Are we really this large? I suppose there are a lot of car shoppers who are delighted to see such a cavernous new SUV come on the market, with space for the average American family to comfortably cart around a few neighbors, luggage for a month or two, and a washer-dryer combo for camping trips. But there's something off-putting about a vehicle that's as big as the average apartment in some civilized countries. And the Armada isn't just spacious, it's also carved out for BIG people. The seats are huge, clearly fashioned for grandiose posteriors. Even the cupholders are gigantic, to accommodate those half-gallon sodas from 7-Eleven. The Armada seems like it should come with a vanity plate that reads OBESE.

So, for anybody who's missed the point, the Armada is big. It's also a worthy competitor to other monstrosities in this class, such as the Chevy Suburban and the Toyota Land Cruiser. The standard three rows of seats makes the Armada a rugged alternative to a minivan, and there's still lots of room for storage in the back. With the second and third rows folded down, you can fit objects almost 10 feet long. The Armada also comes with one of the beefiest engines in any mainstream SUV, a 305-horsepower V-8—which gets a grand 13 miles per gallon in the city, for those who might care about such things.

For its size, the Armada is a manageable ride. That big V-8, designed for towing up to 9,100 pounds, leaves no lag whatsoever during ordinary driving. A wide wheelbase and the expansive rubber provided by 17-inch tires produce handling that's more calm and stable than in other vehicles this big, yet there's no getting around the whale factor: There's just a lot of weight to move around, and this vehicle lumbers. Parking lots are especially treacherous. Maneuvering in tight spaces is like trying to get dressed in a phone booth, one reason all Armadas come with a reverse-sensing system to warn the driver of unseen hazards.

Still, all that interior space does create a comfortable, homey driving environment. The kids are way in the back somewhere, almost out of sight. You've got enough beverage by your side to last for about a hundred miles. And you are confidently ensconced above most of your fellow drivers, in a stratosphere removed from the din of street level. For those desiring an even more privileged sensation, there's the Infiniti QX56 built by Nissan's luxury division, which is virtually the same vehicle gadgetized and plushified to the hilt. There's a standard navigation system, along with two rows of heated seats, a power liftgate, even bigger tires, and many other goodies. Big is good. A big wallet is even better.