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Motor 1
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The 2025 Nissan Armada Is So Much Better: Review
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 Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Motor 1
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The Jeep Wrangler Willys 41 Edition Rules. But There's One Big Catch
It's easy to be cynical about retro special editions, especially when so many automakers offer them—and so many of them are lazily put together. Off-road SUVs are an especially easy target for a few stickers and an upcharge, like the Ford Bronco, Toyota 4Runner, and of course, the ubiquitous Jeep Wrangler. Jeep has been doing retro special editions longer than most, leaning hard into its military roots. So many of them are unremarkable, but if they're done right, a military-inspired modern Jeep can be a pretty sweet idea. The new Wrangler Willys 41 Edition certainly isn't perfect, but as far as special editions go, it gets closer than most. Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 Beyond a bunch of Willys logos slapped onto the fender, Jeep added special paint, new wheels, custom badges, and a few touches to the interior that help this special edition Wrangler feel, well, more special. The military-inspired olive drab exterior comes shockingly close to the original Willys scheme (at least, in photos). Willys / 4xe decals in a period-correct Drab Blue line either side of the hood, while there's a second 4xe badge on the back end, as well as a 4 Wheel Drive logo. The decals on the hood are meant to mimic the mandatory stenciling found on the hoods of Willys MBs during World War II. A neat touch. The matte black accent on the hood offsets the olive drab paint (and helps curb reflections while out on the trail), with a '41 logo displayed prominently in the bottom left corner. That '41, in case you don't know, is a nod to the year 1941, when the United States Army officially commissioned a fleet of 1,500 Willys-Overland Jeeps for military use. Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 The new Wrangler Willys 41 Edition certainly isn't perfect, but as far as special editions go, it gets closer than most. The wheels are excellent . The five-spoke, 17-inch shoes come shod in the same olive drab paint as the rest of the body, and they do a decent impression of the Willys' original steelies. They're wrapped in 33-inch all-terrain tires and feature a neat little Willys silhouette logo in the center caps. The interior continues the throwback theme with tan cloth seats, a subtle olive drab fabric dashboard design, and a '41 logo on the shifter. Buyers can still choose from a few different roof options, both hard- and soft-tops, with an available tan soft-top option—the correct choice. This particular model, though, keeps it simple with a monotone metal roof. Pop open the tailgate and there's a fun little easter egg on the interior panel: An etched plaque with the "JL '41" and "Willys / 4xe" monikers, a side-by-side sketch of the original Willys with the current Wrangler, and an American flag with homage to Jeep's Auburn Hills, Michigan, headquarters where this vehicle was developed. Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 Under the hood is Jeep's 4xe powertrain with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Love it or hate it, the 4xe powertrain is at least powerful—though, we certainly wouldn't mind the 392's Hemi V-8 instead. The big problem with this Wrangler—the problem with so many special edition off-roaders—is how much it costs. The base Wrangler Unlimited 4xe starts at $52,590 with destination, while the 41 Package is a cool $9,235 on top of that, and adding the black and heritage tan interior is an extra $3,995. That brings the total price to a whopping $73,095. Not exactly a bargain for a Wrangler with some cool wheels and heritage paint. Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 But for all the so-called special editions out there, this one at least feels somewhat special. Jeep's military roots aren't just cosplay; the custom touches on this Wrangler come straight from the history books and make sense on a modern Jeep. If you're a fan of that heritage and have a whole hell of a lot of money to spend, you could certainly do worse than the Wrangler Willys 41 Edition. More From Jeep It's a Jeep Thing. I Finally Understand 2025 Jeep Wagoneer Overland Edition Is the One You Want Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Motor 1
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse Does Its Job Uninspiringly: Review
Quick Specs 2025 Chevrolet Traverse Engine Turbocharged 2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder Output 328 Horsepower / 326 Pound-Feet Fuel Economy 20 City / 27 Highway / 23 Combined Base Price / As Tested $42,195 / $55,790 (est.) Pros: Quiet, Comfortable, Spacious, Well-Priced Cons: Bland To Drive, Busy Styling Chevrolet Traverse: New & Much-Improved Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 If you want a bigger, brawnier three-row from Chevrolet , the Tahoe and Suburban are two of the best around. But the brand's most family-friendly three-row SUV is the 2025 Traverse , which is nicer to drive than its more truck-like siblings and has a third row with genuinely usable space. Plus, its $42,195 starting price puts the Traverse well within reach of most three-row shoppers, placing this SUV alongside key competitors like the Hyundai Palisade, Ford Explorer, and Kia Telluride. The Traverse received a major makeover for 2024, including a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, and a Z71 model with even better ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, and off-road-oriented features like softer damping and all-terrain tires. All those upgrades carry over into the 2025 model year. Engine & Drivetrain: A New Turbo Four Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine powers the Traverse, pumping out 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. The previous 3.6-liter V-6 made just 310 hp and 266 pound-feet by comparison. That new four-cylinder engine is paired to an also-new eight-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option on certain trims. Even with a smaller engine, the Traverse still tows up to 5,000 pounds, matching the former V-6 model. Technology & Infotainment: Big On Screens Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 Every 2025 Traverse gets a massive 17.7-inch touchscreen display and a corresponding 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster as standard, both utilizing Chevy's latest Google-based infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also come standard here (unlike in Chevy's latest EVs), while six USB ports litter the cabin, with a few located in the rearmost row. Wireless charging also comes standard, and a Wi-Fi hotspot is available. Chevy's Super Cruise hands-free driver assist is available as an option on the Z71 and High Country trims, but even lesser Traverse trims are packed with safety features like automatic high-beam headlights, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, and optional adaptive cruise control with lane-keep assist. Design: Busy But Bold Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 The design looks… busy, to say the least. But at least the Traverse sheds its formerly anonymous exterior for something bolder. The front fascia features a large-ish grille split into two sections with a slim upper portion merging into narrow running lights on either corner, and a larger lower third positioned between the actual headlights, which sit lower down on the bumper. Depending on which trim you choose, the Traverse offers a few different grille design options, ranging from shiny, silvery horizontal slats to a blacked-out mesh pattern. The off-road-focused Z71 also adds a few specific cues, like faux underbody protection at the base of the bumper. A set of 18-inch wheels come standard, but again, different trims feature different wheel options, with the largest of which (on this High Country model) measuring 22 inches. The interior is clean and concise; Everything is where it should be. On this High Country trim, jet black leather covers most surfaces, with subtle bronze accents and silver trim pieces littered throughout. Some of those silvery pieces do feel flimsy, but the quality is otherwise above average. Passenger + Cargo Space: Extra Roomy Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 Unlike some of its competitors, the Traverse has a third row that normal-sized adults would be comfortable in, with 33.4 inches of legroom and 38.2 inches of headroom—both above-average figures for the class. By comparison, the 2025 Tahoe has 34.9 inches of legroom and 38.2 inches of headroom in the third row, which is just barely above the smaller Traverse. Behind the third row is 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold the second and third rows flat, and that figure swells to 56.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 97.6 cubic feet behind the first row. Driving Impressions: Nothing Special Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 There's nothing thrilling about the way the Traverse drives, but in the world of three-row SUVs—that's perfectly okay. The four-cylinder engine has excellent low-end shove courtesy of the new turbocharger, while power in the middle of the rev range is adequate for merging onto the highway or making a pass. The eight-speed transmission shifts smoothly for the most part, but it can be a touch clunky at low speeds. The Traverse's ride is comfortable, borderline cushy. Even with the biggest 22-inch wheels, this High Country model doesn't buck aggressively over speed bumps and bash your back on broken pavement. The smaller 18-inch wheels likely yield an even softer ride. The leather seats are soft and supportive, and the cabin is quiet at low speeds, but the buzzy four-cylinder makes its presence known at speed. Even for a three-row, the steering is beyond vague; it's electronically boosted to hell and hard to feel anything. There's a lot of body roll, too—and not just because it's a three-row SUV. Competitors like the Explorer, Palisade, and Telluride all feel more composed, while Chevy's three-row is eager to waft from side to side. Super Cruise makes long-distance highway cruising an absolute breeze, though. The automatic lane-change function works nearly flawlessly, too; it automatically detects if a vehicle in front of you is moving too slowly and will change lanes without any input from the driver. Very nifty. Fuel Economy: Big Efficiency Improvements Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 The Traverse's new four-cylinder engine is more efficient than the outgoing V-6, returning 20 miles per gallon city, 27 highway, and 23 combined on the most-efficient FWD model, or 17 city, 25 highway, and 20 combined on the AWD Limited trim. The V-6 Traverse returned just 20 combined at its most efficient. That said, the Traverse is still near the lower end of the class in terms of efficiency. The Toyota Grand Highlander gets 23 combined, and the Mazda CX-90 returns 25 combined. The Traverse is also one of the few three-rows without a hybrid or plug-in hybrid option. Pricing + Verdict: A Solid Choice Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 The base Traverse LT with FWD starts at $42,195 with destination included, which makes it well-priced in the segment. But, a handful of three-row SUVs undercut the Traverse, including the Nissan Pathfinder ($37,790), Hyundai Palisade ($38,675), and Kia Telluride ($37,805), which all come in at under $40,000. Even the newest Ford Explorer starts at $41,380. The High Country FWD model tested here starts at $55,295 with the lone option being the $495 Radiant Red paint, bringing the as-tested price to an estimated $55,790. AWD is an extra $2,000 across the board, and depending on the trim, you'll have to pay extra for things like fancy paint, bigger wheels, and Super Cruise. The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse isn't the best-looking three-row SUV in the class, nor the best to drive. But, the Traverse does have a nice ride, ample passenger and cargo space, and decent fuel economy. It's not a class-leader in any respect, but it is a solid three-row SUV, all things considered. Competitors Ford Explorer Honda Pilot Hyundai Palisade Kia Telluride Nissan Pathfinder 2025 Chevrolet Traverse FAQs What Engine Does the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse Have? The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse has a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which replaces the previous 3.6-liter V-6. The new four-cylinder engine has more power than the outgoing V-6, though, producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. The previous V-6 made just 310 hp and 266 lb-ft. How Much Cargo Space Does the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse Have? The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse has 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Fold the third row flat, and the Traverse offers 56.6 cubic feet of room behind the second row. With both rear rows folded flat, the Traverse has a healthy 97.6 cubic feet behind the first row. What Is the Fuel Economy of the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse? The Chevrolet Traverse returns 20 miles per gallon city, 27 highway, and 23 combined with a standard front-wheel-drive configuration. Add all-wheel drive, and the Traverse returns 17 city, 25 highway, and 20 combined. 2025 Chevrolet Traverse High Country Engine Turbocharged 2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder Output 328 Horsepower / 326 Pound-Feet Transmission Eight-Speed Automatic Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive Weight 4,865 Pounds Efficiency 20 City / 27 Highway / 23 Combined Seating Capacity 7 Towing 5,000 Pounds Cargo Volume 22.9 / 56.6 / 97.6 Cubic Feet Base Price $42,195 As-Tested Price $55,790 (est.) On Sale Now Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
