2019 Nissan Armada SL

The 2019 Armada is Nissan's full-size, body-on-frame SUV, the one that seats eight and competes with the Tahoe and Expedition. It's a big SUV that pulls with authority, and owners say it tows a 6,500-pound boat without breaking a sweat. The ride is smooth and quiet on the highway, though the sheer size means you'll want extra stopping distance in traffic. Inside, you get three rows of seating, but the third row is snug and cargo space behind it is tight. The SL is what most Armada shoppers pick, giving up the Platinum's nicer leather and 20-inch wheels for the same V8 and a lower price. The 5.6L V8 makes 390 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque, and the seven-speed automatic is smooth in normal driving but will downshift quickly when you need to merge or pass. The rear-wheel drive layout in this SL saves weight and money, just expect to rely on traction control if you ever hit a muddy dirt road.