All-new 2025 Nissan Armada is rugged and affordable SUV

Published 8:30 am Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Nissan has completely updated its SUV line over the past five years, including adding the all-electric compact Ariya for 2023 and bringing out three all-new replacement models for 2025 – the subcompact Kicks, the midsize Murano and the full-size Armada, the subject of this review.

That’s a remarkable accomplishment for any manufacturer, but especially for Nissan, which has historically been the smallest of the Big Three affordable Japanese manufacturers with luxury divisions. Nissan has succeeded over the years in large part by being the value leader. Its vehicles were not seen as sophisticated as those produced by Honda and Toyota, but they were more than good enough and cost so much less, they were bargains.

The updated SUV line changes all that, however. The newest models are so good, they stand on their own but are still competitively priced. The completely redesigned 2025 Armada is an excellent example of Nissan’s progress and continuing price advantage.

The Armada is one of the last traditional, body-on-frame SUVs produced by any manufacturer. It comes with three rows of seats and can accommodate up to eight passengers. The previous version was based on Nissan’s full-size Titan pickup, which made it especially strong and suitable for off-road driving. The new frame has 25% greater torsional rigidity and 57% increased lateral stiffness, contributing to improved ride quality and better sound isolation. It is shared with the redesigned Nissan Patrol, which is sold internationally.

Other major changes for 2025 include bolder exterior styling, an upgraded interior with the company’s latest technology, and, most important, a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that is both more powerful and gets better mileage than the 5.6-liter V8 it replaced. Just about the only mechanical components to carry over are the independent rear suspension, which gives the Armada a remarkably smooth ride for such a large vehicle, and Nissan’s optional Intelligent 4WD system, which still comes with multiple selectable drive modes for bad weather and challenging terrain. Properly equipped, it can tow up to 8,500 pounds, making a real workhorse, too.

But even with all that, the base SV with rear-wheel-drive starts at just $58,530. The only other similar Japanese SUV is the Toyota Sequoia, which begins at $64,370. All of the comparable American-made SUVs start at $2,000 to $11,000 more than the Armada. Even the top-of-the-line Premium Reserve version of the Armada begins at just $79,000.

Lower prices normally mean lower quality, but that’s not the case with the all-new Armanda. Although the previous generation was out-of-date as the oldest full-size SUV on the market, the new version has more than caught up to the competition.

When it comes to safety, Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard on every Armada trim. Upgrades available on higher levels and with option packages include ProPILOT Assist 2.13 and more.

The only real drawback involves the third row of seats, which are not as roomy as those in some competitors. There is also relatively little cargo space behind them because the Armada is not as long as some other full-size SUVs, although that is solved by lower them – even more with the second row folded down.

My tester was the Pro-4X 4WD model, which is the most off-road capable Armada yet. It certainly looked the part, with big all-terrain tires on black wheels, a visible skid plate under the front end, and a unique front fascia reshaped for better approach angles on steep hills. Other exclusive features included an adaptive electronic air suspension, electronic locking rear differential, and additional underbody metal skid plates. With the suspension raised to the highest setting – 2.1 inches above the standard height – the Armada PRO-4X provides a full 11.7 inches of ground clearance.

Inside, my Armada rivaled some genuine luxury SUVs, with rich leathers and a long, twin-screen display stretching across the top of the dash. Thankfully, the air conditioning was still operated by large and easy to use physical controls, eliminating the need to find a tiny button or go into the infotainment system to change the temperature. The stereo also had a welcome volume control knob on the dash. The Pro-4X package also features special trim on the seats and red stitching throughout the cabin.

All of the improvements came together on the road, where the 2025 Nissan Armada Pro-4X 4WD was surprisingly easy to drive, considering that it weighed about three tons. The turbo V6 pumps out 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, a significant increase over the 400 and 413 from the previous V8. The additional power provided quick and smooth acceleration, especially in the Sport mode that increased throttle response. It was channeled through a new, smooth shifting 9-speed transmission that replaced the previous 7-speed version. And the carry-over independent rear suspension still provided one of the best rides of any full-size SUVs.

Despite the additional power, the turbo V6 delivered better mileage than the former V8, although the improvement is only about a mile or two across the trim levels, The maximum 20 miles per gallon is respectable for such a large, non-electrified SUV, however. Nissan is probably right to believe buyers would rather be offered a lower price than the better mileage provided by adding expensive electric motors and larger batteries for a hybrid or all-electric version. And if saving gas is really a priority, there are always the smaller, greatly improved Nissan SUVs, especially the hybrid-only Murano and all-electric Ariya SUV, which is one of the better affordable EVs on the market.

Even with the extensive improvements, the all-new 2025 Nissan Armada is the least expensive full-size, body-on-frame SUV on the market. That’s what I mean when I say it is still the value leader. Anyone considering a rugged three-row family hauler should check it out, especially the Pro-4X 4WD if off-road capabilities are also a priority.

2025 Nissan Armada

Base price: $58,530 (SV RWD)

Price as tested: $89,445 (Pro-4X 4WD)

Type: Full-size SUV

Engine: Twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 (425 hp, 516 lb-ft)

Transmission: 9-speed automatic w/paddle shifters

Drive modes: Standard, Eco, Sport, Tow, Snow, Sand, Rock, and Mud/Rut

EPA estimated mileage: 15/18 (as tested) to 169/20 (SV RWD)

Towing capacity: 8500 pounds

Overall length: 211.2 inches

Curb weight: 5900-6100 pounds

Final assembly: Yukuhashi, Kyushu, Japan