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The attractively-styled 2020 Nissan Armada features a powerful V8 engine and a luxurious interior with seating for eight. Introduced for the 2017 model year, the second-generation Armada provides a premium experience for a price well below comparable premium full-size SUVs.

Nissan’s Armada uses body-on-frame construction that provides off-road capabilities and the towing capacity of a pickup truck, up to 8,500 lbs. The construction also gives the Armada a strong presence on the road. Nissan’s 5.6-liter V8 engine produces 390 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque. The giant V8 is quite welcome in a world that seems to be taken over by small displacement turbos All Armada models use a 7-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard and four-wheel-drive is available. Fuel economy is rated up to 14/19 mpg city/highway.

We found that the Armada’s precise steering and well-tuned suspension worked well for daily driving activities and that an extended highway trip confirmed the quiet luxurious nature of the SUV. It is easy to forget that the Armada is not a premium-branded vehicle. The powerful powertrain and refined suspension yield a driving experience that is similar to more expensive vehicles from competing manufacturers.

Armada’s family-friendly interior is spacious, quiet and comfortable. The standard heated front seats are comfortably padded, but could use more by way of support. The ten-way power adjustable driver’s seat and the tilt/telescopic steering wheel make it easy to find a comfortable driving position. Nissan’s use of soft-touch surfaces, attractive design and trim add to the Armada’s premium feel.

The Armada’s second row provides comfortable seating for three adults. The 60/40 folding third row is designed for three, but is better suited for two adults. The Armada provides 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and increases to 49.9 and 95.4 behind the second and third rows respectively.

The Armada’s standard audio system includes an 8-inch touchscreen, 13 speakers, four USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. The system also includes standard navigation, HD and satellite radio. Nissan’s decision use a premium-branded system and include navigation helps bolster our argument that the Armada is actually a premium/luxury vehicle for a non-premium price.

Which Armada Trim Works for you?

The 2020 Nissan Armada is available in SV, SL, Platinum and Platinum Reserve models with 2WD or 4WD.

Armada SV features 18-inch alloy wheels, a tow-hitch receiver, chrome door handles and contrast painted roof rails, running boards and overfenders.

Armada SL adds Nissan Intelligent Key, Remote Engine Start System, power 60/40 3rd row seat, Intelligent Around View Monitor, power liftgate and 20-inch wheels and tires.

Armada Platinum includes power-sliding moonroof, front climate-controlled seats, a family entertainment system, “Nissan Safety Shield” technologies and the Intelligent Rear View Mirror.

Platinum Reserve adds dark chrome exterior trim, dark grey skid plate and tow hatch cover and two-tone leather-appointed seats, interior trim with unique stitching and 22-inch wheels and tires.

Four option packages are also offered.

The Driver’s Package (SV only) includes fog lights, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, power 60/40 3rd row seat, power liftgate and trailer towing harness and pre-wire and connector for brake controller.

The Captain’s Chairs Seat Package (SL and Platinum) replaces the 2nd row bench seat with 2nd row Captain’s Chairs and 2nd row center console with padded armrest.

The Premium Package (SL) includes Intelligent Distance Control (I-DC), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Intelligent Back-up Intervention (I-BI) and power sliding moonroof with front tilt and rear slide. And finally, the new 22″ Wheel Package features 22-inch wheels and tires.

Pricing for the 2020 Nissan Armada starts at $47,500 plus fees.

Powered by a time-tested V6 engine, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder offers strong performance and excellent towing capabilities. Families will appreciate the spacious interior and cargo space. Enthusiasts will find the “Rock Creek Edition” to have a fun throw-back appeal, kindling fond memories of the brutish Pathfinder of the 1980s and 1990s.

For 2020, the Nissan Pathfinder is available in five trim levels: S, SV, SL, Rock Creek Edition (SV and SL) and Platinum. The V6 is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive.  An all-wheel drive system is available for an additional $1,690.

Nissan refreshed the Pathfinder’s in 2017 and the SUV remains relatively unchanged for the 2020 model year. The SUV’s headlights and “V-Motion” grille align with rest of Nissan’s lineup. Base models come with 18-inch alloy wheels and Platinum trims receive 20-inch versions. Our Rock Creek Edition tester sported a nice set of 18-nch dark-finished aluminum-alloy wheels and all-season tires. The Rock Creek package also includes a black front grille, side mirrors, front and rear bumper accents, outside door handles, overfenders and roof rails. A unique lower front fascia, exterior badging and a tow hitch receiver with 7-pin wiring harness finish out the exterior enhancements. Inside, you get unique Rock Creek Edition interior with high-contrast stitching, Rock Creek Edition interior trim, and Rock Creek Edition badging.

The Pathfinder’s interior is roomy and comfortable. Larger families will appreciate the three-row seating which makes the SUV a decent alternative to buying a mini-van. Yes, a mid-size SUV will never be able to compete with the amount of cargo space provided a minivan, but the Pathfinder’s utility and low price point make it a viable option for other reasons. The second-row bench seat slides back and forth, allowing for cabin configuration based on the number of passengers.

The 2020 Pathfinder has 16 cubic feet of cargo space which expands to 47.8 cubic feet and 79.8 cubic feet when the second and third rows are folded.

Photo courtesy of Nissan

Nissan’s V6 produces 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The CVT transmission works well, but takes away from the overall driving experience. Fuel economy is strong, especially for the segment. Front-wheel drive models achieve an EPA-estimated 20/27 mpg city/highway. All-wheel drive models are rated at 19/26 mpg. Towing capacity is rated at 6,000 pounds.

The Pathfinder is a comfortable vehicle on the road. The V6 provides excellent power for highway passing and towing. Stopping is easy and the suspension keeps the SUV in check on less than ideal roadway surfaces. While the 7 inches of clearance may limit the Pathfinder’s offroad capabilities, Nissan’s SUV is a great option for winter climates especially when equipped with all-wheel-drive.

The standard 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system features a six-speaker sound system with a CD player. Base-model Pathfinders also arrive with six USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio, tri-zone automatic climate control and push-button start/stop. Available tech includes navigation, an upgraded 13-speaker Bose audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Standard safety features include a rearview camera, forward collision warning, rear parking sensors and automatic emergency braking.

Pricing for the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder starts at $31,980. The SV Rock Creek Edition starts at $35,765.

Recently we spent some time with two of Nissan’s smaller sedans, the compact Sentra and the subcompact Versa. Both are “all-new” for 2020. Enhanced styling give both a stronger presence on the road and in the driveway. Upgraded powertrains yield better road-going characteristics.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra: Nissan’s best Sentra to date

While other Nissans tend to grab the headlines, particularly the iconic Z car and the GT-R, the Sentra quietly remains the best-selling Nissan of all time in the United States. The popular compact sedan is all-new for 2020, with a fresh design built upon a new platform. Two inches lower and wider than the outgoing model, the new Sentra is, in our eyes anyway, attractive.

All models get Nissan’s V-motion grille, select versions also receive LED projector headlamps and LED daytime running lights. The sharp creases, low roofline and wider stance give the Sentra an athletic appearance, something that Sentras of old never had.

Under the hood sits a new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine which replaces the previous 1.8-liter. Horsepower is rated at 149 hp, which is sufficient for the compact sedan and more impressively marks a 20 percent increase over the previous model. The 146 lb-ft of torque is also a noteworthy 17 percent jump over the 2019 model.

Power is sent to the front wheels by Nissan’s latest generation Xtronic transmission. Nissan has done a decent job of adding some excitement to the CVT transmission, but even with all the refinement and economy, we would prefer a traditional automatic gearbox. That said, Nissan was an early adopter of the CVT and you can tell that they put some work in to make it as decent as possible.

Fuel economy is impressive. The 2020 Sentra is rated at 29/39/33 mpg city/highway/combined for the S and SV grades and 28/37/32 mpg city/highway/combined for the SR grade.

For 2020, the Sentra now includes Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard equipment. The safety equipment package includes six driver-assist systems: Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking.

Pricing for the all-new 2020 Sentra S starts at $19,090 plus fees. The base model includes 16-inch steel wheels, cloth interior and remote keyless entry with push button start.

For $20,270 plus fees,  the Sentra SV adds 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 8-inch color display with multi-touch control, 6-speaker audio system, auto climate control, intelligent cruise control and a nicer cloth interior.

At $21,430 plus fees, the Sentra SR includes 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights, LED fog lights, sport cloth interior with orange stitching, rear spoiler and lower body side sill extensions.

The 2020 Versa: Subcompact Steps in the Right Direction

Full Disclosure, I’ve never been a fan of Nissan’s entry-level subcompact sedan. I understand the premise and appreciate the excellent fuel economy and the value of having a new car warranty, but nothing about the outgoing Versa really stood out in a crowded subcompact segment. So it was a bit of a surprise that the 2020 Versa won me over in a few areas.

Versa’s new design, stronger engine, enhanced driving dynamics and improved interior left a lasting impression. While I wouldn’t look for excuses to take the Versa out for a drive, something I do with my Z cars, the daily commute to work was easy behind the wheel. On the highway the Versa does what you ask if you are patient. The seats are comfortable and the stereo system actually sounds really good.

Wider, longer and lower, the new Versa is a sportier take on Nissan’s affordable subcompact. The design is a bit softer than I’d like in spots, something common in the subcompact segment, but overall the new lines are quite pleasing. The signature V-motion grille helps the Versa fit in with its relatives and the SR model is equipped with attractive LED lighting.

Abundant hard-touch plastic surfaces mar an otherwise surprisingly spacious and thoughtful interior. The 88.9 cubic feet of interior space and 14.3 cubic feet of trunk volume help the Versa feel more like a compact vehicle than a  subcompact. Six-way adjustable cloth front bucket seats are standard. Heated front seats can be had with the SR Convenience Package. The Versa SR also features sportier seat fabric and upgraded interior trim and accents.

Our SR model test vehicle included a great-sounding 6-speaker system controlled by a 7.0-inch touchscreen Display. The infotainment system features satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Nissan’s reluctance to offer either smartphone connectivity system appears to be in the rearview.

Under the hood sits a new 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that is rated at 122 horsepower and a 114 lb-ft of torque. Both numbers are considerable jumps over the outgoing powerplant. The added power gives the Versa a little more zip, but make no mistake, Nissan’s subcompact is designed for efficiency.

The base S model arrives with a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an available CVT transmission. The latter is standard on Versa SV and SR grades. Fuel economy for the base model with the 5-speed is rated at 27/35/30 mpg city/highway/combined. Xtronic (CVT) models see 32/40/35 mpg  city/highway/combined.

While not standard, Versa is now available with Nissan’s “Safety Shield” active safety technology. The package includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, high beam assist, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert.

Pricing for the 2020 Versa S starts at $14,730 plus fees. The base model is very limited in features, making it a good choice for basic transportation. Our recommendation would be to look at the SV model with the upgraded wheels, infotainment and safety features for $17,640 plus fees.