipped). The Tow Package includes a lower rear axle ratio (3.357:1), heavy-duty radiator and battery, 7-pin wiring harness plug, trailer brake pre-wiring, receiver hitch and rear suspension air leveling system.
4-wheel drive Armadas maximize traction on- or off-road with an advanced full-time automatic control system, which under normal driving conditions operates in two-wheel drive mode, but can instantly distribute torque to all four wheels whenever road conditions warrant (up to 50 percent can go to the front wheels on demand). A two-speed electronic transfer case allows the driver to select between auto, full-time 4-wheel drive and 4LO, which provides enhanced low speed driving force and hill descending ability.
Standard on Armada is a 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), engine speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system.
Armada LE models feature standard machine-finished aluminum-alloy 20x8-inch wheels with P275/60R20 Michelin tires, while Armada SE models come with aluminum-alloy 18x8-inch wheels with P265/70R18 Conti-Track tires.
A Focus On Safety and Security
Again in 2009, Armada offers an extensive list of safety features, including standard roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bagsfor side-impact and rollover head protection for outboard positions in all three rows. The Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor is standard on all Armadas. Front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags are standard on LE and optional on SE models.
Also standard on Armada are front seat Active Head Restraints, 3-point front seat belts with dual pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants (including center position), the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system and Zone Body construction with front and rear crushable zones.
For additional safety and security, Armada is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Vehicle Security System (VSS).
Choices of Models and Equipment
For 2008, Armada is offered in SE and LE models, with 2-wheel or advanced 4-wheel drive systems. All Armadas feature the 317-horsepower 5.6-liter Nissan Endurance V8, 5-speed automatic transmission, 4-wheel independent suspension and fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats, full-length overhead console, step rails and rear sonar sensors to aid in close parking situations.
The Armada LE adds a higher level of luxury appointments, including the contents of the Intelligent Key, special wood-tone trim, heated steering wheel, Nissan Navigation system with a XM NavTraffic(R) system with real-time traffic information (XM(R) subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System power 3rd row seat, power folding mirrors with puddle lamps and integrated turn signal, metallic-finish grille and power liftgate.
Option packages for the 2009 Armada SE include the Driver Package, with Bose(R) audio system, XM(R) Satellite Radio (XM(R) subscription required, sold separately), RearView Monitor, power tailgate, front fog lights, front sonar system, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver and compass.
The Premium Package (SE) includes all content in the Driver Package and adds an Intelligent Key with twist start, leather-appointed seats with driver memory function and 4-way power adjustable passenger seat (equipment standard on LE). The SE Tow Package includes a receiver hitch with 7-pin wiring harness, larger battery, 3.357:1 gear ratio (equipment standard on LE).
An advanced Technology Package, offered on LE, includes Nissan Navigation System with XM NavTraffic(R) with real-time traffic information (XM(R) subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System, heated steering wheel, power 3rd row seat and Chrome Clad 20-inch wheels.
Also offered is a Sunroof Package; rear DVD Entertainment Package with 8-inch screen; and Captain Chairs Package (LE only), with 2nd row captain chairs and removable center console replacing the 2nd row split bench seat.