2020 Nissan Armada — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV

2020 Nissan Armada

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $48,224–$63,416
Fuel Economy 13 MPG
Seating 8 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $4,038/yr

Key Specifications — 2020 Nissan Armada

Seating Capacity8 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$48,224–$63,416

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2020 Nissan Armada

With an overall Carivo score of 7.0/10, the 2020 Nissan Armada earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.6/10, while Technology at 6.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.2/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.6/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance lands mid-pack at 7.1/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 6.3/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $48,224–$63,416, 13 MPG, seating 8, the Nissan Armada sits in the premium tier of the suv category. The value score of 6.5/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Bottom line: There's a case for the 2020 Nissan Armada, but it needs the right buyer. Its value and technology scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2020 Nissan Armada ranks #2010 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 18% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $48,224 starting price is about 34% above the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $50k →

Which Armada Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2017 Nissan Armada scores 7.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.0 — and starts roughly $5,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.3/10$56,444 Read review →
2025 7.3/10$56,444 Read review →
2024 7.3/10$54,800 Read review →
2023 7.2/10$53,156 Read review →
2022 7.2/10$51,512 Read review →
2021 7.1/10$49,868 Read review →
2020 (this review) 7.0/10$48,224
2019 7.1/10$46,580 Read review →
2018 7.0/10$44,936 Read review →
2017 7.0/10$43,292 Read review →
2016 6.9/10$41,648 Read review →
2015 6.8/10$40,004 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2020 Nissan Armada

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
  • Fuel economy at 13 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2020 Nissan Armada (1 on record)

The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Fuel pump / Control/drive module
20/05/2021 · 21V373000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Nissan Armada and 2020-2021 INFINITI QX80 vehicles equipped with V8 engines. The impeller can swell and bind within the fuel pump module, causing it to fail.

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

Common Questions — 2020 Nissan Armada

Is the 2020 Nissan Armada reliable?

We rate the 2020 Nissan Armada's reliability 7.2/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).

How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Armada have?

1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2020 Nissan Armada worth buying?

It scores 7.0/10 overall, ranking #2010 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 18% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.

How much does the 2020 Nissan Armada cost?

The 2020 Nissan Armada starts at $48,224 and ranges up to $63,416 across trims (MSRP when new). At 13 MPG, expect roughly $4,038/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Owner Essentials — Nissan Armada

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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More Nissan Reviews

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