The first-generation Nissan Armada was left hanging on the vine for way too long — from 2004 to 2015. It skipped 2016 before returning for another eight-year run. At the end of that lengthy tenure it was long past its prime and in need of a total redesign. That’s exactly what the Armada gets heading into 2025. Everything has been reviewed and changed for the better.
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What’s new with the Nissan Armada for 2025?
The third-generation Nissan Armada is all-new. It starts with a new frame and moves through the new turbo-V6 engine, nine-speed automatic transmission and adaptive air suspension to the better tech found inside a much classier cabin. The Pro-4X is a new addition that focuses on a delivering better off-road experience.
New Powertrain for the 2025 Nissan Armada
The outgoing Armada was powered by a thirsty 5.6L V8 that made 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. It worked with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The 2025 model gets a slick twin-turbo V6 that’s closely related to the mighty GT-R engine. In this application, it twists out 425 horsepower and a much stronger 516 pound-feet of torque. It also works with a new nine-speed automatic transmission to drive all four wheels. The four-wheel-drive (4WD) system has a two-speed transfer case with four-high and four-low settings — both of which should only be used on loose or slippery surfaces. There’s also a set-and-forget Auto mode for everyday driving. Here, the system continuously monitors a number of sensors and the conditions to distribute the drive torque between the front and rear axles based on the available traction. It also defaults to rear-drive when driving all four wheels is not needed to conserve fuel.
This powertrain combination delivers significantly better performance across the board while improving the fuel economy. Obviously, the more powerful engine helps the performance cause, but much of it is linked to the transmission. The strong initial pull is down to the fact it has a 5.425:1 first gear and a 3.263:1 second gear, so the Armada hoofs it off the line with authority. The run to 100 km/h now comes in at 6.8 seconds and the 80-120 km/h passing takes 4.2 seconds. Both times are pretty darned good for a 2,635-kg ride! At the other end of the spectrum it has three overdrive gears, which keep it mellow and relaxed on the highway. On the drive route, the theory was confirmed. It did pull well off the line and on through the mid-range. It also proved to be a comfortable and a very quiet highway cruiser.
The 2025 Nissan Armada Fuel Economy
All Armadas except the Pro-4X consume 14.7 L/100 km in the city, 12.4 L/100 km on the highway and have an average economy of 13.7 L/100 km. The annual fuel cost is $5,069. The Armada Pro-4X with its more aggressive off-road tires ups that to 15.7 L/100 km, 12.9 L/100 km and 14.4 L/100 km, respectively. The annual fuel cost is $5,328.
How does the 2025 Nissan Armada Drive?
A big part of the Armada’s more civilized on- and off-road comportment is the new frame that supports the body. It has 25% better torsional rigidity and a 57% increase in lateral stiffness. This gives the two suspensions a solid base of operations. The SL makes do with steel springs and passive dampers. In the world of suspensions, nothing trumps steel springs better than an adaptive air suspension, and that’s what’s found in all other models. On-road, the adaptive setup has a comfortable, compliant ride and there was little roll through a corner. Likewise, the steering is nicely weighted and firms in Sport mode, which gives it a better feel. For a large three-row, eight-seater SUV the Armada behaves itself well, although I was reminded it is just that — a large, high-riding SUV. Get beyond moderately enthusiastic speeds on a twisty road, and there were lots of them on the route, and it needs gentle coaxing through a corner.
What’s with the Pro-4X?
The Pro-4X gets a number of off-road upgrades including an electronic-locking rear differential, P275/60R20 all-terrain tires and skid plates. It also gets a revised front fascia to improve the approach angle. When adaptive air suspension is jacked up, the Pro-4X has 290-mm (11.4-inches) of ground clearance, an approach angle of 33-degrees, a 24.5-degree departure angle and a ramp break-over angle of 25.5 degrees. It also has the same driving modes as the other Armadas including Standard, Eco, Sport, Tow, Snow, Sand, Rock, Mud/Rut. Each mode sets the ride height appropriately, how the power is delivered and how much the traction control nanny intervenes in slippery going. In the Pro-4X’s case the latter is important, as sometimes it’s best to let the wheels spin to maintain momentum! It also has hill descent control and an off-road display with an inclinometer, slip indicator and a steering angle indicator. Another view is “through” the hood — a camera shows what the hood is blocking, which gives the driver the ability see obstacles approaching the vehicle. That’s the theory, in practice it worked very well and comes alive automatically whenever four-high or four-low is engaged.
2025 Armada Pro-4X Off-road Ability
The off-road experience was just not what I was expecting. All too often it is a namby-pamby drive down something that resembles a mildly gnarly cottage access road. Not here! There were two serious hill climbs, one of which I had to take a second run at because of a lack of momentum — as they say as fast as necessary, but as slow as possible. In another section, the moguls saw Pro-4X’s wheel almost a metre (3-feet) off the ground. It tested the suspension’s articulation and the torsional strength of the body. Both get a solid passing grade. The final hurdle was a severe side slope. At its worst, the pucker factor needle was bouncing off max — tall-riding SUVs are not supposed to lean over at such a nasty angle and continue as if on the level. All in all it proved the Armada Pro-4X has more off-road ability than any potential owner is ever going to need, but if they do use it, they have a solid companion giving them a ride.
The 2025 Nissan Armada is first-class all the way!
The base SL gets a 12.3-inch screen for the instrument cluster and a second 12.3-inch screen for the multimedia setup. For many prospective buyers this will be more than enough screen, as the format gives the information the space it needs, which makes it easy to pick off important information at a glance. Move up to the Pro-4X and Platinum models, and the screens grow to a pair of 14.3-inchers — yes, that’s 28.6-inches of free-standing screen under a single piece of glass. It’s certainly eye-catching, but for those not into tech it sneaks up on being screen overload. Case in point: One touch sees a camera view spread over both screens. There’s also a head-up display that shows the map and turn-by-turn directions.
Both infotainment setups work using use the Google built-in operating system. It brings Google Maps and Google Assistant along with some entertainment apps without needing to connect a phone. For those that do pair a smartphone, the system offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also brings a killer Klipsch 12-speaker sound system — it delivers tight, clean sound that’s well suited to a large open cabin. Lesser systems would suffer from unwanted echoes bouncing off the glass, and there is a lot of it!
The Armada also delivers a 3D version of Nissan’s Intelligent Around View Monitor that allows the vehicle to look all around the vehicle by touching and moving the Armada. A wide view to the front that allows the driver to see past parked cars and buildings. The safety aspects continue with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, which includes auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert and auto high beams. Optional on the top Platinum Reserve is Nissan’s semi-autonomous ProPilot Assist 2.1. It allows the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel on the highway. Once engaged, it looks after the acceleration, steering and braking.
How big is the 2025 Nissan Armada and can it tow?
The Armada’s new platform brings more cabin comfort and cargo space. The third-row seat is surprisingly roomy with a six-footer fitting comfortably thanks to the 919-mm of headroom and 876-mm of legroom, and there’s still 578L (20.4 cu.-ft.) of cargo space when the third row is in use and 1,594L (56.3 cu.-ft.) when folded flat. The middle row has 960-mm of headroom and 996-mm of legroom for both the eight-seater and its 40/20/40 bench and the seven-seat Platinum Reserve’s Captain’s seat option. Now, if there’s a ton of gear to tote, folding the middle row down opens up 2,750L (97.1 cu.-ft.) of cargo space. Finally, the new powertrain gives the Armada a towing capacity of 3,855 kg (8,500 lbs). The plus is the Trailer Blind Spot Monitoring — it can warn of vehicles in the blind spots even when towing a longer trailer.
Canadian Pricing for the 2025 Nissan Armada
The 2025 Nissan Armada pricing starts with the SL at $84,998 and moves through the Armada Platinum at $93,998 and Pro-4X at $94,998. It tops out with the Platinum Reserve at $104,998. The delivery cost is $2,095.
Final thoughts on the 2025 Nissan Armada
The allure of a full-sized, three-row SUV is it provides the legroom, shoulder room and head space needed to accommodate adults in all rows — the third row in particular. The 2025 Nissan Armada ticks that box and it does so in a modern, well-conceived manner. Not bad for a vehicle that has had just two generations in the past 20-years. The new third-gen was long overdue and very welcome. The Armada SL and Platinum compete with the likes of the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia. However, the Platinum Reserve rivals the GMC Yukon or Lincoln Navigator. The wild card is the Pro-4X. Its off-road ability allows it to go head-to-head with the likes of the Land Rover Defender 130.
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