The 2025 Nissan Armada Is So Much Better: Review

Motor 1

12-05-2025

Quick Specs
2025 Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve
Engine
Twin-Turbocharged 3.5-Liter V-6
Output
425 Horsepower / 516 Pound-Feet
Fuel Economy
16 City / 20 Highway / 18 Combined
Cargo Space
20.4 / 56.3 / 97.1 Cubic Feet
Base Price / As Tested
$59,530 / $83,440
Pros: Surprisingly Nice To Drive, Lovely Cabin, Great Engine
Cons: Still Feels Massive, Not Super Roomy, Pricey With Options
2025 Nissan Armada: A Massive Improvement
Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1
The
Nissan Armada
has always felt like an afterthought among the more-established truck-based SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and GMC Yukon. But not anymore. Nissan thoroughly improved the Armada for 2025, giving it a bold look and an impressively updated interior to go along with a brand-new turbocharged V-6. And don't worry, that smaller engine won't make you miss the V-8.
Engine & Drivetrain: No V-8? No Problem
Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1
Nissan ditched the previous V-8 for a new twin-turbocharged V-6. And we couldn't be happier with the decision. The previous V-8 felt dated and underpowered, while this new 3.5-liter unit—which
Nissan
swears shares some lineage with the GT-R's motor—packs 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. That's a healthy 25 hp and 103 lb-ft improvement over the old V-8.
Even with two fewer cylinders, the V-6 has more than enough grunt to move this massive SUV with decent fervor. Dare we say the 6,111-pound Armada feels borderline quick off the line, racing to 60 miles per hour in an estimated 6.0 seconds. The twin-turbo V-6 provides tons of immediate torque and has a strong enough powerband to keep the three-row moving steadily at highway speeds.
That new V-6 is paired to a seamless nine-speed automatic transmission, and in this case, rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option on most trims. And if you need to move anything, the Armada has an impressive max towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.
Technology & Infotainment: Finally, A Modern Cabin
Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1
One of the biggest issues with the outgoing Armada was its sparse cabin and limited technology. Not anymore. The new Armada has a lovely interior loaded with tech; the SL and SV models sport dual 12.3-inch displays, while the Platinum, Pro-4X, and Platinum Reserve models upgrade to 14.3-inch screens.
The screens are crisp, clear, and easy to use. The Armada utilizes the latest version of Nissan's Connect infotainment system with Google Built-In available, which includes Google Maps, Assistant, and the Play Store. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as you'd expect, and they connect seamlessly. They also look extremely pretty projected onto the Platinum Reserve model's massive center screen. Nissan also offers a 12-speaker Klipsch audio system on the SL, Pro-4X, and Platinum models.
Nissan's latest-and-greatest ProPilot Assist 2.1 is available on the Armada, but even on the top-trim Platinum Reserve, it's a $2,900 option. Regardless, you definitely want it. ProPilot Assist 2.1 is Nissan's hands-free active safety system, and it works seamlessly on long highway cruises. Simply tick the ProPilot button on the steering wheel and keep an eye on the road; the Armada will stay centered in the lane, slow down and speed up with traffic, and even suggest lane changes with slower cars in front of it.
Design: Bigger But Better Looking
Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1
Visually, the Armada looks larger than the Tahoe and Yukon—even though it's about two inches shorter than both. The upright proportions and short wheelbase probably don't do it any justice. That said, the design for 2025 is much-improved from its predecessor; the body lines are sharper, the front end is cleaner, and it all feels more cohesive.
Depending on which trim you choose, Nissan offers anywhere from 18- to 22-inch wheels, with the Platinum Reserve model getting the biggest shoes of the bunch. The Platinum Reserve also goes heavier on the chrome than other models, with chrome in the grille, side panels, and inserted into the wheels. If you want a subtler look, the Pro-4X model ditches most chrome for black and orange accents instead.
Passenger + Cargo Space: Not Super Roomy
Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1
The Armada is roomy by any measure, but it's down on space slightly compared to some of its chief competitors, especially in the third row. With 32.9 inches of legroom and 36.2 inches of headroom, the Armada falls just short of the Tahoe's legroom and headroom (34.9 / 38.2 inches), and well short of the Expedition (41.1 / 40.0 inches).
Cargo volume behind the third row is just 20.4 cubic feet compared to the Expedition's 21.6 cubes and the Tahoe's 25.5. Fold the Armada's second and third rows flat, and that figure swells to 56.3 and 97.1 cubic feet, respectively.
Driving Impressions: Heavyweight Light On Its Feet
Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1
For such a massive SUV, the 2025 Nissan Armada is surprisingly light on its feet. The new chassis boasts a 25-percent improvement in torsional rigidity and a 57-percent increase in lateral stiffness, which means less body roll. It hasn't been quashed entirely, but the Armada handles itself well in turns otherwise.
The steering is light and precise, but not so vague that you have no idea what the SUV is doing. And thanks to the standard four-corner air suspension, the ride is unbelievably soft; the Armada floats over potholes and skips over speed bumps without issue.
Fuel Economy: Not A Fuel-Sipper
The Armada isn't the most efficient SUV of the group. The three-row returns 16 miles per gallon city, 20 highway, and 18 combined at its most efficient. With 4WD, those numbers drop to 16 city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. The Tahoe gets 20 city, 26 highway, and 22 combined at its most efficient, while the Expedition returns 16 city, 24 highway, and 19 combined.
Pricing + Verdict: Bigger and Better
The Armada comes in multiple trims for 2025, with the base SV starting at $59,530 with destination, which costs a somewhat ridiculous $2,010. That base price undercuts both the Tahoe ($61,195) and Expedition ($63,995).
Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the addition of the rugged Pro-4X trim, which packs more off-road capability for $75,70. The Platinum Reserve model tested here sits at the top of the range and costs $79,000 to start. This particular model adds options like ProPilot Assist 2.1 ($2,900), premium paint ($990), and carpeted floor mats ($550), bringing the as-tested price to $83,440.
That's certainly no small sum to pay—especially before adding AWD. But with major upgrades to the exterior, interior, and powertrain, the Armada no longer feels like an afterthought. It's a genuinely great three-row SUV.
Competitors
Chevrolet Tahoe
Ford Expedition
GMC Yukon
Toyota Sequoia
2025 Nissan Armada FAQs
Is The 2025 Nissan Armada Bigger?
Yes, the Nissan Armada is slightly bigger for 2025. The three-row SUV is now 209.7 inches long versus last year's model, which was 208.9 inches long. That also yields more interior volume, including in the third row, which now has 32.9 inches of legroom and 36.2 inches of headroom.
What Is The New Engine In The 2025 Armada?
The 2025 Armada has a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The three-row SUV ditches its previous 5.6-liter V-8 for a more powerful, more efficient V-6.
Does The 2025 Armada Require Premium Gas?
Yes, Nissan recommends premium gas for the Armada's twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6. The company says to use 91 octane or higher fuel for optimal engine performance.
2025 Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve
Engine
Twin-Turbocharged 3.5-Liter V-6
Output
425 Horsepower / 516 Pound-Feet
Transmission
Nine-Speed Automatic
Drive Type
Four-Wheel Drive
Efficiency
16 City / 19 Highway / 17 Combined
Weight
6,111 Pounds
Towing
8,500 Pounds
Seating Capacity
7
Cargo Volume
20.4 / 56.3 / 97.1 Cubic Feet
Base Price
$59,530
As-Tested Price
$83,440
On Sale
Now
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