2004 Nissan Pathfinder Armada

With all the attention the new Titan full-size pickup has been getting, Nissan will have to be careful its new full-size SUV doesn't get lost. Based off the Titan underpinnings and due to be released to dealerships two months before the pickup, the all-new Nissan Pathfinder Armada will compete with likes of the Toyota Sequoia, Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and the new Dodge Durango.

Using the same Endurance 5.6-liter SOHC V-8 (300 horsepower at 4900 rpm and 375 lb-ft of torque at 3200 rpm) and front suspension of the Titan, the Armada will carry a unique independent rear suspension (with airbags) to allow Nissan engineers to better tune the sport/utility for around-town daily-driving duties. The Armada is available in seven- or eight-passenger configurations, with optional side-curtain airbags that cover all three rows of seating.

The big Nissan will offer four-wheel drive, stability-control system, traction control, and tire-pressure-monitoring sensors. The interior looks similar to the Titan's optional center-console configuration, with the five-speed automatic transmission lever falling easily to the driver's right hand. The Armada has a 123.2-inch wheelbase and an overall length over 17 feet, with close to 100 cubic feet of storage capacity with both second- and third-row seating folded flat. Towing capacity will be rated at 9100 pounds, with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 7200.

Pricing will not be announced for several months, but we'd expect the Armada to be closely competitive with the Toyota Sequoia. We'll have more soon.