A Week With: 2025 Nissan Armada

Nissan has given the venerable Armada a much-needed refresh, including a powerful new engine.  There are some other welcome changes with the third-generation SUV, including the addition of an off-road Pro-4X trim. Read the whole review at Headlight.News.

The full-size SUV category is a tough arena in which to compete. The Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon dominate the market, with the Cadillac Escalade, Ford Expedition, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Toyota Sequoia, and others all vying for a piece of the action with their own strong contenders.

To excel as a full-size SUV, you have to offer a great driving experience as well as towing and passenger capacity, and a certain amount of comfort. Nissan’s freshly updated Armada does all of that.

And Nissan’s product development team clearly understood that today’s big SUV have to come with plenty of useful technology while also offering real off-road capabilities. Reviewer Jeff Zurschmiede said Nissan checked those boxes, as well

Overview

The difference between most full-size SUVs and smaller models is that a full-size SUV is generally built on a traditional ladder frame, like a pickup truck. Smaller SUVs are now typically built on unibody frames stamped and welded from sheet metal. This gives a full-size SUV an advantage in terms of towing and carrying capacity. The new Armada offers seating for up to eight passengers and the ability to tow up to 8,500 pounds.

Under the hood is where you’ll find the biggest difference between the new Armada and previous generations. Nissan has developed a new twin-turbocharged V6 engine, replacing the older 5.6-liter V8. Then, a comfortable tech-forward interior brings the Armada completely up to the minute with advanced features.

For those who are serious about off-roading, meanwhile, Nissan has brought out its first-ever Armada Pro4X. That’s a name Nissan loyalists should be familiar with, the brand’s counter to competing, off-road oriented products like Toyota’s TRD line, and Ford’s Tremor.

Exterior design

On the outside, Nissan has given the Armada the same squared-off two-box design that’s super popular with automakers right now. Cover up the badge and you might think you’re looking at a Land Rover Defender or even a Rivian R1S.

It does add – or update – some familiar Nissan cues. There’s an updated version of the brand’s familiar V-Motion grille. Add new front lighting and a major redesign of the back end, as well.

Long story short – it’s an SUV, so if you’re looking for a new or inspired design, you’re gonna be disappointed.

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Interior design

Inside, the Armada has received some much-needed updates. It starts on the dash, where a single pane of glass stretches from the driver’s side to the center. Behind the glass, dual 14.3-inch widescreen displays offer driver information and infotainment. There’s also an available head-up display and Klipsch audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

Like the outgoing Armada, the 2025 model retains its three-row layout, offering buyers a choice of seven or eight seats, depending upon how they configure the center row.

Powertrain

The new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 powerplant is the single most notable change for the 2025 model-year – and likely also the one Armada fans will most boisterously debate. But, while there will likely be some drivers that lament the loss of two cylinders, it’s hard to see why.

At 425 horsepower, the tubocharged-six punches out 25 hp more than the old eight-banger, and torque jumps a substantial 103 pound-feet to 516. That’s enough to haul a trailer of more than 8,000 pounds.

Power is directed through a nine-speed automatic transmission and the buyer’s choice of rear-wheel or dual-range part-time four-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive will add an extra $3,000 to the sticker price at any trim level.

Pro-4X

The other big news comes with the launch of a first-ever Armada Pro4X. That’s a name Nissan loyalists should be familiar with, the brand’s counter to competing, off-road oriented products like those Toyota badges TRD.

There’s been a significant increase in interest among U.S. buyers asking for off-road-capable products – especially since the early COVID lockdowns. The Armada Pro-4X delivers with features like bigger 20-inch wheels, tow hooks, a front skid plate and front and rear bumpers designed to improve both approach and departure angles. The package adds a locking rear differential and its camera technology adds a new “Invisible Hood” function which displays a view that resembles what you’d see if you could see precisely what’s ahead of the front wheels. That’s useful both off-road and when parking.

Armada Pro 4-X also gets some nice luxury-style features, such as a sunroof, hands-free liftgate, heated second-row seats – and the electronically controlled air suspension shared with the top-line Armada Premium Reserve. The system can be raised a full two inches, the better to clear off-road obstacles, or lowered two inches for easier access to the passenger compartment.

Safety and Technology

One feature that merits  special mention is the available Intelligent Dash Cam. This camera lets a driver keep an eye out on what’s happening inside their Armada, as well as recording the scene in front of the truck when it’s moving. This kind of feature is becoming more common as dash camera footage can prove critical when assessing liability in collisions.

Nissan also has an advanced camera system that allows an “invisible hood” view to eliminate the forward blind spot in front of the vehicle. There’s also a 360-degree “around view” monitor available. You’re also protected by standard auto high beams, blind spot monitor, front and rear collision mitigation, and Nissan’s ProPilot Assist driver steering assistance system.

Driving Impressions

On the road, the new Armada features independent rear suspension for a more compliant and pleasant ride than solid rear-axle designs can provide. You’re still in a big SUV, but the bumps are less bumpy and the ride is generally quieter than it used to be. In fact, on certain roads we found Armada to drive more smoothly than the Infiniti QX-80, the luxury rig based off the same, body-on-frame platform.

Comparing notes with colleague Paul Eisenstein, he did find the turbo-six engine a little sluggish to respond to sudden demands from his right foot – especially at lower speeds. Switching to Sport Mode did enhance the SUV’s overall responsiveness, however.

One real disappointment came in the form of the new QX80’s back bench – which remains a bit of a penalty box for adults, largely because it sits so close to the floor.

Wrap Up

The most affordable Armada starts at $57,520, and it comes without many of the nifty modern features.

To get the Armada most buyers typically opt for, plan to spend $70,000 or more on the Pro-4X, Platinum or Platinum Reserve trims.

That’s about average for a full-size SUV, so the Armada does provide a competitive value at that price. I

f you’re in the market for a full-size SUV, it’s a smart move to go check out the new 2025 Nissan Armada.