Nissan has unveiled a significant redesign for its largest SUV, the 2025 Armada, which now comes packed with a sharper exterior, a tech-laden interior, and a new powertrain. The three-row SUV, completely revamped from the ground up, aims to solidify its position in the competitive full-size SUV market with an array of enhancements, including the introduction of a rugged off-road trim for the first time in the U.S.
Power and Performance Upgrades
Under the hood, the 2025 Armada boasts a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, borrowed from the Infiniti QX80. This powerhouse delivers 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, a substantial upgrade over the outgoing V-8, providing 25 more horsepower and an additional 103 pound-feet of torque. The new engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, with adaptive four-wheel drive as standard, ensuring improved performance and capability.
The redesigned Armada also features a 25% increase in torsional rigidity and a 57% increase in lateral stiffness, resulting in enhanced ride quality and off-road prowess. The SUV is equipped with a now-standard integrated class four tow hitch, allowing it to tow up to 8,500 pounds, making it a versatile option for those with towing needs.
Off-Road Ready: The Pro-4X Trim
For the first time, Nissan is offering the Pro-4X off-road trim on the Armada, designed to handle rough terrain with ease. This trim includes 20-inch all-terrain tires, an adaptive air suspension, a metal skid plate, and an electronic locking rear differential—features that were once exclusive to the Middle Eastern-market Nissan Patrol. The Pro-4X offers 9.6 inches of ground clearance at its highest air suspension setting, with an approach angle of 33.9 degrees, a breakover angle of 25.3 degrees, and a departure angle of 24.3 degrees, making it a formidable off-road contender.
Luxurious Platinum Reserve Trim
For those prioritizing luxury over off-road capability, the new Platinum Reserve trim tops the lineup. It features exclusive 22-inch wheels, an adaptive air suspension, a rear LED light bar with a full-width taillight, and premium interior upgrades like massaging seats for the driver and passenger, and a head-up display.
Advanced Technology and Safety Features
The 2025 Armada comes loaded with safety and tech features. Standard safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking, high-beam assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. New for 2025 is a wide front view camera with up to 170 degrees of visibility, and an “invisible” hood feature available on certain models like the Pro-4X.
All Armada models come with Pro Pilot Assist, which offers steering, acceleration, and braking inputs. The SL trim and above also feature the Pro Pilot 2.1 system, offering hands-free highway driving and automatic lane-change assist. Inside, the Armada features dual 12.3-inch screens with Google functions, while higher trims get dual 14.3-inch displays similar to those in the Infiniti QX80, along with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Competitive Positioning
While Nissan has not yet announced pricing for the 2025 Armada, it has emphasized that the SUV will remain competitive with alternatives like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and Toyota Sequoia. The revamped Armada, set to hit dealerships later this year, promises to deliver a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and technology in the full-size SUV segment.
