Experiencing the 2025 Nissan Armada

The 2025 Nissan Armada has a tough battle ahead of it. Compared to more popular domestic competition, namely the Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and Jeep Wagoneer, the Nissan Armada is fighting (with the Toyota Sequoia) for market share scraps in a competitive market of full-size SUVs. After we’ve spent some time sitting behind the wheel and climbing around in the second- and third-row seats, we’re happy to report that the Armada is once again a serious competitor to its star-spangled rivals.

Fewer Cylinders, More Power

Let’s begin under the hood. One of the biggest updates with the redesigned 2025 Nissan Armada is a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine replacing a tried-and-true V8 that powered the outgoing model. With 425 horsepower (a 6.25% increase), 103 lb-ft more torque, and the same 8,500-pound max tow rating as its predecessor, we don’t miss the V8. Maybe it’s just us, but we think Nissan even made this engine sound a bit like it has an extra pair of cylinders. The Armada joins a growing trend of ditching a V8 for a turbo 6-cylinder, alongside the Ford Expedition, Jeep Wagoneer, and Toyota Sequoia (which is also a hybrid). For those who insist on a V8, the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon still have multiple V8 options.

Big Cabin, Big Screens

When we climbed aboard the Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve, we found its quality and comfort to match its price tag. It has semi-aniline quilted leather seats with massaging in the front, dual 14.3-inch displays (12.3-inch screens are standard), a hearty Klipsch premium audio system, and a power-folding third row.

Since the Armada is ostensibly a family vehicle, what’s going on behind the driver’s seat matters as much as the front row. We found the second row spacious, comfortable, and easy to climb in and out of. One of our favorite parts of this interior is a small center console between the captain’s chairs, which provides two cupholders, two USB-C ports, and a spot for a phone. Since it only takes up half of the space between the second-row seats, there’s still a little hallway allowing for access to the third row. A second-row center console often makes the third row harder to get in and out of, but that isn’t the case in the Armada. It also has tilt-and-slide second-row seats, which we can confirm will work well with child car seats installed. As for third-row space, legroom is adequate for most adults, but we found the headroom a little tight for grown-ups.

Hands-Free (Sometimes)

When we piloted this beast onto the highway, we turned on Nissan’s ProPILOT 2.1 driver assist system and enjoyed relaxed, hands-free driving, but only briefly. After just a few minutes, the “HD maps under maintenance” warning lit up on the driver display, and we had to put our hands back on the wheel. We’ve seen this message a lot in our experience testing ProPILOT 2.1. If hands-free driving is important to you, you may be more satisfied with the more reliable and expansive GM Super Cruise or Ford BlueCruise systems available in the Tahoe/Yukon or Expedition, respectively.

However, even with our hands on the steering wheel, driving the Nissan Armada was a pleasant experience. In addition to providing a smooth and comfortable ride, the adaptive suspension system (standard on PRO-4X and Platinum Reserve) made this big SUV stable and planted in any situation. There was minimal roll when taking a tight corner quickly and almost no nosedive under hard braking. This is a huge improvement over the previous generation, which was a bit more ponderous to drive.

Take It Off-Road

Since off-roaders are all the rage (see Tahoe Z71, Yukon AT4, Expedition Tremor, and Sequoia TRD Pro), the 2025 Nissan Armada gets a rugged PRO-4X trim for the first time ever. In addition to a brawny appearance package, enhancements include standard 4-wheel drive (4WD), an optimized approach angle with a steel skid plate, recovery hooks, all-terrain tires, extra off-road drive modes, and hill descent control. We tested this plus-size SUV off-road, and it performed admirably at challenges that very few Armada owners will encounter. Whether you encounter challenging (but wide) trails or deep snow, or just like the look, the Armada PRO-4X will satisfy outdoorsy families who need a big and roomy SUV.

The Nissan Armada is a full-size family SUV that borrows some ideas from rivals, like a turbo V6, an off-road trim, and a hands-free option while retaining its unique identity. Although it’s up against tough competitors, the Armada makes a strong case for a big SUV that can be an upscale luxury vehicle, a rugged off-roader, or a more simple family rig that can haul the whole family and their gear while towing a boat.

2025 Nissan Armada Pricing

All prices include a mandatory $2,010 destination fee.

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