The Nissan Armada was introduced into Nissan’s lineup as a full-size SUV in 2004 and remains available through the present. The Armada is known for its performance and for having the features consumers expect from today’s SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Nissan Armada?
The Nissan Armada has a towing capacity of up to 9,100 pounds depending on the year, if it is 2WD or 4WD, and if it has a tow package installed.
There’s a bit more to know about Nissan Armada towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
Nissan Armada Towing Capacity By Year
The 2023 Nissan Armada can tow 8,500 pounds across all trim levels.
The Armada has been in production from 2004 through the present, with the exception of the 2016 model year.. We’ve listed out the maximum tow capacity by year below for reference.
Note that for each model year, there are many variables that affect the total towing capability of each vehicle year, so we recommend checking your specific Armada year and trim level in the links below for an in-depth guide and to get the most accurate information for that year.
Here’s the maximum Nissan Armada towing capacity by year:
2023 Nissan Armada Tow Capacity: 8,500 pounds
2022 Nissan Armada Tow Capacity: 8,500 pounds
2021 Nissan Armada Tow Capacity: 8,500 pounds
2020 Nissan Armada Tow Capacity: 8,500 pounds
2019 Nissan Armada Tow Capacity: 8,500 pounds
2018 Nissan Armada Tow Capacity: 8,500 pounds
2017 Nissan Armada Tow Capacity: 8,500 pounds
2015 Nissan Armada Tow Capacity: 9,000 pounds
2014 Nissan Armada Tow Capacity: 9,000 pounds
2013 Nissan Armada Tow Capacity: 9,000 pounds
2012 Nissan Armada Tow Capacity: 9,000 pounds
2011 Nissan Armada Tow Capacity: 9,000 pounds
2010 Nissan Armada Tow Capacity: 9,000 pounds
2009 Nissan Armada Tow Capacity: 9,100 pounds
2008 Nissan Armada Tow Capacity: 9,100 pounds
2007 Nissan Armada Tow Capacity: 9,100 pounds
2006 Nissan Armada Tow Capacity: 9,100 pounds
2005 Nissan Armada Tow Capacity: 9,100 pounds
2004 Nissan Armada Tow Capacity: 9,100 pounds
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Here’s a video showing the Nissan Armada being put to a real-world road test:
Nissan Armada Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Nissan Armada Braked Towing Capacity: Up to 8,500 lbs.
Nissan Armada Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs.
Nissan Armada Towing Capacity Factors
There are a few factors that affect the Nissan Armada tow capacity.
Model Year
The Armada’s tow capability varied a bit by year and generation.
The early model years had a max towing capability of 9,100 pounds which decreased to 8,500 pounds in later years.
2WD vs 4WD
The axle type (whether it was 2WD or 4WD) also played a role in determining the Nissan Armada’s towing capability.
For some years, the 2WD model could tow less than the 4WD, while other years it was the opposite.
Towing Package
For the majority of Nissan Armada model years, you could only achieve the max towing of 8,500 to 9,100 pounds if you had a Trailer Towing package installed.
If you don’t have that trailer towing package installed, your Armada was limited to towing up to 6,500 pounds.
Number of Passengers
A big factor in calculating your vehicle’s towing capacity is how many passengers you’re carrying, which directly calculates into the vehicle’s GCWR.
This is true of all vehicles, not just the Nissan Armada, so always take into consideration the total load of your passengers and gear in addition to what you’re towing.
Nissan Armada Engine Specs
There is only one engine option for the most recent generation Nissan Armada.
Nissan Armada 5.6L V8 Engine
The Nissan Armada engine is a 5.6 Liter V8 32-valve DOHC direct fuel injection engine paired with a seven-speed transmission.
This engine produces 400 horsepower and 413 lb.-ft of torque.
Nissan Armada Tow Package Info
Does The Nissan Armada Have A Tow Package?
Nissan offers two factory-installed tow hitches for the Armada.
The base option is a Class III trailer hitch, which Nissan recommends if you plan on towing under 5,000 pounds with your Armada.
If you plan on towing over 5,000 pounds with your Armada, Nissan also offers and recommends a Class IV weight distribution hitch.
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Nissan Armada?
If you plan on towing anything with your Nissan Armada, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Nissan Armada Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Nissan Armada uses a Class 3 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class III Nissan Armada trailer hitch:
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Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Armada:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
Nissan Armada Trailer Hitch Installation
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Nissan Armada trailer hitch installation:
Nissan Armada Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Armada, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With a Nissan Armada?
The Nissan Armada is not rated for bumper towing, so you’ll need to install a frame-mounted hitch like the one we listed earlier in this guide.
How Do I Know If My Nissan Armada Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Armada to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your Armada.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
Data Accuracy
We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official Nissan Armada Owner’s Manuals on Nissan’s website and have checked all data thoroughly for accuracy.
Having said that, we still recommend you refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual yourself before towing with your Nissan Armada.