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AUTO REVIEW

function controls on the dash they appear are optional on the SL. If you’re in the market for this kind of
to be identical. In case you hadn’t heard, backup cameras vehicle, call Phil Hornbeak at 210-301-
4367.
The driving experience is very similar to are required on all 2018 passenger vehicles
the Infiniti as well. This is a big heavy (5910 for sale in the U.S. Steve Schutz, MD, is a board-
lbs) SUV, so floating and wafting is what certified gastroenterologist who
you’re going to experience on the road as While I’d prefer that the Armada be lived in San Antonio in the
opposed to bobbing and weaving, but as called the Patrol as it is elsewhere in the 1990s when he was stationed
long as you’re not pushing things it’s all very world, I’m glad it’s being sold here as it’s a here in the U.S. Air Force. He
comfortable. worthy competitor to the venerable Toyota has been writing auto reviews for San Antonio Med-
Land Cruiser. Like that capable and popu- icine since 1995.
Twisty back roads and tight urban spaces lar SUV, the Armada is due for a restyling,
are not in the Armada’s wheelhouse by any but that doesn’t really detract from its es-
means, but if you take the big Nissan onto sential goodness.
the interstate or relatively straight suburban
streets, you’re going to be happy. And as I
like to remind readers, after a long day op-
erating, cardiac cathing, or getting through
a seemingly endless patient list in clinic,
we’re tired, and a quiet luxurious oasis is
probably just where we want to be.

Naturally, quiet and comfortable generally
means big, and big means poor fuel econ-
omy. That’s the case with the Armada, which
only manages 13 MPG city and 18 MPG
highway. (OMG I just fat shamed a motor
vehicle, didn’t I?)

Most Patrols sold abroad are equipped
with diesel engines, but Nissan decided not
to offer than powerplant in the US. If they
had, the fuel economy figures would be sig-
nificantly better.

As the Nissan flagship, all Armadas come
well equipped, such that even the base SV
includes satnav, a 13-speaker Bose stereo, a
fold-away third row of seats (that I’d reserve
for children only), and dual power front
seats. The nicer SL adds leather seats, power
up/down for the third-row seats, a power
rear hatch, and 20-inch wheels. The loaded
Platinum version adds a sunroof, heated and
cooled front seats, seat heaters for the sec-
ond row, and dual rear-seat entertainment
screens, among other luxury touches. The
Platinum also gets you a number of driver-
assist technologies such as lane departure
warning and blind spot protection, which

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