With its arching window line, semi-concealed rear door handles and Titan-esque front end, there is no mistaking the Armada for a generic sport-utility. Six-and-a-half feet tall and wide, it rides on a longer wheelbase than any full-size SUV except the Ford Expedition EL, Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon XL.

For 2008, the front end is restyled and becomes more attractive because there is no longer a full-width horizontal gap between the bumper and grille; the lower opening takes on the look of a menacing cartoon character that mirrors the Armada's big, bad and fun attitude. Also refreshed are the headlamps, wheel designs and the grille is color-matched on SE and chrome on LE.

At the rear, a more heavily contoured tailgate offers glass-only or full hatch access to cargo with a relatively low lift for such a large truck, and the wiper parks off the glass to avoid interference with access or vision. On models with roof racks, the rack has recessed tie-down loop at each corner for securing cargo with scratching off paint or generating wind whistles.

Side steps are standard across the board, watering down the off-road image a bit but making it easier for shorter folks to climb aboard. Wheel size has grown to 20 inches on LE models. Those using the 9,000-pound tow rating will appreciate the rear proximity sensors and optional rearview monitor for hooking up trailer, a great time saver that reduces the chance of a scratched rear bumper.