15 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel economy awards, but the 2018 Nissan Armada 4WD with its 5.6L V8 isn’t trying to. This full-size SUV is built for serious towing, hauling, and off-road adventures, and its fuel consumption reflects those capabilities. It’s a trade-off that Armada buyers understand and accept, prizing capability and space over efficiency at the pump. These are buyers who need to move large families, tow boats, or navigate challenging terrain, and for them, the Armada delivers.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates for the 2018 Armada 4WD are 13 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the realities of stop-and-go driving, where the heavy Armada requires considerable energy to get moving. The highway figure, while still modest, benefits from the automatic transmission’s ability to settle into a more fuel-efficient cruising gear. However, even on the open road, the Armada’s size and weight mean that aerodynamics work against it to some extent.

Annual fuel cost

The annual fuel cost for the 2018 Nissan Armada 4WD is $2,900, according to EPA estimates. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the grade of fuel used. The $2,900 figure offers a standardized benchmark for comparing the Armada’s fuel costs to those of other vehicles.

Real-world expectations

Real-world MPG in the 2018 Armada often mirrors the EPA estimates, but aggressive driving or frequent towing can easily drop the average below 15 MPG. Careful highway driving might push it closer to 20 MPG, but expecting much beyond that is unrealistic. Factors like tire pressure, ambient temperature, and the use of accessories like air conditioning also play a role. Armada owners should budget for fuel expenses that are on the higher end of the SUV spectrum.

How it compares

The 2018 Armada’s fuel economy lags behind some of its competitors. For example, the 2018 Ford Expedition 4×4 with its 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is rated at 17 MPG combined. The Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD with the 5.3L V8 achieves an EPA-rated 18 MPG combined. The Toyota Sequoia 4WD, another V8-powered behemoth, mirrors the Armada’s 15 MPG combined. These differences may seem small, but they can add up over the course of a year. Buyers who choose the Armada often prioritize its ruggedness, reliability, and value over maximizing fuel savings. For information like all Nissan fuel economy data, check out the rest of our pages. The ARMADA MPG across all years can also be found on the site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and braking are key to maximizing fuel economy in any vehicle, particularly in a large SUV like the Armada. Avoid aggressive starts and hard stops, as these consume excessive amounts of fuel. Anticipating traffic flow and maintaining a steady speed can also contribute to better MPG.

Ensure that your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during changes in ambient temperature, as this can affect tire pressure.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Carrying around extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s overall weight, which increases fuel consumption. Remove any items that you don’t need to carry, such as tools or equipment.

When towing, use the Armada’s Tow/Haul mode, but only when necessary. This mode optimizes the transmission’s shift points for towing, but it can also reduce fuel economy when not towing. Use it only when you’re actually hauling a trailer.

Consider fuel additives designed to improve combustion efficiency. While not a guaranteed fix, some additives can help keep fuel injectors clean and optimize the combustion process, potentially leading to slightly better fuel economy.