Competing with the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the Ford Explorer, the Mercury Mountaineer and the Toyota Sequoia, the 2010 Nissan Armada carries over with minimal changes made from last year's model. In 2008, the Armada received a comprehensive redesign. Not much has changed since then. And even in the midst of sky-high fuel prices, and an increasing awareness of the need to spread the Green philosophy, there is definitely still a segment of the population out there that demands full-sized SUVs that are capable of safely transporting up to eight passengers - and loads of cargo. That's where the Nissan Armada excels.

It does more than haul people though. The 2010 Armada from Nissan is also capable of towing up to 9000 pounds of whatever you would like to put on your trailer. It's also a highly capable machine when off of the main roads. You can reach destinations through adverse terrain situations with high levels of confidence. It's also quite versatile in terms of hauling gear, luggage and more. There are five different seats that are able to be folded individually to allow you to customize your gear hauling configuration. You can balance your passengers and your cargo hauling needs very effectively.

It takes quite an engine to provide the power necessary to do all that the Nissan Armada for 2010 can do. That's where the class-competitive VK56DE DOHC Endurance 5.6L 317hp 385 lb-ft 32-valve beefed-up V8 engine comes into play. It is a Tier 2-Bin federally regulated flex fuel capable engine that features the Nissan Direct Ignition System and Continuously Variable Valve Timing System. And it is completed by the very well-received electronic "Drive-by-Wire" throttling system. It is then matched up with a 5-speed automatic transmission equipped with a Tow/Haul mode and optional All-Mode 4WD with 2-speed transference capabilities. Its lower final gear ratio is 3.357:1. In other words, more than adequate power is provided.

Smooth-riding dependability is coupled with rugged off-road capabilities and provided in part by a fully independent suspension system that yields accurate and responsive handling. Inside of the cabin, you will be treated to high-quality materials, well-placed controls, woodgrain trim an oversized captain's chairs to name a few of the amenities. Additionally, the middle row of seating provides more spaciousness than does the front rows of many passenger cars. The steering wheel, seats and drivers petals are all also impressively customizable. This year's Nissan Armada also features 14 separate holders for your beverages - some of which are able to hold1/2-gallon containers.

The 2010 Nissan Armada also treats you very kindly if you are a lover of technologically advanced bells and whistles. XM Satellite Radio, a 20 GB hard drive stereo/information/navigation/communications system and loads of other fun standard features are all included. There are six excellent trims to choose from ranging from $37,000 up to $52,000. The Armada lives up to its name: It's big. It's powerful. It's highly comfortable. It's technologically advanced. And it's definitely a full-sized SUV that deserves serious consideration if you're in that market.