2025 Nissan Armada First Drive Review: More Of Everything You Need

The all-new 2025 Nissan Armada enters its third generation with new styling, a new engine, and the addition of an off-road capable Pro-4X trim. This three-row SUV has seating for up to eight people in a roomy interior that now includes more front-row and third-row legroom and increased cargo capacity. This is the flagship SUV in the Nissan lineup, sitting above the more affordable but still well-equipped Pathfinder.

The Armada has long been a somewhat overlooked SUV, lacking many of the features that made the globally available Nissan Patrol so popular. Nissan corrects that issue in the new Armada with an improved array of off-road features and technologies for more adventurous family life. The new Armada does away with the V8 engine, offering a 425-horsepower V6 instead. We had a chance to sample the new Armada at a first drive event, recently; here’s what we thought.

First Drive events provide our initial impressions of a vehicle in a restricted environment under certain time constraints. Keep an eye on DrivingOnRoad for our comprehensive Test Drive review which will follow soon.

What’s Changed For This Model Year

As an all-new generation of the Armada, there’s not much that hasn’t changed this year. In addition to the new Pro-4X trim and larger dimensions, there’s also a new engine. Gone is the old V8 and its seven-speed automatic transmission. In its place is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-iter V6 that delivers more horsepower and more torque. It’s paired with a 9-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

This comprehensive overhaul of the Nissan Armada aims to keep it competitive with the likes of the Chevy Tahoe and Toyota Sequoia. In addition to an off-road trim, there’s also the new Platinum Reserve trim for those who want a more luxurious experience. New trims and new features make the Armada a wholly new option in the segment.

Exterior: Big, Beautiful, Attention-Grabber

One thing that hasn’t changed is the Armada’s bold styling. There’s lots of chrome up front with a floating roof effect, and an LED light strip that runs the full width of the tailgate. The Pro-4X gets its own unique off-road style with different front and rear bumpers to improve its approach and departure angles. A variety of wheel designs are available, including a striking 22-inch set. The rear wiper is now somewhat hidden for a less cluttered rear design. It’s an updated Armada, with a more modern look, but it doesn’t lose a bit of its imposing presence in the process.

Interior: Float Along In Zero Gravity

The interior of the Armada has room for up to eight people across three rows, but available second-row captain’s chairs take seating down to seven. This is a truly spacious SUV with a back row that easily accommodates three adults. The top Platinum Reserve is outright luxurious with quilted leather seats and 12-way power front seats that are heated and ventilated with massage. It’s an attractive and comfortable space, whether you’re heading out for a family road trip or waiting for the kids to finish soccer practice.

Infotainment: A Matched Pair Of Screens

There’s a 12-speaker Klipsch audio system on all but the base SV rim with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six USB-C ports, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Top trims get an even larger 14.3-inch touchscreen along with Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity and a wireless charging pad. That large standard screen size makes the system easy to use with key standard features. The family will appreciate the abundance of charging ports, and audiophiles will love the Klipsch audio system that was designed specifically for the Armada.

Powertrain & Driving: Power On And Off The Pavement

The old V8 engine and seven-speed automatic are gone, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 and nine-speed automatic has been put in their place. This might seem like a negative, but with 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, it comes out ahead of the V8 engine. There’s a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive on all trims except for the Pro-4X, which is four-wheel drive only.

Compared to the prior generation of the Armada, performance is noticeably stronger. Acceleration up to highway speeds is not a challenge with the new transmission ensuring smooth power delivery even with a heavy foot on the gas. This is not a small vehicle, but it is easily able to get out of its own way.

Ride and Handling: Road Trip Ready

The ride is smooth and quiet, even in the off-road Pro-4X. Especially when equipped with the new air suspension on the top two trims, this is a well-mannered SUV despite its size. It’s easy to carry on a conversation, even with those in the third row, and road and wind noise are not intrusive. It’s an ideal choice for those family road trips.

Pro-4X Trim: When You Want To Get Dirty

This new trim is designed for off-road performance. It features an electronic locking rear differential, air suspension, 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, metal skid plates, and better approach and departure angles. There’s also 9.6 inches of ground clearance and a choice of eight drive modes to handle every kind of terrain. We’re looking forward to the opportunity to test the Pro-4X in its natural habitat as the kit and specs seem promising.

Verdict & Pricing: A Well-Priced Lineup For Every Family

Available in a choice of four rear-wheel drive trims, pricing ranges from $56,520 to $76,990, not including $2,010 destination. Buyers can add four-wheel drive to any trim for an additional $3,000. The four-wheel-drive-only Pro-4X is priced at $73,740. This could be a challenge for modest budgets, especially at the top of the range, but is still good value for the wide range of amenities included at that level.

The 2025 Nissan Armada takes what was a somewhat dated SUV and makes it more competitive. It looks more modern and has more features along with boasting a roomy and comfortable interior perfect for family life. The new Platinum Reserve delivers a true premium experience while the Pro-4X gives off-road enthusiasts their own option. It’s a fully-featured SUV with something for every family.