Nissan Gives the Armada 3- Row SUV and Compact Kicks a Technology Makeover
Elizabeth Blackstock
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Who doesn’t love a good makeover?
That’s why the company has given some extra love and attention to its upgraded 2021 models. The Nissan Armada and the Nissan Kicks have both been paid a visit by a technology fairy godmother, and both have been outfitted with a beautiful new exterior and an interior loaded with lush technology.
It’s all that tech that will have you making doe-eyes at your brand new Nissan. A good-looking car is important, but we all know the real experience kicks in once you get behind the wheel. That’s why Nissan has really focused its efforts on the fancy technology—it’ll feel like you’re driving a luxury car but for a far more affordable price.
Related: 2020 Nissan Sentra: Newly Redesigned And Extremely Stylish
The 2021 Nissan Armada takes advantage of a large screen in order to revamp the center console. Photo: Nissan
2021 Nissan Armada: Ready To Take on the Competition
The Nissan Armada’s bodywork makeover helps it look ready to go head-to-head with its competition in the 3-row SUV market, but it’s the technical details that really count. More driver assists now come standard on the Armada than do on the competition, like the Chevy Tahoe or the GMC Yukon—and that’s not even mentioning the Armada’s superior screen and towing ability.
A 12.3-inch touchscreen comes standard on the Armada, and it now has wireless Apple CarPlay to make your transition from phone to travel all the more seamless. The dashboard and center console is entirely revamped to look far more elegant, and that also includes a 7-inch gauge cluster for the driver’s pleasure.
The engine has also seen a small upgrade, which makes it more powerful. It’s not much–just 10 horsepower more than the 2020 edition—but every bit counts.
The mid-tier trim, SL, adds 13-speaker Bose audio system, 20-inch rims, leather interior appointments, a power liftgate, remote start, a sunroof, and optional captain’s chairs to the mix. You also have the option between two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive configurations, depending on the kind of driving you do.
Basically: the 2021 Nissan Armada is a much more comfortable and capable ride than the 2020 version. If you value easy tech and a little more power, this is going to be the car for you.
Now that’s what I call storage space. Photo: Nissan
Everything You Need to Know About the 2021 Nissan Armada
- Estimated to start at $50,000
- Three trim levels: SV, SL, and Platinum
- 5.6-liter V8 engine that makes 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind spot monitoring
- Lane-keep assist
- Tow capacity of 8500 pounds
- Estimated 14 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway
Related: Five Things to Love About the All-New 2021 Ford F-150
The screens may be small, but the Nissan Kicks packs a big punch. Photo: Nissan
2021 Nissan Kicks: A Small But Capable Crossover
While the 2021 Nissan Kicks may not be the most powerful crossover on the market—you can find more impressive offerings in the Mazda CX-30, for example—it’s a gorgeous, spacious machine that will be great for a growing family. It’s a great option for anyone who loves a bold look and for personalization: The Kicks comes with tons of options and accessories to really customize the ride to fit your flavor.
A larger grill, streamlined headlamps, and redesigned bumpers make for a pleasant visual exterior—smooth lines tie the whole machine together and really look nice. The interior’s center console has also had a makeover that makes it more comfortable and more spacious.
The mid-range SV model offers an 8.0-inch infotainment display that does not come standard on the base level model, and all Kicks are front-wheel drive. The 1.6-liter engine isn’t going to make you feel like the most powerful machine on the road, but the size of the Kicks is going to make it feel a hell of a lot more nimble than a larger crossover or SUV. It’s also nice and comfortable for anyone driving on pothole-ridden roads.
The Kicks also has some of the best cargo space in the crossover market at the moment, so this is a perfect option for long-distance travelers.
The back seats offer more space than the Kicks’ competition. Photo: Nissan
Everything You Need to Know About the 2021 Nissan Kicks
- Estimated to start at $20,000
- Three trim levels: S, SV, SR
- 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 122 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque
- Standard safety features
- Automated braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Estimated 37 mpg
Related: A Peek at the 2021 Lexus IS Shows Us That Fun Sedans Are Not Dead
Photo: Nissan