15 MPG combined is the reality for anyone considering the 2024 Nissan Armada 4WD with the 5.6L V8. This isn’t a misprint or a typo. It’s what you get with a capable, body-on-frame SUV, designed to haul people, tow heavy loads, and handle challenging terrain. This Armada isn’t for those who are worried about fuel costs. Its buyers prioritize space, power, and durability above all else, and they accept the fuel cost as part of ownership.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the Armada are 13 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway. The city figure is low, showing the V8 engine’s thirst during stop-and-go driving and the vehicle’s heavy weight. Highway mileage is slightly better, but still lower than most modern SUVs, even those with six-cylinder engines. The seven-speed automatic transmission, while generally smooth and responsive, doesn’t improve fuel efficiency much. The engine simply needs to work hard to move this full-size SUV, especially when loaded with passengers or cargo.

Annual fuel cost

Burning gasoline at this rate is expensive. The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,850 for the 2024 Nissan Armada 4WD 5.6L 8-cyl. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles in the city and 45% on the highway, and it includes the national average fuel price, though this can vary based on location and driving habits. It’s a large amount, and buyers should include this in their long-term ownership costs. This is where researching all Nissan fuel economy data is important.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a baseline, but real-world fuel economy changes based on driving conditions and habits. Hard acceleration, frequent braking, and heavy loads hurt fuel consumption. Gentle driving, steady highway speed, and proper tire inflation can help improve efficiency. Don’t expect to get the EPA’s highway figure if you tow often or drive in hilly areas. The Armada’s power is tempting, but using it will quickly empty the fuel tank.

How it compares

The Armada is not alone in the full-size SUV segment, and its fuel economy is on the low end. The Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD with the 5.3L V8 gets around 17 MPG combined, while the Ford Expedition 4×4 with its EcoBoost V6 does a bit better, around 19 MPG combined. The Toyota Sequoia, with its hybrid powertrain, achieves around 22 MPG combined, offering a more fuel-efficient alternative, but it is more expensive. The Armada buyer is often less concerned with maximizing MPG and more focused on the vehicle’s capability compared to the ARMADA MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Armada’s fuel economy won’t beat a Prius, but you can minimize fuel consumption. Avoid hard acceleration and braking. The Armada is a large vehicle, and accelerating quickly requires a lot of energy. Anticipate traffic and keep a steady speed.

Make sure your tires are inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, lowering fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure and inflate them to the suggested pressure, found on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Avoid idling. Letting the engine run while stopped uses fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern vehicles restart quickly, so there’s no need to idle.

Think about your driving route. Avoiding stop-and-go traffic and routes with fewer hills can improve fuel economy. Use navigation apps to find the best route and avoid traffic.

Keep it light. Carrying extra weight increases fuel consumption. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle, such as unused cargo. Every extra pound adds to the engine’s workload.