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Nissan Three-Row SUVs: The Best Way To Transport Your Family
Upgrade your family's ride with a Nissan three-row SUV from Don Williamson Nissan. Your options include the Pathfinder and Armada. They may be siblings, but these Nissan SUV models are as different as they are similar. From off-road power to fuel efficiency and all the important daily-driving aspects like seat space and safety technology, both will satisfy in different ways.
So, will the smooth and efficient midsize Pathfinder be your perfect Nissan model with third-row seating? Or will the powerfully rugged, uncompromisingly spacious full-size Armada enhance your drive? Find out by reading our Nissan three-row SUV comparison below and visiting our Nissan dealership to test-drive either model.
| 2024 Nissan Pathfinder | 2024 Nissan Armada | |
| Engine | 3.5L V-6 | 5.6L V-8 |
| Horsepower | 284 to 295 | 400 |
| Torque | 259 to 270 lb-ft | 413 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic with manual mode | 7-speed automatic with manual mode |
| Drivetrain | FWD or Intelligent 4x4 | RWD or Intelligent 4x4 with two-speed transfer case |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 6,000 lbs1 | 8,500 lbs1 |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty/Hwy/Comb) | 20/27/232 | 14/19/163 |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 8 | Up to 8 |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity (First/Second/Third Row) | 80.5/45/16.6 cu ft | 92.6/49.9/16.5 cu ft |
| Legroom (First/Second/Third Row) | 44.3/35.5/28 in | 41.9/41/28.4 in |
Nissan Three-Row SUV Models: An Overview of the Pathfinder vs. Armada
While both the Pathfinder and Armada are members of the Nissan three-row SUV family, their under-the-skin engineering is as different as it gets.
In short, the Nissan Pathfinder is a unibody SUV, while the Nissan Armada is a body-on-frame SUV. What's the difference? A unibody construction integrates the vehicle's body and chassis into one solid structure; a body-on-frame construction mounts a separate body to a solid-steel steel frame. Each style has unique benefits:
- Unibody (Nissan Pathfinder): Can provide more agile and precise handling, generally has a lower curb weight, delivers more performance and MPG with lower horsepower, and can be a smoother ride on paved roads.
- Body-on-frame (Nissan Armada): Can isolate the cabin from road noise and imperfections more effectively, offers significantly higher towing capabilities, and is more rugged and capable when off-road.
As we'll see in the specs section, the Nissan three-row SUV engines are equally different. The Armada uses a hefty V-8 with immense low-RPM torque to push through tough terrain and tow more; the Pathfinder has a cutting-edge V-6 that gives you a more fuel-efficient ride. Otherwise, these Nissan three-row SUV models are both aimed at the same purpose: Hauling your family in spacious comfort while giving you the ability to go on adventures that wouldn't have been possible in your previous SUV.
Nissan Third-Row SUV Comparison: Seats & Interior Space
As you can see in the chart further up this page, the Nissan Pathfinder does win for first-row legroom, but the Armada more than makes up for the difference in its second and third rows. Both models, though, can seat up to eight occupants when you head out for that weekend adventure or your daily drive.
The Armada does have a more spacious interior, but for the important third row, these Nissan three-row SUV models offer the following measurements:
Nissan Pathfinder Third-Row Measurements:
- Headroom: 37.8 inches
- Legroom: 28 inches
- Hip room: 46.7 inches
- Shoulder room: 58.4 inches
Nissan Armada Third-Row Measurements:
- Headroom: 36.4 inches
- Legroom: 28.4 inches
- Hip room: 48.8 inches
- Shoulder room: 60.5 inches
Compare Three-Row Nissan SUV Models: Performance & Efficiency Specs
The next most important part of the Nissan three-row SUV comparison is what lays under the hood and what it lets your vehicle do: the engine. The Nissan Pathfinder arrives with a 3.5-liter V-6 with 284 horsepower (or 295 horsepower in the Rock Creek trim). The Nissan Armada rumbles forth with a 5.6-liter V-8 engine that makes 400 horsepower.
The strength of the Armada SUV's V-8 lets it tow up to 8,500 pounds;1 the Pathfinder, despite having less power, is a massively impressive hauler for a unibody SUV, letting you tow up to 6,000 pounds.1 For the best towing SUV, the Armada is the clear choice. The Pathfinder balances this, though.
Specifically, the new Nissan Pathfinder dominates the Armada for efficiency with its EPA-estimated 20/27/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined);2 the new Nissan Armada gets an EPA-estimated 14/19/16 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).3
Another noteworthy difference between these Nissan three-row SUV models is that the Pathfinder offers a more modern Intelligent 4x4 system, while our new Nissan Armada inventory sticks to a tried-and-tested 4WD system operated by a transfer case.
So if you want the smoother of the two Nissan three-row SUV models, the new Nissan Pathfinder for sale may be the choice for your lifestyle; however, if a bigger, more commanding, and capable SUV suits your needs better, check out a Nissan Armada at our dealership.
Explore the Nissan Three-Row SUV Lineup Today
The Pathfinder comes in five trim levels, while the Armada has four; the Pathfinder S and Rock Creek (only available on the Pathfinder) and the Midnight Edition (only available on the Armada) sets them apart. Features like a standard six-way manual driver's seat in the base Pathfinder and a 10-way power driver's seat with two-way power lumbar in the base-trim Armada further split these Nissan three-row SUVs apart.
At our dealership, they're ready for you to explore in full depth. If you have any further questions about these Nissan SUVs and how they'll fit your lifestyle, don't hesitate to contact Don Williamson Nissan. Our Nissan vehicle experts can introduce you to the many more competitive advantages of a new Nissan automobile with guides like our Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Highlander comparison, then take you on a tour and test drive of your desired Nissan model to ensure it truly meets your needs.
You can also explore our Nissan Armada and Nissan Pathfinder lease deals and finance specials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SUV is roomier: the Nissan Armada or Pathfinder?
The Nissan Armada is the roomiest Nissan SUV compared to the Pathfinder. The Armada has 171.1 cubic feet of interior volume, up to 92.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats lowered, and 41 inches of second-row legroom. The Pathfinder offers an impressive 80.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space when the second and third rows are not in use.
How much cargo space does each Nissan three-row SUV have?
The two Nissan three-row SUV models are the Pathfinder, which has 80.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, and the Armada, which offers you up to 92.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The Nissan Pathfinder features up to 45 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second-row seats; the Nissan Armada has up to 49.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second-row seats.
What is the best Nissan three-row SUV for my needs?
The best Nissan three-row SUV for your needs will vary depending on what those needs entail. However, if they call for a smooth but capable three-row SUV that can tow up to 6,000 pounds,1 the midsize Nissan Pathfinder may be the choice for you. If uncompromising space and a powerful, rugged body-on-frame ride are what you seek, check out the full-size Nissan Armada.
1Towing capacity varies by configuration. See Nissan Towing Guide and Owner’s Manual for additional information. Always secure cargo.
22024 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. 20 City MPG / 27 Highway MPG / 23 Combined MPG for Nissan Pathfinder. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.
32024 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. 14 City MPG / 19 Highway MPG / 16 Combined MPG for Nissan Armada. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.