Large sport utility vehicles aren't as fashionable as they once were. So today's buyers of big SUVs are apt to be the people who really need them _ for towing horse trailers, boats and motorhomes and for carrying large groups of people.

The 2010 Nissan Armada handles all these tasks capably yet drives like a smaller vehicle than it is. Body motions for this 17.3-foot-long SUV are well-managed, and despite the Armada's two-ton-plus weight, the ride is comfortable and controlled.

The Armada's 317-horsepower, 5.6-liter V-8 is powerful, allowing for a towing capacity of 9,100 pounds with optional towing package.

Plus, there's generous room inside the eight-passenger Armada, enough for people in the first and second rows to stretch their legs and for smaller adults to be accommodated in the third row. Maximum cargo space is a healthy 97.1 cubic feet.

Pricing is competitive for the segment. Manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, for a base, two-wheel drive, 2010 Armada is the same as for 2009: $38,010.

This compares with $39,480 for a 2010 Toyota Sequoia with 310-horsepower V-8 and $42,440 for a 2010 GMC Yukon XL 1500 with 320-horsepower V-8.

The lowest starting MSRP, including destination charge, for a 2010 Armada with four-wheel drive is $43,610 _ which compares with $42,705 for the four-wheel-drive Sequoia, and $45,280 for the similar Yukon XL.

Based on the sturdy, fully boxed platform of the Nissan Titan full-size pickup truck, the Armada has attractive styling and an immense presence on the road.

Walking up to the 6-foot-4 Armada, I was startled to discover that the top of the hood was at my nose level. Thankfully, standard running boards helped me get inside, where I could see the road and vehicles in front of me easily. It is a commanding view, way above the pavement.

The robust V-8 is named Endurance by Nissan officials, has dual overhead cams and produces 385 foot-pounds of torque at 3,400 rpm.

Right at startup, passengers hear the deep, strong engine sounds. Some people may prefer a quieter engine, but I liked hearing the confident sounds of power from this engine.

The V-8 never stressed in its duties and merged the Armada into city and highway traffic without fuss. There was just a bit of coasting when I'd let up on the accelerator pedal.

This V-8 uses regular unleaded gasoline, not pricey premium. Fuel economy for the four-wheel-drive test Armada is rated 12 miles per gallon in city driving and 18 mpg on the highway, which compares with 12/19 mpg in similarly equipped Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL models.