16 MPG combined. That’s not going to win any fuel-sipping awards. But the 2018 Nissan Armada 2WD 5.6L 8-cyl doesn’t care about those awards. It’s built for a specific purpose: moving a lot of people and cargo with serious towing capability. This is a vehicle for families with multiple kids, boat owners, and anyone who needs a reliable and dependable workhorse, admitting its thirst is the cost of doing business.

City and highway performance

The Armada’s EPA estimates break down to 14 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. That city figure highlights the impact of the Armada’s considerable weight and the inherent inefficiencies of stop-and-go driving with a naturally aspirated V8. Expect frequent fill-ups when navigating urban environments.

On the open road, the 19 MPG highway estimate is more respectable, but still far from stellar. This is where the Armada’s torquey 5.6L V8 and seven-speed automatic transmission work together to deliver relatively relaxed cruising, but even moderate inclines will have it downshifting to maintain speed, impacting fuel consumption.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2018 Nissan Armada 2WD 5.6L 8-cyl is $2,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that your actual fuel costs may be higher or lower depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (city vs. highway), and the price of gasoline in your area. Aggressive driving, frequent towing, and primarily city driving will all push that annual cost upwards rather quickly.

Real-world expectations

Expect those EPA numbers to be somewhat optimistic, especially in real-world scenarios. If you frequently tow or haul heavy loads, or if your daily commute involves a lot of idling in traffic, you’ll likely see figures closer to the 12-15 MPG range combined. Achieving the 19 MPG highway figure requires disciplined driving at consistent speeds, something that’s often challenging in modern traffic. The Armada’s size and weight also contribute to lower fuel economy, as it takes considerable energy to get it moving and keep it rolling.

How it compares

The Armada’s fuel economy is undeniably a weak point compared to its competitors. The 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe 2WD with the 5.3L V8 manages a slightly better 16 MPG city and 23 MPG highway. The Ford Expedition 2WD with its 3.5L EcoBoost V6 fares even better, achieving an EPA-estimated 17 MPG city and 24 MPG highway, showcasing the benefits of turbocharging and a smaller displacement engine. Even the Toyota Sequoia, known for its strong performance but not its frugality, posts similar numbers to the Armada. For those cross-shopping within the Nissan family, review all Nissan fuel economy data to understand the consumption across the brand or dig into ARMADA MPG across all years for more trends. The key takeaway is that buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency might find these alternatives more appealing. However, the Armada counters with its own strengths, such as its smooth ride, comfortable interior, and strong towing capability.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration. The Armada’s big V8 responds well to a gentle foot. Sudden bursts of speed will only result in wasted fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. This is even more important on the highway, where fluctuating speeds can significantly reduce fuel economy.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended PSI, which can be found on the sticker inside your driver’s side door or in the owner’s manual.

Minimize idling. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. This is especially relevant in stop-and-go traffic or when waiting to pick someone up.

Reduce unnecessary weight. The Armada is already a heavy vehicle, so avoid carrying unnecessary items in the cargo area or on the roof rack. Extra weight puts a strain on the engine and reduces fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need for your current trip.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. While not always ideal in heavy traffic, cruise control can help maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long, straight stretches of road. Just be sure to disengage it manually when approaching hills or changing traffic conditions.