16 MPG combined might raise eyebrows, but the 2019 Nissan Armada 2WD 5.6L 8-cyl isn’t chasing lower fuel costs. This is a full-size SUV built for towing, hauling families, and generally dominating the road. Its relatively poor fuel economy is an accepted trade-off for the capabilities it delivers, capabilities that are essential for a specific type of buyer.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Armada 2WD at 14 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. This difference highlights the Armada’s weaknesses and strengths. City driving, with its constant stop-and-go, amplifies the impact of its hefty weight (around 5,600 pounds) and large-displacement V8 engine. The engine requires more fuel to get going, and frequent braking wastes the kinetic energy already invested.

On the open highway, however, the Armada settles into a more efficient cruise, using its 7-speed automatic transmission to keep the engine at lower RPMs. The 5.6L V8 doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain speed, resulting in better, but still not great, fuel economy. This makes the Armada a particularly thirsty choice for those who spend most of their time in urban environments, but those who frequently embark on long road trips will find the highway MPG to be a bit more palatable.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Nissan Armada 2WD 5.6L 8-cyl at $2,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices.

It’s important to understand that this is an estimate only, and your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of roads you typically drive on, and local fuel prices. Aggressive driving, towing heavy loads, and extended idling will all contribute to a higher annual fuel bill. You can explore all Nissan fuel economy data to see how the Armada compares to other vehicles in Nissan’s lineup.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized baseline for fuel economy comparisons, real-world results often differ. Armada owners report achieving figures close to the EPA estimates under normal driving conditions. However, deviations are common, especially when towing. The Armada is frequently used to tow boats, campers, and trailers, and adding a heavy load significantly impacts fuel consumption. Expect to see the MPG drop considerably when towing, potentially falling into the single digits depending on the weight and aerodynamics of the trailer. Terrain also plays an important role. Driving in hilly or mountainous areas will require the engine to work harder, leading to lower fuel economy than driving on flat terrain. Headwinds also increase drag and reduce fuel efficiency.

How it compares

The 2019 Armada isn’t alone in the full-size SUV segment with compromised MPG. The Chevrolet Tahoe with its 5.3L V8 and rear-wheel drive manages a slightly better 18 MPG combined. A Ford Expedition with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 fares better, averaging around 20 MPG combined. However, these fuel economy differences often come with compromises in other areas, such as maximum towing capacity or interior space.

A Toyota Sequoia, a direct competitor to the Armada, also lands in the same ballpark with a combined MPG of 15. For many Armada buyers, the slightly lower fuel economy than the Expedition is an acceptable trade-off for the Armada’s lower price point or preferred styling. It’s critical to understand the broader picture, and the ARMADA MPG across all years, before focusing solely on MPG numbers. This is one of the least efficient vehicles available today, which is why most buyers of this vehicle care less about fuel costs.

Tips to maximize efficiency

One of the simplest ways to conserve fuel is to maintain a steady speed and avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The Armada’s large engine consumes a significant amount of fuel when accelerating quickly. Planning your route to avoid stop-and-go traffic can also improve fuel economy.

Proper tire inflation plays an important role in fuel efficiency. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended level. This is especially important when towing, as proper tire inflation is essential for safety and stability.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the Armada. Extra cargo increases the vehicle’s overall weight, reducing fuel economy. Remove any items from the vehicle that are not needed for your current trip. Consider removing the third-row seats if you don’t regularly use them, as they add a substantial amount of weight.

Regular maintenance is essential for optimal fuel efficiency. Ensure that your engine is properly tuned and that all fluids are at the correct levels. Replacing the air filter when it’s dirty can also improve airflow to the engine, boosting fuel economy.

When towing, drive at a moderate speed. Excessive speed increases wind resistance and puts a strain on the engine, resulting in significantly lower fuel economy. Using tow/haul mode correctly also helps the transmission select the optimal shift points to keep the engine in its power band, making towing easier on the vehicle.