2027 Nissan Pathfinder vs Armada: Size, Towing and Third Row

The 2027 Nissan Pathfinder and Armada both offer a third row, but they are built for different jobs. If you are shopping in Victorville, Hesperia or Apple Valley, here is how Nissan’s press kits compare their size, power, towing and cargo, and what each one does not list.

• 425 hp vs 284 hp: Armada vs Pathfinder, per Nissan.
• Up to 8,500 lb: Armada SL towing, against 3,500 lb standard on the Pathfinder SV and SL.
• 20.4 vs 16.6 cu ft: cargo behind the third row, Armada vs Pathfinder.

Pathfinder vs Armada at a Glance

Figures come from Nissan’s 2027 Pathfinder and 2027 Armada press kits. Towing ratings depend on configuration and conditions.

Size and Third Row

The Armada is the larger SUV. Nissan lists it at 209.6 inches long on a 121.1 inch wheelbase, against 197.7 inches and 114.2 inches for the Pathfinder, a difference of 11.9 inches in length. The extra length shows up in the back: Nissan lists 39.2 inches of second-row legroom and 32.9 inches in the third row for the Armada, against 35.5 and 28.0 for the Pathfinder.

Cargo follows the same pattern. Behind the third row, Nissan lists 20.4 cubic feet for the Armada and 16.6 for the Pathfinder. With the third row folded, it is 56.3 against 45.0, and with the second and third rows folded, 97.1 against 80.5.

At 11.9 inches longer, the Armada matters for garage fit and parking, so measure your garage before you decide.

Power, Fuel Economy and Towing

Nissan lists 284 hp and 259 lb-ft for the Pathfinder’s 3.5-liter V6, with a 295 hp, 270 lb-ft version on the Rock Creek. The Armada uses a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 listed at 425 hp and 516 lb-ft, and 460 hp on the NISMO. Both use a 9-speed automatic.

That power difference comes with a fuel economy difference. Nissan lists 23 combined mpg for the Pathfinder with 2WD or 4WD, and 18 combined with the Armada’s 4×2 and 17 with its 4×4. These are EPA estimates and your mileage will vary.

Towing is where the two separate most clearly. Nissan lists up to 8,500 pounds for the Armada SL, while the Pathfinder is listed at 3,500 pounds standard on the SV and SL and 6,000 pounds with the Premium Package or standard on the Rock Creek, Special Edition and Platinum. Always check the rating for the exact configuration and keep within payload.

Trims and Off-Road Versions

• Pathfinder: SV, SL, Special Edition, Platinum and Rock Creek. Our Pathfinder trims comparison and Special Edition page go deeper.
• Armada: SL, Platinum, Patrol PRO-4X, NISMO and Platinum Reserve. Dark Armor is an option package on the SL only. See our 2027 Armada guide.
• Ground clearance: Nissan lists 7.7 inches for the Pathfinder Rock Creek and 9.6 inches for the Armada Patrol PRO-4X.

Technology and Driver Assists

• Pathfinder: Nissan lists ProPILOT Assist as standard on every trim, Safety Shield 360 as standard and a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
• Armada: Nissan lists a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the SL with Google Assistant, Google Maps and the Google Play Store through NissanConnect Services. ProPILOT Assist 2.1 is listed on the Platinum Reserve and optional on the Platinum.

Driver-assist features have limits and do not replace attentive driving. Features vary by trim and package.

Which One Fits You

• Everyday family driving with a third row: the Pathfinder lists 8 seats (or 7 with captain’s chairs) and a shorter body at 197.7 inches.
• Regular towing: the Armada lists the higher tow ratings, up to 8,500 pounds on the SL.
• More room in the second and third rows: the Armada lists more legroom in both rows.
• More ground clearance: the Armada lists 9.9 inches on the SL and Platinum, against 7.1 for most Pathfinders.

For a closer look at the Pathfinder as a family vehicle, read our Pathfinder family SUV guide.

Honest Limits

• The Armada’s EPA estimates of 16 to 18 combined mpg on most trims are a real trade-off for the power and towing, so factor in fuel for long drives on the 15.
• The Pathfinder’s 6,000 pound rating needs the Premium Package on the SV and SL. Standard towing on those trims is 3,500 pounds.
• Nissan’s Armada press kit does not mention Safety Shield 360, and its Pathfinder kit does not mention Google built-in. Ask us before assuming either feature.
• The numbers above come from Nissan’s press kits. Equipment on the specific vehicle in front of you can differ.

Common Questions

Is the Nissan Armada bigger than the Pathfinder?

Yes. Nissan lists the 2027 Armada at 209.6 inches long on a 121.1 inch wheelbase and the 2027 Pathfinder at 197.7 inches long on a 114.2 inch wheelbase.

Which tows more, the Pathfinder or the Armada?

Nissan lists up to 8,500 pounds for the 2027 Armada SL. For the 2027 Pathfinder, it lists 3,500 pounds standard on the SV and SL, and 6,000 pounds with the Premium Package or standard on the Rock Creek, Special Edition and Platinum.

How much horsepower do the Pathfinder and Armada have?

Nissan lists the 2027 Pathfinder at 284 hp and 259 lb-ft from a 3.5-liter V6, with 295 hp on the Rock Creek. It lists the 2027 Armada at 425 hp and 516 lb-ft from a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, with 460 hp on the NISMO.

How many people does each one seat?

Nissan lists the 2027 Pathfinder with 8 seats, or 7 with optional captain's chairs, and 7 standard on the Special Edition. It lists the 2027 Armada with 7 seats standard and 8 optional on most trims.

Which has more cargo space behind the third row?

Nissan lists 20.4 cubic feet behind the third row for the 2027 Armada and 16.6 cubic feet for the 2027 Pathfinder.

Do the Pathfinder and Armada come with four-wheel drive?

Nissan lists the 2027 Pathfinder with 2WD or 4WD, and the Rock Creek in 4WD only. It lists the 2027 Armada SL in 4×2 rear-wheel drive or 4×4, and the other trims in 4×4.

EPA-estimated fuel economy is for comparison only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive, road conditions and vehicle condition. 4WD cannot provide traction in every situation. Always drive for the conditions. Towing capacity varies with payload, configuration and conditions; see the Owner’s Manual. Driver-assist features have limitations, and the driver must never rely exclusively on any vehicle feature. Features vary by trim and package. Information is based on Nissan’s published 2027 Pathfinder and 2027 Armada press kits and is subject to change.

See the Pathfinder and Armada in Person

Visit Valley Hi Nissan at 15722 Valley Park Ln in Victorville, call (760) 241-1700, or browse new Pathfinder and Armada inventory. Sales hours are Monday to Saturday 9 AM to 9 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 9 PM. See the Pathfinder inventory page for more. Inventory changes often, so call before you visit.