Best Tires For Nissan Armada - Complete Guide

‍7 Best Tires For Nissan Armada

Nissan is undoubtedly one of the biggest vehicle manufacturers in the world, building everything from small passenger cars to full-size pickup trucks. And in between those two ends of the spectrum, a wide line of SUVs and crossovers exists as well. And the biggest of all of the SUVs that Nissan makes, the prominent Armada has been going strong since 2003.

And with that long of a production run — and still going — Armada’s all over the country are in need of new tires. Different years, models, trims, etc., it doesn’t matter. Tires wear out over time and need to be replaced. And instead of you needing to become a tire expert yourself, we’ve done all of the research and hard work for you.

So no matter what kind of performance you’re hoping to get out of a new set of tires, we’ve got you covered. For most Armada drivers, we have a couple of all-season and touring tires that will drive like a dream. For our readers that tend to be a bit more adventurous, we’ve found the best all-terrain and mud-terrain tires that you can get. With this and much more, you can consider this guide your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about Armada tires.

So without further ado, let’s get into it. These are the 7 best tire options available today for your Nissan Armada:

Michelin Defender LTX M/S — Best All-Season

{{tire-info-with-links="/tire/michelin-defender-ltx-m-s"}}

If you want to get the best tire for your Nissan Armada, then it makes sense to look at the biggest name in the industry — Michelin. Without a doubt the premier name in the tire business, Michelin makes the best all-season tires for just about any type of vehicle out there. And for the tire sizes that come on the Armada, there is only one clear choice. The Michelin Defender LTX M/S.

To increase the durability of these tires, Michelin used its proprietary EverTread compound. This rubber compound was designed to resist wear and last longer than other rubber, which helps the Defender boast its class-leading 70,000-mile tread life warranty. This is the biggest improvement over the LTX M/S2 that the new Defender has replaced, and it’s no wonder why it’s one of the most popular tires in this class.

The Defender LTX M/S also uses Michelin’s MaxTouch Construction which ensures that the tire’s contact patch remains consistent and offers traction and grip under aggressive driving and in poor weather conditions. Speaking of, this tire also has the “M/S” designation from Michelin, meaning that it’s designed to be used in poor conditions including even mud and snow.

If you decide that you want to get the best of the best for your Armada, then these are the tires for you. The best place to buy these tires right now is Tire Rack, where you can get them for $259 each, depending on which size you need. To make it even more enticing, order these tires today and you’ll get free shipping as well as free Road Hazard Protection for two years.

Specifications

Specifications will vary based on actual tire size. These specifications are for 275/60R20 tires for the Armada.

• Warranty: 70,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 2,679lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 44 psi
• Tread Depth: 12/32”
• Tire Weight: 42 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 800
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A
• Designed to last longer than other comparable tires thanks to EverTread technology
• M/S designation means the tire is designed for use in poor conditions, like mud and snow

FAQ

How long will these tires last?

The Michelin Defender LTX M/S tires come with a 70,000-mile warranty from Michelin. So if you maintain them correctly, you should be able to get at least that many miles out of them. For the average driver, that should be around 5-6 years.

What makes a good all-season tire a good all-season tire?

A good all-season tire will provide reliable traction and grip year-round and in all weather conditions, including even rain and light snow. They’ll also be comfortable to drive on and will have above average durability. The Michelin Defender LTX M/S includes all of that and more.

Can I drive on these tires in the snow?

As an all-season tire — especially one branded with the “M/S” designation for mud and snow — the Michelin Defender LTX M/S can be used in light snow conditions. That said, they are not replacements for winter tires!

Continental CrossContact LX20 — Best Touring

{{tire-info-with-links="/tire/continental-crosscontact-lx-20"}}

Coming in a close second just behind the Michelin Defender LTX M/S from above, we have the Continental CrossContact LX20. Trust me when I say that if the Michelin tire above didn’t exist, then this Continental would take the top spot. Touring tires are designed to optimize comfort, ride quality, durability, and performance. And that’s exactly what the CrossContact LX20 does.

The CrossContact LX20 is built using Continental’s EcoPlus Technology, which is designed to increase highway performance, offer mild off-road capabilities, and also reduce the rolling resistance to enhance fuel efficiency in your Armada. The rubber compound also maintains grip in wet conditions and simultaneously reduces braking distance to increase safety and performance.

The all-season tread compound uses Tg-OF Polymers and +Silane additives which come together to increase tread life, improve fuel efficiency, and ensure traction year-round and in all weather conditions. The tire also comes with four circumferential grooves that help dispel water away from the tire’s contact patch and reduce the risk of hydroplaning. This further helps to enhance control and handling and makes the CrossContact LX20 a top choice.

If you want to opt for these CrossContact LX20 tires from Continental, then you should consider ordering them through Tire Rack for $188 each. Because if you do so, you’ll not only get free shipping to your door, but you’ll also get two years’ worth of free Road Hazard Protection. The free protection is a $73 value alone for a set of four tires.

Specifications

Specifications will vary based on actual tire size. These specifications are for 275/60R20 tires for the Armada.

• Warranty: 70,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 2,679 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 44 psi
• Tread Depth: 11/32”
• Tire Weight: 42 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 740
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: B
• EcoPlus Technology increases fuel efficiency through reduced rolling resistance
• Designed to enhance comfort and improved handling in wet conditions

FAQ

What is a touring tire?

A touring tire is like an all-season tire on steroids. Touring all-seasons are basically the cream of the crop. They are designed to offer additional comfort, handling, and performance over more basic all-season tires. So a quality touring tire like the CrossContact LX20 is up there as one of the best options for the Armada.

How does the CrossContact LX20 compare to the Michelin Defender LTX M/S above?

Let’s be upfront about this — both the Continental CrossContact LX20 and the Michelin Defender LTX M/S are absolutely amazing tires. They have the same mileage warranty and offer class-leading performance, comfort, and handling. You can’t go wrong either way.

What sizes are offered?

The CrossContact LX20 is currently offered only in 20” wheel sizes. For the Armada owners out there, that won’t be a problem for the majority since the most common size is 275/60R20. However, some Armadas come with 18” or 22” wheels, so those owners will need to look at other tires.

BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 — Best All Terrain

{{tire-info-with-links="/tire/bfgoodrich-all-terrain-t-a-ko2"}}

So far, the two tires above this in the guide have been your run of the mill highway-terrain tires. Designed to offer uncompromised performance on the street and highway, those tires are not designed to provide traction when you decide to get a little adventurous and head off the roads. And without a doubt the best all-terrain on the market these days is the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2.

As soon as you look at the BFG KO2s either online, on another vehicle, or in the tire shop, the first thing you’ll notice is the aggressive styling. The serrated shoulder design and aggressive tread pattern are a staple of the KO2 and are some of the most common reasons that people buy these tires to begin with. So without even getting into how great the tire performs, no other tire will make your Armada look better than this one!

On top of the great looks, the KO2 also performs exceptionally well both on- and off-road. So you can drive to work on these bad boys and then head straight to the trails after work without missing a beat. The tread blocks and aggressive tread pattern help whisk away water and dig through snow and ice, meaning you can drive on these tires all year long no matter what the weather conditions are.

After you’ve decided that all-terrain tires are the best choice for you and your Armada, it’s time to get the BFG T/A KO2s ordered today. To do so, I recommend checking out Tire Rack, where you can get these tires in LT275/60R20 for under $300 each. You’ll also receive free shipping and free Road Hazard Protection for two years when you purchase all four through the site.

Specifications

Specifications will vary based on actual tire size. These specifications are for 275/60R20 tires for the Armada.

• Warranty: 50,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 3,000 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 65 psi
• Tread Depth: 15/32”
• Tire Weight: 55 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: N/A
• UTQG Traction: N/A
• UTQG Temperature: N/A
• Aggressive styling makes the KO2 one of the highest-rated tires on the market in terms of aesthetics
• Serrated Shoulder Design creates additional shoulder stability at all times

FAQ

Can I drive these tires on the highway?

Absolutely! The BFG T/A KO2 is arguably the most popular all-terrain tire ever produced across all SUVs and trucks out there. This is due mainly to their appearance, performance, and shockingly smooth (and quiet) ride under normal highway driving conditions.

Are they noisy?

As far as aggressive all-terrain tires go, the KO2s from BFGoodrich are far quieter than you might think. In fact, you likely won’t even hear any difference compared to a normal all-season or highway tire. If so, the worst you would hear is a quiet hum at highway speeds.

How long do they last?

For such an aggressive tread design and pattern, you might be surprised to learn that KO2s come with a 50,000-mile tread life warranty. So if you keep them properly inflated, rotated, and you keep your Armada aligned, you’ll have no trouble getting plenty of life out of these tires.

BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3 — Best Mud Terrain

{{tire-info-with-links="/tire/bfgoodrich-mud-terrain-t-a-km3"}}

While the all-terrain tires from above might be good for the vast majority of off-road adventures that most Armada drivers will want to go on, for the real adventurous types, something a little more aggressive may be in order. And to really go off-road and take on the craziest terrain possible, you’ll need some mud terrain tires like the BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3.

You might be shocked to hear this, but even though the KM3 has larger tread blocks than the KO2 above, the KO2 actually looks far more aggressive than these do. So if you’re in it mainly for the looks, you’ll want to get the KO2 all-terrains instead of these! That said, if you’re truly in it for the off-road performance, then there is no better option out there than this tire. Known as BFGoodrich’s Off-Road Maximum Traction tire, that pretty much says it all.

BFG used its proprietary Krawl-Tek Compound that’s designed to offer unparalleled grip on rocks and other slippery surfaces, making it the best tire out there for the toughest off-road adventures. In order to stand up to the perils of serious off-roading, the rubber compound and buffed up shoulder design are implemented to reduce the chance of blowouts and punctures, enabling you to take your Armada places you might’ve never thought possible.

So for your Armada drivers out there that want to truly be able to take on the world and go places you can’t with normal tires, then the BFG T/A KM3 tires are for you. But be ready to open up your pocketbook. These tires retail at Tire Rack for $377 each, which comes out to $1,508 for a set of four. At the very least, you’ll get free shipping and also a $146 value of free Road Hazard Protection for two years!

Specifications

Specifications will vary based on actual tire size. These specifications are for LT275/65R20 tires for the Armada.

• Warranty: None
• Max Load Capacity: 3,750lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 80 psi
• Tread Depth: 18/32”
• Tire Weight: 68 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: N/A
• UTQG Traction: N/A
• UTQG Temperature: N/A
• Off-Road Maximum Traction tire designed to give you the most freedom while enjoying the off-road adventuring you’ve always wanted to do
• Krawl-Tek Compound designed to provide unparalleled grip on rocks and slippery surfaces

FAQ

What’s the difference between these tires and the BFG KO2 tires above?

I’ll start with the obvious — these are mud-terrain tires and the KO2s above are all-terrain tires. But what does that mean? Basically these are all-terrains on steroids, optimized for off-road performance. These tires will let you drive through worse conditions and do more off-roading than the tires above, but will be far less comfortable to drive on the highway with.

What’s the mileage warranty?

Unfortunately, there is no mileage warranty on these tires from BFGoodrich. Since they’re designed for off-road use and for hard, aggressive driving, BFG does not provide a standard wear and tear mileage warranty.

Are they comfortable to drive on?

As a mud-terrain tire, the KM3s from BFG have a very aggressive tread pattern with huge tread blocks and wide grooves and sipes. Compared to normal highway tires and even all-terrains, these won’t be nearly as comfortable. But for off-road driving, comfort is not typically high on the list of priorities!

Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 — Best Winter

{{tire-info-with-links="/tire/bridgestone-blizzak-dmv2"}}

Many people have a misconception that vehicles with AWD or 4WD systems (like the Nissan Armada) do not need winter tires since the 4WD systems can handle snow and ice with little to no problem. But that just isn’t the case. It’s a fact that the single biggest advantage that drivers can have in severe winter weather is winter tires. And the best winter tires on the market for SUVs and bigger vehicles like the Armada is without a doubt the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2.

The way these tires provide the best winter traction in the industry is through Bridgestone’s NanoPro Tech Multicell compound. This special rubber has a hydrophilic coating on it that attracts and absorbs the top layer of water off of snow and ice. With that water out of the way, the thousands of biting edges within the tread pattern are able to really dig into the snow and ice below and provide traction.

Improving on the original Blizzak DM-V1, the new DM-V2 has more aggressive tread blocks and block edges, and it also implements more lateral and circumferential grooves. These design features help to channel water and slush away from the center of the tire so that it can get as much grip as possible even in severe winter weather. Speaking of, the DM-V2s also come with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol. This means they’ve exceeded industry standards for proving reliable traction in the most severe weather out there.

Don’t fall victim to the idea that the 4WD system on your Armada is going to be sufficient for winter weather driving in the most severe conditions. So if you live somewhere where you expect it to snow a lot, then order a set of Blizzak DM-V2s from Tire Rack today for $244 each. For under $1,000 total, you can get four of these bad boys shipped to your home along with two years worth of free Road Hazard Protection.

Specifications

Specifications will vary based on actual tire size. These specifications are for 275/55R20 tires for the Armada.

• Warranty: None
• Max Load Capacity: 2,833 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50 psi
• Tread Depth: 13/32”
• Tire Weight: 41 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: N/A
• UTQG Traction: N/A
• UTQG Temperature: N/A
• NanoTech Multicell technology absorbs the top layer of water to allow the tire to grip the snow and ice below
• Thousands of biting edges sink their teeth into snow and ice, providing unparalleled traction

FAQ

Do I need winter tires?

Even if you think the 4WD system on your Nissan Armada is going to be enough to get you through the winter, I strongly urge you to consider winter tires. Nothing gives drivers of any vehicle a bigger advantage over the snow and ice of winter than winter tires.

Are these noisy?

Since the tread compound is a bit stiffer than what you’ll find on typical all-season tires, these Blizzaks might be slightly louder than what you’re used to. But for winter tires, they’re pretty quiet. Most drivers won’t actually hear any sort of difference while driving.

How many winters do these tires last?

Due to the fact that they’re winter tires and should only be used in cold temperatures, Bridgestone does not offer a mileage warranty. That said, if you maintain them well and store them correctly during warmer months, you should have no problems getting 4-5 winters out of them.

Westlake U318 H/T — Best Temporary Spare

{{tire-info-with-links="/tire/westlake-su318-h-t"}}

Sometimes you have an issue with one tire and you need to get it replaced just to get you by until it’s time to buy a new set. Or other times you might need a new set of tires but you’re in a bit of a tough place financially and want to get some new, good quality tires without breaking the bank. In either of these cases, that’s where the Westlake SU318 comes in.

Designed to be a middle-of-the-road all-season tire that’s affordable to the average driver, the Westlake SU318 is the perfect choice for anyone on a budget or someone looking for a spare. Its all-season tread design enables you to drive on it year-round no matter the weather conditions and the 50,000-mile tread life warranty is shockingly high for a tire at this price point.

Westlake actually lists this as a touring tire, meaning that it offers enhanced comfort and better performance than more basic all-season tires. It also is made with lateral sipes and circumferential grooves to direct water away from the tire’s contact patch and promote traction and grip in wet weather conditions and even light snow.

So if you’re in a pinch and need to get a temporary spare tire for your Nissan Armada, then order one of these from Discount Tire for just $167 a piece. Or if you really need a new set of tires but you’re on a bit of a budget, the Westlake SU318 H/T is a great choice, and you can get a set of them for just $6667 from Discount Tire.

Specifications

Specifications will vary based on actual tire size. These specifications are for 275/60R20 tires for the Armada.

• Warranty: 50,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 2,679 lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 44 psi
• Tread Depth: 12/32”
• Tire Weight: 40 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 500
• UTQG Traction: A
• UTQG Temperature: A
• The best tire on the market in this price range
• All-season tread pattern delivers reliable traction year-round

FAQ

Is the Westlake SU318 H/T a good tire?

Although I’ve got it listed here as the best “temporary spare”, the Westlake SU318 H/T is actually a pretty good tire in its own right. It’s still an all-season tire and it has a decent mileage warranty, so you could do much, much worse than this tire!

How long does it last?

This Westlake tire comes with a 50,000-mile tread life warranty. Most Westlake tires actually came with a lesser warranty at first but drivers were getting more life out of them than expected. So 50,000 miles should be just about right if you take good care of them.

Are these good tires if you’re on a budget?

I could’ve very easily deemed the Westlake SU318 H/T as the Best Budget Tire rather than the Best Temporary Tire. Because this is a great option for the Armada if you’re on a budget and just need a quality set of tires that will last and perform at least decently well.

Bridgestone Dueler HT D684 II — OEM Tire

{{tire-info-with-links="/tire/bridgestone-dueler-h-t-d684-ii"}}

Sometimes, vehicle manufacturers will opt for mediocre tires (or worse) on their cars from the factory. Other times, they’ll put high-quality tires on so that their vehicles drive and perform as well as they possibly can. Thankfully for Armada owners, Nissan went with the latter and put a set of great tires on from the factory — Bridgestone Dueler D684 IIs.

One of Bridgestone’s many highway-terrain all-season tires, the Dueler D684 II was designed to be driven on all year-round and in all weather conditions, including even rain and light snow. Made for SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks, the Dueler D684 II comes with more aggressive styling than most other comparable tires and helps the Armada look as tough as possible.

Designed as one of Bridgestone’s Ultimate Network of Intelligent Tire Technology (UNI-T) tires, the Dueler D684 II is no joke. These tires are specially designed to bring a handful of tire technologies together in order to optimize its performance, ride quality (including both sound and comfort), and wear. So for an OEM tire, this is about as good as it gets.

If you really loved how the OEM tires felt on your Armada, then you can always choose to replace them with another set of the same thing. You can order these tires today for $254 each from Tire Rack. That means you can get a new set for just over $1,000 which will also come with free shipping and 2 years’ worth of free Road Hazard Protection. Additionally, you can get a $50 mail-in rebate if you buy them with the Bridgestone Tire Rack Credit Card!

Specifications

Specifications will vary based on actual tire size. These specifications are for 275/60R20 tires for the Armada.

• Warranty: 60,000 miles
• Max Load Capacity: 2,601lbs
• Max Inflation Pressure: 44 psi
• Tread Depth: 11/32”
• Tire Weight: 44 lbs
• UTQG Treadwear: 360
• UTQG Traction: B
• UTQG Temperature: B
• Designed to optimize the tire’s ride quality, performance, and wear
• All-season tread compound and design offer traction in all conditions, including rainy weather and light snow

FAQ

Is this a good OEM tire?

As far as OEM tires go, Nissan did right by their Armada customers by putting the Dueler D684 II on them from the factory. These are high-quality OEM tires that can actually almost compete with some of the top options in this guide. Almost.

What’s the mileage warranty?

The OEM tires come with a 60,000-mile tread life warranty from Bridgestone. So if you keep them rotated and properly inflated — as well as keeping your Armada maintained in general — you should be able to get at least that many miles out of them.

Should I buy these tires again?

As mentioned above, these Dueler D684 II tires are actually really good tires by just about any metric. And if you really liked the way the stock ones performed, you could certainly do much worse than putting another set on your Armada. But I strongly recommend one of the options in this guide instead, such as the Michelin Defender LTX M/S or Continental CrossContact LX20.

Nissan Armada Tire Sizes

As you just read through, there are lots of great tire options that you can choose from as you’re shopping for a new set for your Armada. You just need to make sure that you get the right size! Over the last decade the Nissan Armada has only actually had three different OEM tire sizes that you’ll have to keep in mind:

• 265/70R18
• 275/60R20
• 275/50R22

With only three different OEM sizes to consider, it’s actually far simpler to make sure you get the right size while you’re shopping. Compared to many other vehicles on the road, three different sizes are actually very few! Some will have 10+ tire sizes that you’ll need to have in mind, which can make your search that much more difficult.

To make it even easier for you, we’ve created the table below which spells out exactly which size tires you need based on the year and model of your Armada. So as long as you know which year and trim level you own, you can use the table below to quickly find the right tire size that you need.

Nissan Armada Tire Buyer’s Guide

What Pressure Should I Set My Armada Tires To?

Whenever you are curious about what pressure to set your tires to with any vehicle that you own, the advice will always be the same. You should open the driver’s door and look on the inside of the door itself or on the door jamb for the tire information placard. This is usually black and yellow so it’s easy to find. On that, you’ll see what the front and rear tires should be set to as well as what size tire should go on the vehicle.

That said, the Armada typically calls for 35 psi in all four tires. But that is not true for every year and model of the Armada, so again, make sure to check the tire information placard! Also keep in mind that those pressures are for cold measurements, so don’t check them after you just get home from a long drive and think they’re right — that number will be 4-5 psi higher than reality!

Can I Go Off-Roading With My Armada?

As Nissan’s biggest and most fierce SUV, many people swarm to the Armada simply for the off-roading capabilities that its size and demeanor insinuate that it just must have. But can you actually take it off-roading, or does it just look like it should be able to handle some of the more adventurous drivers out there?

Don’t worry, you absolutely can take the Armada off-road! Built on the same chassis as the Nissan Titan, the Armada is basically a truck with four doors and dedicated rear seating. But it still has the necessary chassis, ride height, power, and torque to handle your off-road needs. So order some all-terrain or mud-terrain tires from above and you’re off to the races!

What’s The Most Common Size Tire For The Nissan Armada?

I’ll preface this by saying do not base your tire purchase off of the answer to this question! Instead, use the table above to find the right tire for your Armada. Or even better yet, check the tire information placard on the inside of your driver’s door and it’ll tell you which size tires should be on it!

That said, the most common size tire that comes on the Nissan Armada is 275/60R20. Next in line is the 18” wheel option, which comes wrapped in 265/70R18 tires. And lastly for a few of the highest-end models of the Armada in recent years, there is the 22” wheel option. These wheels come with 275/50R22 tires.

Can I Put Load Range E Tires On My Armada If I Use It To Tow?

As alluded to above, the Nissan Armada is based on (and built on the same chassis as) the Nissan Frontier pickup truck. So it’s designed with the ability to tow and haul things the exact same way that the Frontier is, which is competitive with other trucks in the same class. That said, no model Frontier or Armada actually calls for Load Range E tires to be put on.

But if you know you’re going to be towing more than the rated capacity of the tires above, then by all means install Load Range E tires on yours! You can install them, surely. It just isn’t necessary for the majority of Armada drivers. If you do, make sure you also up the air pressure in the tires, even more so than what the tire information placard says since you’ll be hauling more than what the OEM tires are designed for!