Strategic Vision's recently released 2012 Total Quality Index (TQI) measured the overall perceived quality of vehicles in 21 segments, and when it came to full-size SUVs, no model earned a higher score than the 2012 Nissan Armada. The Japanese automaker's imposing offering earned first place in the Large Utility segment, beating out the 2012 GMC Yukon and 2012 Ford Expedition.
Conducted annually since 1995, the Strategic Vision TQI study quantifies how closely the quality of a vehicle matches the specific desires of its customers. This year's TQI is based on survey results from 45,390 owners of 2012-model-year vehicles purchased between September and December 2011. After responses were used to score each model on a 1,000-point scale, the Nissan Armada came out on top in its segment with 900 points.
"Other automotive quality studies are strictly based on problems per 100 vehicles, but the TQI goes deeper by asking consumers how they feel about the quality of their ride, meaning the issues that really matter are more heavily factored," said Michael Ferraro, general manager of Balise Nissan of Cape Cod, a Hyannis, MA Nissan dealership. "Buyers don't just want a lot of space in a large SUV; they want the features that allow them to live large as well, whether it's intuitive technology, luxury materials or superior capability. The Armada delivers on all those fronts."
Nissan is making strides to provide its signature SUV capability in more efficient forms, starting with its all-new 2013 Pathfinder. Due to reach showrooms this fall, the latest Nissan Pathfinder features a new unibody construction rather than the previous model's body-on-frame chassis, helping to cut 500 pounds from the overall curb weight. Combined with a new, efficient-yet-powerful drivetrain, that weight loss will allow the 2013 Pathfinder to return up to 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, giving the vehicle the best fuel economy for a V6 engine in its segment.
Despite its gains in gas mileage, the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder retains the all-purpose, all-conditions demeanor that has defined the nameplate in the past. Offering a class-leading standard towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, the new Pathfinder comes with an advanced 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. The midsize crossover SUV is also the only model in its segment available with selectable 2WD, Auto and 4WD modes, thanks to Nissan's ALL-MODE 4x4-i system.
In its cabin, the new Pathfinder shows a softer side, featuring amenities like leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, Bluetooth connectivity and a 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system. For those that enjoy having more natural light in their SUV, an optional panoramic sunroof incorporates a two-pane design that extends back over the third row of seats.
"The 2013 Pathfinder will be just as comfortable taking a summer drive to the beach as it is navigating treacherous mountain roads," added Ferraro. "It has the fuel economy for frequent city commuting, the capability for snowy excursions and the luxury features that can be enjoyed in either environment."
About Balise Nissan of Cape Cod:
Balise Nissan of Cape Cod is dedicated to providing Nissan customers on the Cape and South Shore with the most satisfying automotive experience possible at their brand-new, state-of-the-art Hyannis dealership. From the popular Altima sedan to the versatile Rogue crossover, Balise Nissan maintains an extensive inventory of vehicles so that buyers can find a trim and price that meets their needs. Their expert team of technicians also performs a broad range of detailed Nissan service. Visit their dealership at 322 Falmouth Rd. in Hyannis, Mass., call their team at 508-815-4010 or browse their inventory at www.balisenissancapecod.com. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BaliseNissanCapeCod.
