Compact crossovers rule the roost. The Nissan Rogue, for instance, sells in very respectable numbers in a very crowded segment, but its compact size and four-cylinder powertrain won’t cut it for everyone. Some people need more space, more seating, and more towing capacity, so they look to full-size pickups and their SUV counterparts. Nissan doesn’t make the Titan anymore, but this 2025 Nissan Armada Pro-4X fits the bill.
What’s new for 2025?
The Nissan Armada and closely related Infiniti QX80 are both redesigned for 2025. Nissan made sure they present their best foot forward in this highly contested segment; between the Toyota Sequoia, the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon twins, the Ford Expedition, and the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, competition is stiff among full-size, three-row, truck-based SUVs, so Nissan once again looked to the Patrol overseas. The Armada is essentially a rebadged Patrol, boasting the same body-on-frame platform and renowned off-road capabilities. Now with the addition of the Pro-4X trim, this is pretty much the most capable Armada ever. It adds an electronically locking rear differential, all-terrain tires, different suspension tuning and geometry compared to the more pavement-oriented trims, multiple off-road modes, and much more. It’s a serious-looking truck with serious off-road capabilities, proving that when Nissan finally gets off their laurels, they can surprise us.
Powertrain, driving impressions, fuel economy
The biggest change underneath to the Armada is the elimination of the V8. In its place is a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6, developing an impressive 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. That’s an extra 23 hp and 104 pound-feet of torque compared to the outgoing Armada’s normally aspirated V8. Also gone is the aging seven-speed automatic transmission, replaced by a new nine-speed unit.
Altogether, the Armada moves with buttery smooth authority. It builds power with very little drama, the new automatic is snappy and smooth, and for such a large SUV, the Armada feels surprisingly quick. Just don’t go thinking you can take an on-ramp like a Z Nismo. The Armada prioritizes comfort and off-road prowess; it rides very well, there isn’t much wind or road noise, which is impressive given the all-terrain tires, and its quick and responsive steering makes living with the Armada not as difficult as you’d think. Towing capacity is rated at 8,500 pounds, which is mid-pack for the segment but should satisfy most consumers’ needs. You also get a built-in seven-pin wiring harness, and the blind-spot monitoring extends to your trailer when everything is hooked up.
Fuel efficiency has always been a sacrifice with big SUVs like the Armada, but even with that in mind, the old V8 was quite thirsty to say the least. The new V6 is a big improvement both on paper and in the real world. Nissan rates the Armada Pro-4X at at 15.7 L/100 kilometres in the city — a big improvement over the 17.5 L/100 km city rating in the old one — and 12.9 highway, and 14.4 combined. During our week with the Armada Pro-4X, we beat the ratings, averaging an impressive 13.5 L/100 km combined. Premium-grade fuel is recommended to fill the 89-litre tank; your wallet will still be upset, just not as upset as before.
What’s the Armada like inside?
Inside, the 2025 Armada is roomy in all three rows. Other trims offer second-row captain’s chairs, but the Pro-4X has a second-row bench, thus allowing for eight passengers. The first and second row are extremely spacious, even for tall passengers. The third row is surprisingly good for shorter grown-ups, and downright roomy for children. With all three rows folded, the Armada’s cargo floor is completely flat and can can swallow up to 2,750 litres of cargo — or a twin-size air mattress if you prefer glamping over camping. With the seats back up, the Armada can accomodate 578 L behind the third row, and 1,594 behind the second. It’s roomy enough, but the regular-wheelbase Expedition and Tahoe can handle more junk in their trunks.
The new Armada’s build quality is good, and in some cases better than some of its rivals. I actually prefer Nissan’s materials and fit-and-finish over Toyota’s offerings and some of the domestics. The overall cabin is cleanly designed, ergonomically sound, the seats are comfortable, and just a nice place to spend time. Nissan also stuck with physical switchgear for the Armada’s climate controls, drive modes, and suspension settings.
The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and 14.3-inch digital gauge cluster are clear, crisp, and easy to use, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and quick to connect, and the 12-speaker Klipsch audio system is quite impressive, though not as good as the QX80’s Klipsch setup. Our biggest complaint with the Armada is the button-shifter. It’s a little awkward until you get used to it, but if that’s our biggest complaint with the Armada’s new interior, Nissan did well otherwise.
Is the new Armada worth it?
Pricing for the 2025 Armada starts at $84,998 for the base SL trim level. Our Pro-4X tester starts at $94,998; add another $300 for the Alpine Metallic paint, and that brings it up to $95,298 as-tested before destination fees and taxes. It might seem like a tough pill to swallow, but it’s well within the range of its competitors. Nissan tends to rest on their laurels, but the 2025 Nissan Armada Pro-4X proves to be a winner on all fronts. It’s attractive, off-road-capable, comfortable on pavement, and well-built overall. Pricing is the cherry on top; it’s refreshing to see something so capable and so well-done overall in this segment come in at under $100,000. Talk about an underdog.
