The Nissan Pathfinder vs. Nissan Armada

What Are The Differences in Size and Style?

Many drivers, like those from Wexford, care about the style of whichever Nissan model they choose. It makes sense, the design can dictate function and overall purpose, and – of course, driving a head-turning, stunning vehicle feels good. Luckily both the Nissan Pathfinder and Nissan Armada have you covered there, but are there any differences between the two?

The Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize SUV with a unibody construction, which provides a more urban oriented experience while accommodating up to eight passengers in three rows. Its design prioritizes versatility, with a maximum cargo capacity of approximately 80.5 cu. ft., making it well-suited for drivers seeking a balance of space and maneuverability. In contrast, the Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV with a body-on-frame construction, giving it an edge in off-road endeavors and making it ideal for heavy-duty tasks. It, like the Nissan Pathfinder, also seats up to eight passengers but offers a significantly larger interior and up to 97.1 cu. ft. of cargo space, catering to those needing maximum room for passengers and belongings. You’ll start to see a running theme of a similar experience, but one which is more personalized with the Nissan Armada. That said, the Nissan Pathfinder works incredibly well for families or those planning on driving more through the city streets than off-road.

Both the Nissan Pathfinder and Nissan Armada offer a variety of trims tailored to different preferences, like with the SV, SL and Platinum. The SV adds conveniences like ProPILOT Assist and heated front seats, making it ideal for comfort-focused drivers. The SL trim introduces leather-appointed seats, a larger 9-inch touchscreen with navigation and a hands-free liftgate for added luxury and utility. At the top of the range, the Platinum trim boasts a panoramic moonroof, a digital dashboard, quilted leather upholstery and a Bose premium sound system. The Nissan Armada also features the exclusive, empowering Pro-4X for maximized performance. You should carefully consider each trim option for either model so you can find the perfect experience for you, and don’t be afraid to contact us if you have any questions.

What About Interiors and Tech Features?

It’s not just what’s on the outside that counts, the interiors of the Nissan Pathfinder and Nissan Armada also offer advanced features and connectivity. That said, they cater to slightly different audiences.

The cabin of the Nissan Pathfinder emphasizes modern practicality with an 8 in. touchscreen infotainment system as standard, compatible with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and an optional 9 in. screen for enhanced usability. The interior includes durable yet stylish materials, available leather upholstery and tri-zone climate control to keep all passengers comfortable. In contrast, the Nissan Armada, owing in part to the higher price and size, has an interior that is more luxurious, featuring premium materials like standard leather-appointed seats and an expansive 12.3 in. touchscreen with built-in navigation. The Nissan Armada also offers a 13-speaker Bose premium audio system on higher trims. While both models deliver impressive technology, the larger size and focus on upscale comfort of the Nissan Armada make it more suited for those seeking a premium experience, while the Nissan Pathfinder leans toward practicality and everyday functionality.

Both models also prioritize safety with comprehensive suites of advanced driver-assistance features. The main method for both the Nissan Pathfinder and Nissan Armada to keep you safe and secure is with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high beam assist and rear automatic braking. ProPILOT Assist comes standard on higher trims, offering semi-autonomous driving for highway situations. You can rest assured that you’ll enjoy a reliable ride no matter which model you choose.

How Do They Compare In Capability and Options?

Plenty of drivers, from Cranberry to Evans City, don’t just invest in Nissan vehicles for the technology and safety, they’re also interested in a model that can provide phenomenal performance that makes every trip feel special. How do the two compare in that regard?

The Nissan Pathfinder and Nissan Armada feature impressive powertrains designed for different performance needs. The Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine that delivers 295 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, offering smooth and reliable performance for a midsize SUV. The Nissan Armada is similarly powered by a robust 3.5L V6 engine producing 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, providing significantly more power and towing capability, ideal for a full-size SUV. Another important distinction is that the Nissan Armada has the choice between 4×2 (Rear-Wheel Drive) and 4×4 (Four-Wheel Drive) trims, which can impact both the performance and fuel economy it provides.

Speaking of fuel economy, overall efficiency can be equally – if not more – crucial for drivers. It’s here where we see a shift as the Nissan Pathfinder and Armada exhibit notable differences in fuel economy, reflecting their distinct sizes and engine configurations. The Nissan Pathfinder, has an EPA-estimated 23 combined mpg. In contrast, the larger Nissan Armada records an EPA-estimated 16 combined mpg. You should weigh whether power or efficiency is what you’re looking for in your Nissan vehicle. Both vehicles excel in different areas, and both are worth considering because of that.

Which Model Fits Your Budget?

Investing in any Nissan vehicle means investing in a vehicle that you can rely on for years to come. Is there any notable difference between the Nissan Pathfinder and Nissan Armada in terms of overall price? The short answer: yes.

The base model of the Nissan Pathfinder begins at $37,070 MSRP, providing a more budget-friendly midsize SUV option. The base model of the Nissan Armada starts higher at approximately $56,520 MSRP. Both the Nissan Pathfinder and Nissan Armada come with Nissan’s standard warranty, which includes a 3-year/36,000-mile basic coverage and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, ensuring reliable protection for essential components. You should always factor your budget into your choice, especially with the significant difference in price. However, that shouldn’t deter you from making your choice if both fit within your budget.

#1 Cochran Nissan Cranberry also frequently holds specials for new and used vehicles. There’s also our certified pre-owned program which offers vehicles that have undergone a 152-point inspection, receive 24/7 roadside assistance and a 7-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. If you have any questions related to cost or warranties, please feel free to contact us.

Should I Choose the Nissan Pathfinder or the Nissan Armada?

The good news is that no matter your choice between the Nissan Pathfinder or Nissan Armada, you’ll be getting a capable SUV that makes every trip an adventure. The main differences are fuel economy, performance and price.

The difference in size provides the Nissan Armada more cargo room, but it also means the Nissan Pathfinder sports a sleeker profile and better mileage, perfect for commutes into Pittsburgh. The better performing Nissan Armada is matched by the more fuel efficient Nissan Pathfinder. The Nissan Armada has more technology and features packed in, but the Nissan Pathfinder is significantly less expensive. You should vet each of these and consider what you prioritize most. That way you can best make your choice.

Whether you choose one of them, or decide you want to see the rest of our lineup, feel free to visit us at #1 Cochran Nissan Cranberry. From Wexford to Harmony and all across Western PA, drivers can always rely on the #1 Cochran family for all their automotive needs.