Nissan is updating the two vehicles that bookend its SUV lineup: the Nissan Kicks subcompact crossover and the Nissan Armada full-size SUV. Both will see notable changes for the 2021 model year that focus on design, interior comfort and technology.
While the Armada has been powered by the same 5.6-liter V8 engine for quite some time, the 2021 version gets a boost to 400 horsepower, up from 390. Torque remains at 394 pound-feet. It’s a good engine, too, providing best-in-class horsepower and towing capacity. To aid in towing, Nissan added a standard trailer brake controller system. The top two trims also get trailer sway control.
The Kicks’ front-wheel-drive 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engine also will remain in place for the 2021 model year. It comes standard with comes with Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission and delivers 122 horsepower 114 pound-feet of torque.
Both vehicles hold an important place in Nissan’s lineup. Through November of 2020, sales of Armada hit 18,655. Sale-wise, that’s far behind segment rivals such as the Chevrolet Tahoe (78,245 units) and GMC Yukon (35,595), but its burly output helps maintain its position as a worthy competitor.
The Kicks is Nissan’s third top-selling utility vehicle behind the Rogue compact crossover and the Murano midsize SUV. Through November sales of the Kicks nearly surpassed 53,000.
Nissan Kicks Upgrades
The exterior of the tiny Kicks features a new “Double V-motion” grille, fresh LED headlights and fog lights and a new rear bumper.
The interior also has material and trim upgrades, an additional USB port and a redesigned center console with added storage space and a comfier armrest.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, as is a 7-inch touchscreen for most trims except the top two SV and SR models, which get a larger 8-inch screen. The Kicks’ infotainment system can now be connected to the automaker’s NissanConnect concierge services, which are available via subscription after the first six months.
In an upgrade to driving assistance technology, intelligent cruise control comes to the SV model.
Nissan Armada Redesign
The Nissan Armada will also receive updates for the new model year. The body-on-frame SUV, which entered its second-generation in 2017, is showcasing a more squared-off, chiseled appearance that carries all the way around the vehicle. Also incorporated is a more modernized headlight design that includes 50 LEDs in each lamp. The new lights flank a new grille, fenders and bumper that feature more angular enhancements. A similarly modern appearance also is found in new taillights, which each get 70 LEDs.
Inside, the 2021 Armada gets a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen, which Nissan claims is the largest in the full-size category. The screen’s higher resolution will give drivers a crisper shot when using the rearview camera display. There also is a new 7-inch driver information display embedded in the gauge cluster that’s operable by steering wheel controls.
All Armadas will now benefit from the ability to use NissanConnect, which is a 24-hour concierge service that can also be accessed on a computer, smartphone or smartwatch.
Top-tier Platinum models get a new rear-seat entertainment system and an intelligent rearview mirror, which can display a camera view of what’s going on behind the vehicle when the physical mirror is blocked by passengers or cargo.
Nissan hasn’t released pricing or on-sale date information for either vehicle, but they are not expected to veer too sharply off-course from the prices of the equivalent 2020 models. The 2020 Kicks started at $20,165 after a $1,095 destination fee and the 2020 Armada started at $48,895 after a $1,395 destination charge. Both models are expected to start hitting dealers lots soon.
