16 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel efficiency awards, but for the 2020 Nissan Armada 2WD with the 5.6L V8, that’s what you get. This is a body-on-frame SUV designed for serious towing, hauling, and comfortably transporting a large family, fuel economy is a secondary consideration, if a consideration at all, for the Armada’s target buyer.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2020 Armada 2WD at 14 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. Those figures reflect the realities of moving a vehicle weighing close to 6,000 pounds. The 5.6L V8 is powerful, no doubt, but it needs to work hard to get the Armada up to speed, especially from a standstill in stop-and-go city traffic. On the highway, the Armada settles into a more efficient cruise, but even then, aerodynamics are not its strong suit. The relatively short 7-speed automatic transmission also contributes, more gears could potentially improve fuel economy, but would likely reduce the Armada’s strong towing capacity.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Nissan Armada 2WD at $2,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using the national average fuel price when the EPA performed its testing. Keep in mind that actual fuel costs will vary depending on individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and the specific grade of gasoline used. Premium fuel is not required, but some owners report slightly improved performance when using it.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy often differs. Drivers who frequently tow or carry heavy loads will likely see lower fuel economy than the EPA estimates. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and extreme weather conditions can also negatively impact fuel consumption. On the other hand, those who primarily drive on the highway at moderate speeds may see figures closer to, or even slightly exceeding, the EPA’s 19 MPG highway rating. For a better understanding you can also check ARMADA MPG across all years.

How it compares

The 2020 Armada is not alone in its segment when it comes to thirst. The Chevrolet Tahoe with the 5.3L V8 and two-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 15 MPG combined. The Ford Expedition, with its smaller but turbocharged 3.5L V6 and two-wheel drive, manages a slightly better 19 MPG combined. The Toyota Sequoia, another V8-powered competitor, mirrors the Armada’s 16 MPG combined. For the Armada buyer, the fuel economy differences among these vehicles are not as important as towing capacity, interior space, and overall value. Ultimately, these buyers are prioritizing capability and size over outright efficiency, accepting the fuel costs as a necessary consequence.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Armada is not known for its fuel efficiency, there are still some steps owners can take to improve their MPG. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The Armada is a heavy vehicle, and rapid changes in speed require a significant amount of energy. Anticipate traffic flow, maintain a steady pace, and allow plenty of distance between you and other vehicles.

Ensure your Armada’s tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Tire pressure can have a surprising effect on overall mileage, especially when driving long distances.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and idling consumes fuel unnecessarily. This is especially important in urban driving situations where you may encounter frequent stops at traffic lights or intersections.

Limit the use of accessories like air conditioning and four-wheel drive (if equipped) when not needed. These systems place an additional load on the engine, which increases fuel consumption. Use these features carefully to optimize fuel efficiency. Knowing all Nissan fuel economy data can help you make the best choice between different models.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed can help improve fuel economy, especially on long trips. Cruise control minimizes variations in speed and throttle input, which can lead to more efficient fuel consumption. Just be sure to disengage it appropriately when encountering hills or changing traffic conditions.