2010 Nissan Armada Platinum 4WD

As its name implies, the 2010 Nissan Armada Platinum 4WD boasts on-demand, shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive (FWD) to complement its host of standard creature comforts and appearance features. Four-wheel traction is managed via a locking limited-slip center differential, auto-locking hubs, and electronic hi-lo gear selection. All the other goodies, including rear-seat DVD entertainment, a rear-view camera system, leather upholstery, heated front seats with driver memory functions, and voice-activated DVD navigation are identical to those of the rear-wheel-drive Platinum trim.

In keeping with the entire Armada lineup, the 2010 Nissan Armada Platinum 4WD packs a 317-hp, 385-lb-ft/torque 5.6-liter VVT V8 and five-speed automatic transmission. Though it maintains a 12/18 mpg rating even with the 4WD configuration, the 2010 Armada Platinum 4WD tows 100 pounds less than its rear-wheel-drive brethren.

By Eric Tallberg