2017 Nissan Armada Unveiled With 8,500-Pound Towing Capacity

The folks at Nissan have just unveiled all-new Armada SUV on the eve of the Chicago Auto Show.

This traditional, full-sized sport utility vehicle has been totally reworked for the 2017 model year. Serving as the brand’s flagship SUV, it rides atop a fully boxed ladder frame for all the ruggedness of a pickup truck. Compared to its predecessor, this structure is 20 percent stiffer thanks, in part, to larger cross-sections.

And that sturdy foundation allows this eight-passenger SUV to tow an impressive 8,500 pounds. When properly equipped, that figure is applicable to both two- and four-wheel-drive models.

Getting that much mass moving is a familiar 5.6-liter V8 engine. Like the rest of the Armada, it too has been enhanced for the new model year. It has gained direct fuel injection, a higher compression ratio, new pistons and the company’s VVEL variable valve lift technology. All told, it cranks out a substantial 390 horses and 401 lb-ft of torque. It’s matched to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Now, if this drivetrain sounds familiar, it should because the new Armada is essentially a re-branded version of the more luxurious Infiniti QX80. Have you noticed the family resemblance yet? If not, check out the shape of its side glass and the placement of those fender vents, which are actually functional air intakes.

SEE ALSO: 2016 Chicago Auto Show Coverage

But that’s not all; there are even more similarities. Wheelbase, width, overall length and height exactly match the Infiniti, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Emulating the luxury offered by its more expensive sibling, the Armada comes with plenty of standard goodies including a navigation system with an eight-inch color display, heated front seats, a 13-speaker Bose sound system and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Available extras include all the latest technological goodies like adaptive cruise control, forward emergency braking, lane-departure warning and prevention and much, much more.

The totally redesigned 2017 Nissan Armada is slated to go on sale this summer. Three trim levels will be offered along with seven exterior color choices. Unfortunately, information about pricing has not been released at this time, so stay tuned.

Get the Flash Player to see this player.