Nissan will become the first to offer a camera-based mirror as standard gear on the Armada.

All hands on deck. Nissan is offering some notable options for the 2018 Armada SUV, including he brand’s first “Intelligent Rear View Mirror.”

The technology uses a remote camera to allow a motorist to see around obstacles inside the three-row, eight-passenger cabin, images displayed on an LCD monitor built into the conventional rearview mirror. While Cadillac already offers a similar system on several of its own models, Nissan is the first to make a smart mirror standard equipment on any vehicle.

“Not since a magic mirror of children’s fables has a mirror seemed to have such special powers as the new I-RVM,” said Michael Bunce, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. “It provides a clear, expanded field of view under a wide range of conditions – giving the driver the best possible view of the rear flanks no matter how tall the passengers in the back seat or how many balloons you have to take to that party.”

The 2018 Nissan Armada

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Nissan was the first automaker to show off a concept version of the Intelligent Rear View Mirror in 2014, though Cadillac stole a march and introduced its own version of the technology on its new CT6 and XT5 models last year. But Caddy’s is an add-on option, while Nissan is offering the smart mirror as standard gear.

The technology was first developed by automotive supplier Gentex and has improved substantially since Nissan first showed off a prototype three years ago. Motion now appears far more natural, as if one were looking into a conventional mirror that somehow made inside obstacles disappear. There’s plenty of contrast and dynamic range and some find the mirror on the Cadillac models to actually offer clearer images at night.

The technology nonetheless took several years to bring to market while federal regulators reviewed the features. Under NHTSA guidelines, a car’s rearview mirror must work conventionally until a motorist activates the camera display. That prevents the possibility of losing one’s mirror should the system fail, however unlikely.

Completely updated last year, the '18 Armada will be offered in both 2WD and 4WD.

While the Caddy system has won plenty of raves, not everyone is comfortable with smart mirror technology. It takes time to get used to the subtle differences in the image, which come from a camera mounted at the back of the vehicle, so the image is slightly different and offers a moderately wider field of view. A few folks have also found it difficult to focus on the mirror and then back on road ahead.

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Along with the Intelligent Rear View Mirror, Nissan is now making an 8-inch touchscreen display, Hands-Free texting and NissanConnect telematics services standard on all grades of the second-generation Armada, which was launched last year.

All models will use a 390-horsepower 5.6-liter V-8 paired with a seven-speed automatic. The big ute will be offered in both two- and four-wheel-drive configurations, with maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

Pricing starts at $45,600, running up to $61,590 for the Armada Platinum 4WD trim. Add $1,195 in delivery fees.

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