I drive the 2025 Nissan Armada, the brand’s biggest SUV, which is now entering its third-generation. It includes a new engine, chassis, and luxuries inside.
| What’s Good: Much stronger structure improves the ride. New engine and transmission hustle this mighty big SUV mighty quickly. 8500 lb. towing capacity. | What Could Improve: Sport mode with paddle shifters doesn’t deliver power aggressively enough. Would like more cargo space for a nearly 210-inch-long SUV. | My Conclusion: A true competitor in the large SUV space again. And at a price point that looks attractive. As long as your heart is not set on a V-8. |
OVERVIEW
Nissan’s big boy Armada SUV started its third-generation for 2025 with a thoroughly redeveloped platform, a smaller engine under the hood, and—of course—larger screens mounted inside. But Nissan also managed to keep the costs down, making it very competitive against alternatives like the Chevrolet Tahoe. The 2025 Armada starts at $58,530.
A new Pro 4X trim joins the party as well. It includes 20-inch all-terrain tires, skid plates, tow hooks, and other off-road friendly bits. But Nissan tossed me the keys to a four-wheel-drive Armada Platinum Reserve, the top-of-the-line trim. It comes above the SV, SL, Platinum, and the aforementioned Pro 4X versions and includes all the luxuries to play with. Time for a massage and a review.
Powertrain
The cylinder count stops at six for the new Armada, the 5.6-liter V-8 stepped aside, making room for a twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter V-6. This VR-series engine has roots to the coveted Nissan GT-R. In the Armada, it develops 425 horsepower at 5600 rpm and a stump pulling 516 lb.-ft of torque at 3600 rpm. That beats the V-8 by 25 HP and 103 lb.-ft, respectfully. However, you do lose the charming cross-plane crank rumble and a bit of under the hood simplicity, too.
Nissan bolted up a nine-speed automatic to the new turbo-six, up two-speeds from the outgoing powertrain, a welcome change. Power then goes on to the rear wheels, or, if you pay an extra $3000, all-four wheels. Furthermore, the 4WD system includes a two-speed transfer case, giving the driver four-high and four-low options. In that vein, the Pro 4X includes standard 4WD.
Finally, across the board, regardless of drive train or trim, the new Armada can tow up to 8500 lbs.
Feel the pull
My test car sent power to all four wheels and, even in inclement weather, put power down with ease. And lots of it! Even with more the three-tons to haul around, 425 HP puts the weight-to-power ratio under 15:1. The Armada scoots! Combining turbo torque with a nine-speed automatic puts you either in peak torque or peak horsepower engine speeds in no time. V-8s sound better, but the pull is strong.
The automatic also behaves well, downshifting quickly and generally selecting the right gear for the moment. On the other hand, when I tried using the paddle shifters instead, after putting it in second gear and punching it, power slowly ramped up and gradually the Armada picked up speed. That proved disappointing. Otherwise, you have a tall, three-row GT-R of sorts, which is kinda mega.
Chassis
Here lie the biggest improvements of the Armada compared to the outgoing model. Engineers designed a frame that’s 25 percent more rigid against torsional movements. It’s also 57 percent stiffer laterally. Both measurements signify huge gains in the overall structure. And it equates to a much easier to tune suspension.
The stiffer and stronger structure allowed engineers to firm up springs and shocks, not to mention bushings and jounce, without sacrificing ride. In fact, the Armada soaks up bumps and uneven pavement better than before. And yet also maintains a much flatter body when accelerating on to the freeway or stabbing the brakes as a light goes yellow at the intersection.
Whereas Armadas of old felt under damped and wafted around corners, this new one feels surefooted throughout. Mind you, this brings the Armada up to competitive in class, a frontrunner even, but not the benchmark.
Adding a bit of extra polish, both the Pro 4X and my Platinum Reserve test SUV gets an adjustable air-spring suspension. That adapts the suspension to the conditions and the drive mode selected to further refine the experience. Moreover, it also adjusts ride height. You see a 1.4-in ride difference between the highest and lowest settings.
Finally, Nissan isolates the cabin from outside road and wind noise quite well. The Armada nips at the heels of the premium SUV market here. You do here the wind buffeting off of the big and broad front-end, but otherwise it’s a quiet space to get your massage while traveling.
Details and Inside
Yes, massage. The Platinum Reserve trims get three different types to choose from, I personally preferred “Refreshing.” Of course, the seats also provided heat and ventilation. Platinum and Platinum Reserve Armada offer standard heated second row seats as well. SL and higher trims offer heated front seats and a heated steering wheel too.
And screens everywhere! SV and SL trims make use of two 12.3-inch screens mounted side-by-side, one for the digital instrument cluster and the other center display. Platinum and higher trims swapped those out for a pair of 14.3-inch screens. Regardless of size, every Armada gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SL and higher trims also get Google built-in, which means Google Maps, Store, and Assistant.
SL and higher trims also get several cameras installed for surround view imagery around the Armada, including “invisible hood” and wide angle views. And Platinum and Platinum Reserve trims get a built-in dash cam as standard, which even lets you capture still images or record video from the camera.
Comforts and Cargo
More fundamentally, both the first and second row seats provide first rate space, plenty for four adults to ride in comfort. Even the third row provides adequate space for adults for short trips. Kids, on the other hand, will find it plenty spacious.
Replace people with things and the Armada offers up to 97 cubic feet of cargo space with both the third and second row folded. That beats Toyota’s Sequoia but falls well behind what Chevrolet offers in the Tahoe (123 cubic feet). Leave the second row up you get 56 cubic feet in the Armada, 20 cubic feet with all three rows up.
in conclusion
My test vehicle, a top-of-the-line 2025 Nissan Armada Platinum with four-wheel-drive, and a few optional extras costs $85,850. Or quite a lot. But when you consider its luxuries and amenities against what the competition charges for its top trims, price is actually one of the Armada’s strong suits. It’s also one of the more handsome choices these days.
Add to that the massively improved composure on the road and the comfortable interior, the Armada makes a compelling case for itself. Not to mention the extra horsepower and the more than 100 lb.-ft of additional torque. But, honestly more important, the nine-speed automatic transmission to keep you at engine speeds to use that power and torque.
Alas, Chevrolet still offers V-8 rumble for the most nostalgic among us. But, for everyone else, the Armada has a real large SUV player on its hands.
Earlier the same day, I drove the new 4th generation Nissan Murano around.
Competitors
Chevrolet Tahoe
Ford Expedition
Toyota Sequoia
Specifications
2025 Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve: 5-door, 7-seat, SUV
Base price: $79,000 (includes $2010 destination charge)
Price as Tested: $85,850
Powertrain: Twin Turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6
Peak Power: 425 horsepower at 5600 rpm
Peak Torque: 516 lb.-ft at 3600 rpm
Transmission: nine-speed automatic transmission
Drive: four-wheel-drive
Fuel Economy in MPG and range
NA city
NA highway
NA combined
Dimensions
Length: 209.6 inches
Width: 83.3 inches (including mirrors when folded)
Height: 76.6-78.0 inches (adjustable ride height)
Wheelbase: 121.1 inches
Weights and Capacities
Curb weight: 6075 lbs.
Interior volume: 162 cu ft
Cargo volume (behind 3rd/2nd/1st rows): 20/56/97 cu ft
Calculated weight to power (lbs./HP): 14.3:1
Mfr’s claimed 0-60 mph: NA seconds
Mfr’s claimed Top Speed: NA mph
Government classified size: Standard Sport Utility Vehicle, 4WD
Options: four-wheel-drive, $3000; Pro-Pilot Assist 2.1 package, $2900; carpeted floor mats, cargo area, first aid kit, $550
