16 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but it’s what you get with the 2017 Nissan Armada 2WD, powered by its 5.6L V8. This isn’t a vehicle bought by those who put fuel efficiency first. Instead, it’s a choice made by families needing serious space, strong towing capability, and the rugged dependability of a traditional, body-on-frame SUV. The Armada’s buyer needs to haul kids, gear, and maybe a boat on the weekends, and they’re willing to accept the single-digit fuel economy for it.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates provide a more detailed look at the Armada’s fuel consumption. In the city, you’re looking at 14 MPG. This reflects the stop-and-go conditions where the Armada’s considerable weight and large-displacement V8 engine work the hardest. On the highway, the Armada fares slightly better, managing 19 MPG. This is primarily due to the consistent speeds and reduced acceleration demands. Still, even on the open road, aerodynamics and mass take their toll, preventing it from achieving truly impressive efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Nissan Armada 2WD at $2,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a roughly even split between city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. It’s a useful benchmark, but remember that your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, location, and prevailing gas prices. If you primarily drive in the city, or live in an area with higher fuel costs, expect to pay more. Conversely, if you do mostly highway miles and keep an eye out for the cheapest fuel, your costs could be lower. Consider the $2,750 a starting point for your personal budget planning. Get a wider perspective by reviewing all Nissan fuel economy data. You might also want to compare ARMADA MPG across all years.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a consistent baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs. Expect the 2017 Nissan Armada 2WD to deliver numbers close to the EPA estimates if driven conservatively. However, aggressive acceleration, frequent short trips, heavy loads, and towing will all reduce fuel efficiency. Drivers who frequently tow a trailer or boat can easily see their MPG drop significantly below the EPA’s 16 MPG combined rating.

Factor in weather conditions, like strong headwinds, and even that 19 MPG highway number may be optimistic. The key is to adjust your expectations. The Armada is a capable workhorse, not an economy car.

How it compares

Looking at competitors, the Armada’s fuel economy aligns with other large, body-on-frame SUVs. The 2017 Toyota Sequoia, with its 5.7L V8, has a comparable EPA rating of 15 MPG combined. The Chevrolet Tahoe with the 5.3L V8 nets around 18 MPG combined, though real-world figures are often closer. A Ford Expedition with the older 5.4L V8 got around 16 MPG combined as well.

While some of these models offer slightly better numbers on paper, they operate within a similar range of fuel consumption. The Jeep Grand Wagoneer with its 6.4L V8 sits around 15 MPG combined. It’s not a class concerned with breaking fuel economy records.

The key difference often lies in the specific use-case. For example, if towing is a primary need, then the Armada’s reliable V8 and towing capacity might outweigh a slightly higher MPG rating from a competitor. The Armada competes directly with vehicles intended for similar tasks.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Armada isn’t inherently fuel-efficient, there are steps you can take to improve its MPG. Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration or braking. The Armada’s bulk requires gentle inputs to maintain momentum efficiently. Anticipate traffic flow and, where possible, maintain a consistent speed. Every hard acceleration uses a significant amount of fuel.

Ensure your Armada’s tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. A small tire pressure gauge is a worthwhile investment.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Hauling around extra cargo adds to the Armada’s already substantial weight, further impacting fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need from the vehicle, especially heavy objects. Look around in the trunk and consider this the next time you visit the home improvement store.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long trips. By preventing speed fluctuations, cruise control helps use the engine more efficiently. Note that this tip applies mainly to flat terrain; avoid using cruise control in hilly areas where it can cause the transmission to shift unnecessarily. This is especially true while towing.