The Cheapest V-8 Powered SUV In 2023

The V-8 engine, a once great powertrain has become the dying breed of the auto industry. Thanks to stringent emission regulations and the push towards electrification, many manufacturers are phasing out V-8 powerplants from their lineups. The underwhelming V-6 and turbocharged inline-four engines are taking the place of the mighty V-8.

It is no surprise that if you want a new V-8-powered SUV in today’s market it’s going to cost a pretty penny, this is where the Nissan Armada comes in to save the day. With a starting price of $50,700 for the entry-level Armada S trim, this vehicle presents an attractive option.

It provides a body-on-frame construction and a robust 5.6-liter V-8 engine and is a vehicle that comfortably accommodates up to eight passengers. For the price, the Armada is an impressive option to explore for buyers on a tight budget as the base trim is well-equipped with features such as an impressive technology package and great towing ability.

Related: Here’s Why The Nissan Armada Is The Best V-8 SUV On The Market Today

Tried And Tested V-8 Powertrain

The Nissan Armada is one of the truest SUVs that is still in production today. It maintains a powertrain that many of its competitors have moved on from. The 5.6 liter V-8 engine that powers the full-size SUV has been the manufacturer’s go-to engine for their trucks and luxury SUVs for upwards of a decade. Featured in the first generation Nissan Titan, the engine codenamed the “VK56DE” put out 371 horsepower in 2003 and has been constantly improved to be more efficient over time.

The latest iteration of the engine, the VK56VD produces 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, enough to move a 6,000-pound rig from 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds. The 32-valve aluminum block engine is known to be robust and reliable in all platforms it powers including all generations of the Armada. With so much power from the big V-8, gas mileage does take a hit, and the Nissan Armada offers a combined 16 mpg for the 2WD model and 15 mph for the 4WD model.

2023 Armada S Specifications

The powerful V-8 is mated to a traditional seven-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, manual mode, and Synchronized Rev Control and powers either the rear wheels or is equipped with four-wheel drive. The Armada provides the most powerful standard engine among its competitors including the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and Toyota Sequoia.

Related: Toyota Land Cruiser GR Vs. Nissan Patrol Nismo

Best Bang For Your Buck SUV

Aside from the powerful V8 engine, the Armada is the cheapest vehicle in its class as standard. The base LS Trim Chevrolet Tahoe has a starting price of over $54,000 compared to the Armada’s modest $50,000 price tag. The Chevrolet Tahoe’s base LS trim is also powered by a 5.3-liter engine.

Nissan Armada Vs. Competition

Fellow Japanese manufacturer offering the Toyota Sequoia is not much better in terms of both pricing and specification as the base SR5 Trim Sequoia starts at $60,000 and is powered by a V-6 engine. The Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Jeep Wagoneer all outprice the Armada in their respective base models. The Land Cruiser is also more expensive in its base trim compared to the Armada.

Related: The Nissan Patrol Is A Great Off-Roader That The U.S. Never Got

Capable Body On Frame Structure

The Armada is a back-to-basics SUV that relies on traditional SUV architecture in the form of a Body-on Frame structure. The refreshed Armada is essentially on a truck chassis that gives it the rugged feel of traditional off-roaders. The welded ladder frame, fortified with full-length box section rails, serves as a stable backbone. The car features independent rear suspension and a double wishbone front suspension setup feather solidifying the truckiness of the car.

The entire frame of the Armada is made of steel for strength and durability for off-roading and towing. This robust foundation imparts a sense of solidity and endurance, ensuring that the Armada can take on challenging terrains and heavy loads with confidence.

Related: 10 Best Large SUVs Of 2023, Ranked

Impressive Tow Rating

As already established, the Armada body-on-frame architecture makes the car ideal for towing duties. With a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, the Armada is not the best or the worst in class. It sits neatly in the pack as the Toyota Sequoia has the highest towing capacity at 9,250 pounds while the Lowest is the Ford Expedition with a max towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

In base trim and 4×2 drive, the Armada’s towing capacity cannot be rivaled at the same price. The capable V-8 engine certainly plays a huge part in the high tow capacity that this vehicle achieves thanks in part to the 413-pound feet of torque the engine produces.

A host of components including an auto-leveling suspension contributes to a seamless tow experience as the system smooths out the ride on uneven roads for maximum stability on the road. A dedicated tow haul mode and downhill speed control ensure that the transmission stays at an optimal gear when towing, this prevents gear hunting which can impact driver confidence.

Related: 10 SUVs That Still Pack A V-8

Solid Interior And Exterior Design

The interior of the 2023 Nissan Armada is a great space to be in. On the base trim, the front cloth seats are big and spacious. The three-row seating makes room for up to eight passengers but can be optioned with captain second-row seats that reduce the seating capacity to seven passengers.

As standard, the Armada features a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system controlled by a rotary dial and some physical buttons. Apple Carplay and Android Auto are standard on the entry-level S trim which is great especially when some models, they are optional extras.

Nissan makes sure that customers are covered with impressive standard features for the base S trim including:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Tow-hitch receiver pre-wired to trailer brakes
• LED Headlights
• Power adjustable front seats
• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment
• Wireless Apple Car Play and wired Android Auto.
• Navigation system

The exterior design of the Armada is instantaneously recognizable even with the refreshed look. The front end features a Nissan V-motion grille with full LED headlights, turn signals, and fog lights. Also, prominent up front is the new corporate logo with reflective letters.

The Armada lightly bulged fenders accommodate nicely the 18-inch alloy wheels that come as standard, the higher trim level’s 22-inch wheels fit the car much better and give it a higher masculine stance. The base model’s contrasting chrome trim gives the vehicle great presence on the road, especially in the Red Pearl color. Other color options available are Aspen White, Silver Metallic, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Mocha Almond, and Hermosa Blue paint.

The 2023 Nissan Armada is one of the best full-size SUVs in the $50,000 price range, with a host of great standard features. The value proposition of the Armada is unmatched by any of the competitors. The Chevrolet Tahoe is not as powerful in base trim as the Toyota Sequoia, and although it has a higher towing capacity it is almost 10,000 dollars more expensive than the Armada.