How Much Can a Nissan Armada Tow (Explained)

Do you know how much a Nissan Armada can tow? this is one of the questions our readers ask a lot. Well, we´ve got you covered.

The Armada is Nissan’s version of the Chevy Tahoe or the Ford Expedition.

It’s a gigantic SUV that’s not quite on par with an Escalade or a Navigator—in terms of luxury—but very roomy and designed for 8 passengers.

As a large SUV, it also has a large towing capacity.

So, how much can a Nissan Armada tow? On average a Nissan Armada can tow up to 8,500 lbs. That’s irrespective of what kind of trim you purchase or the overall package. All Nissan Armada’s come with an Independent Rear Suspension as well. However, all Nissan Armada Trims and packages feature a towing capacity of 8,500lbs in 2017 to 2022 editions. The Independent Rear Suspension has also been a feature for over 20 years now.

Prior to the year 2017, it gets a little random as to what Nissan Armada trim can tow. It’s typically anywhere between 6,500 lbs and 9,000 lbs.

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What Other Tow-Related Features Are On The Nissan Armada?

The capability of towing 8,500 lbs is nothing new with the Nissan Armada. In fact, previous years have included trims that can tow more.

It wasn’t until 2020, however, that Nissan began to tweak the towing capabilities of the Armada.

The different fuel map gives the Nissan Armada more power when you fill it up with premium rather than standard or Plus unleaded.

It’s not a massive amount, but it is definitely a trickle upward and beneficial—if you’re towing something that day—to pay the extra dough for some premium fuel.

The trailer brake controller is another new edition, starting with the 2020 models. Trailer brake controllers allow the towing vehicle to utilize the trailer’s electrical setup to apply power to the brakes on the trailer.

It also works in conjunction with the speed and momentum of the Armada.

The tow hitch receiver is a nice little add-on since most vehicles with towing capacities don’t bother to include them.

It’s kind of like the irritating idea of paying thousands and thousands of dollars for a new car, only to get a donut as a spare tire.

It’s the same idea here, with the apparent objective being to save money. Well, Nissan Armadas—starting with the 2020 offerings—supply it.

Whether or not they tack the additional cost onto the total bill, there’s no telling. It’s a safe bet that they do.

Lastly, Nissan added Trailer Sway Control, which is a system that automatically detects if there’s too much sway in the trailer, camper, boat, or whatever you’re hauling, and if the swaying is too much, the breaks are applied.

There’s a lot to like about the newest editions Nissan added to join with a solid towing capability.

All of them are well-reviewed so you shouldn’t expect them to be some sort of cheap addition thrown in on a Friday right before the end-of-day whistle.

Nissan Armada’s Independent Rear Suspension And Engine

The jury is still out on whether or not an independent rear suspension is better or worse than a solid axle when it comes to towing.

Mostly, it’s because neither engineers and armchair mechanics can’t agree on anything, including with each other.

One thing is for certain, the independent rear suspension in a Nissan Armada works just like any other. Instead of the wheels being both tied into the axle, they are able to move independently of each other.

This reduces the bumps and sway that come from driving over potholes, bumpy surfaces, or just uneven roadways.

Of course, the less the Armada bounces around and sways, the less the trailer bounces around and sways.

The Nissan Armada has been capable of towing pretty heavy loads for the better part of a quarter-century and during that time, they’ve almost always had independent rear suspensions. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it, right?

Outside of the fuel map, the Nissan Armada’s engine and performance haven’t changed much in the last two or three years.

The 2022 Armada comes with a 5.6L V8, which is capable of coughing up 400 ponies worth of power.

If you’re expecting good gas mileage because it’s the 2022 model, look elsewhere and expect it to be even worse when towing a heavy load.

All by itself, the Armada will get you 14mpg city and 19mpg gallon on the highway. All-wheel drive? Subtract another 1mpg city and highway.

Nissan Armada Hitch And Ball

As aforementioned, the last few years of Nissan Armada offerings come with the hitch receiver, but you’ll have to find a hitch ball elsewhere.

The Nissan Armada uses a Class III hitch receiver that will mate with a 2-inch ball hitch. The tongue weight capacity is 850lbs, so you know that it will not only carry some heavy cargo but is also pretty resilient as well.

A two-inch hitch ball isn’t hard to find and is nowhere near as expensive as a Class III hitch receiver. Since the new Armadas already comes with the receiver, once you have the hitch ball, it’s game time.

Final Word

The Nissan Armada hasn’t made any crazy new advancements or had any technologically staggering improvements in the last few years. However, they can still tow 8,500 lbs.

If you’re looking for an SUV that can carry the whole family along with a 25’ boat, the Nissan Armada is game for whatever you plan to do.

Just don’t plan on making it too far down the road before the next fuel stop.

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