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2024 Nissan Armada vs Ford Expedition: Which is Better?
The Nissan Armada embraces its old-school charm with a body-on-frame build, V8 engine, and robust towing capacity of 8500 pounds. 4WD is available across trims, with luxury features like heated leather seats and rear display screens on higher models. Positioned alongside rivals like the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition, it maintains a distinctive allure despite its fuel efficiency challenges at 16 mpg. In contrast, the Ford Expedition stands out for its impressive 9000-plus-pound towing capacity, accommodating up to eight people. While its body-on-frame construction and AWD offer off-road capability, the Expedition’s ride comfort slightly falters due to imprecise steering. Powered solely by a twin-turbo V6, it prioritizes speed, ensuring families reach their destinations swiftly despite interior trim shortcomings.
| Nissan Armada | Ford Expedition | |
| Dimensions | 208.9 in x 79.9 in x 75.8 in | 210.0 in x 79.9 in x 76.4 in |
| Engine | 5.6L V8 | 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 |
| Horsepower | 400 hp | 440 hp |
| Torque | 413 lb-ft | 510 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.8–5.9 sec | 4.9 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | NA | 13.2 sec |
| Top-Speed | 130 mph | 124 mph |
Nissan Armada
Engine & Performance
The Armada features a powerful 5.6L V8 engine paired with a refined seven-speed automatic transmission. With a recent power boost, it now produces 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque when fueled with premium fuel. Whether in R/4WD, the Armada’s fully independent suspension ensures a surprisingly smooth ride despite its substantial size. However, it’s important to mention that its handling might not match the agility of the more nimble Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.
Price & Mileage
The SL trim unquestionably provides exceptional value, adding to the already appealing features of the base SV model. It introduces a 13-speaker Bose audio system, stylish 20-inch rims, luxurious leather interior appointments, a convenient power liftgate, a cosy heated steering wheel, and a refreshing sunroof. We highly recommend opting for the optional second-row captain’s chairs to elevate your experience. With a starting price of $57,345, the Armada offers an attractive package. While the EPA estimates 14 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway for the RWD, these numbers decrease by 1 mpg with 4WD, still delivering impressive performance and efficiency.
Acceleration & Features
Despite the massive 22-inch wheels, the vehicle offered a pleasantly smooth and quiet ride, ensuring a comfortable driving experience. Surprisingly, this soft ride didn’t compromise our sense of control. However, it’s worth noting that the steering lacked precision and responsiveness, causing the SUV to meander on the highway, reminiscent of its Spanish namesake. Emphasizing convenience, every Armada has a generous 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring user-friendly rotary controls for volume and tuning. Positioned atop the centre stack, the unit includes built-in navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, standard Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless smartphone charging catering to modern connectivity needs.
Ford Expedition
Engine & Performance
The Expedition is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 engine and a highly responsive 10-speed automatic transmission, offering both RWD and 4WD options. The base engine delivers an impressive 380 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, while the Limited models receive a boost to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. For those seeking even more power, the Timberline trim and Limited with the Stealth Performance package offer a higher-output version, providing an exhilarating 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. With such robust performance options, the Expedition promises an exciting and capable driving experience, perfect for those who crave an adrenaline-filled adventure on the road.
Price & Mileage
We strongly suggest considering the Limited trim level on the regular-wheelbase Expedition, as it provides a fantastic combination of standard features and an exciting performance option that truly elevates the driving experience. The Expedition starts at $57,620, and Ford boasts about its EcoBoost technology, replacing a large V8 with a smaller twin-turbocharged V6 for improved efficiency. However, it falls short of fulfilling that promise. To give you an idea, the RWD model only achieves 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, while the AWD version drops to 16 mpg in the city.
Acceleration & Features
Impressively, the Timberline model accelerated to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds during rigorous testing, leaving the V8-powered Tahoe Z71 far behind by a substantial 2.4 seconds. If that’s not enough, the Stealth Performance model managed to shave off an additional 0.2 seconds from the Timberline’s time. Notably, all Expeditions boast an independent rear suspension for enhanced performance. Moreover, the Expedition offers a large 12.0-inch touchscreen with Ford’s Sync4 infotainment software as standard, equipped with over-the-air update capabilities and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity.