All-New 2025 Nissan Armada Adds PRO-4X Model, Twin-Turbo V6
It’s not just Nissan’s smallest SUV (Kicks) that gets a complete redesign for 2025. The full-size Armada does, too, following in the footsteps of its luxurious cousin, the Infiniti QX80.
When it goes on sale by the end of this year, customers will have a choice of five models including SL, PRO-4X, Platinum, Platinum Reserve and Platinum Reserve with captain’s chairs. The second takes over from the Midnight Edition, which won’t be back.
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Similar to the QX80, the biggest change to the 2025 Nissan Armada can be found under the hood. The 5.6-litre V8 is replaced by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 producing 425 horsepower (+25) and 516 lb-ft of torque (+103). Fuel economy should be improved in the process, at least based on the official ratings, but those have yet to be posted.
A nine-speed automatic transmission, shared with the Frontier and Pathfinder, will help in that department while also delivering quicker shifts than the old seven-speed unit. Max towing capacity is unchanged at 8,500 lbs. PRO-4X and Platinum Reserve models add an integrated trailer brake controller. New to Nissan, standard Trailer Blind Spot Monitoring can warn of vehicles in blind spots even when towing (drivers simply input the length of their trailer to configure the system).
Stronger and More Rugged
The 2025 Armada benefits from a new frame that has 25 percent greater torsional rigidity and 57 percent increased lateral stiffness, which will contribute to improved ride quality and better sound isolation. PRO-4X and Platinum Reserve models feature a load-leveling, adaptive air suspension that can be raised for extra ground clearance or lowered to ease access for people or loading cargo. Also, the Armada is switching to electric power steering with a quicker steering ratio compared to the outgoing generation.
Following the lead of similarly named Nissan models, the first-ever Armada PRO-4X gets all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, an electronic locking rear differential and increased approach angle. Styling is unique, and the same can be said about the interior, where drivers will find an eight-mode selector (Standard, Eco, Sport, Tow, Snow, Sand, Rock, Mud/Rut) and Hill Descent Control.
Let’s not forget innovative camera technologies such as Invisible Hood View, which helps spot obstacles by providing a virtual view "through" the engine bay, or the 3D Around View Monitor allowing the driver to "rotate" the viewing angle on the infotainment display to spot obstacles and hazards from nearly any angle. Granted, very few families will take their Armada far away from the beaten path, but Nissan is merely doing what other competitors are doing, like Toyota with the Sequoia TRD Pro.
More Refined and Packing More Tech
Aesthetically, the 2025 Armada is not a radical departure from its predecessor, but you have to look at the details including the front grille, headlights, roof pillars and taillights. The wheels are new, some of them up to 22 inches in size, and two-tone combinations are available. Puddle lamps that project the vehicle’s image onto the ground on both sides are a nice touch, as well.
Unsurprisingly, this is the most technologically advanced and best-equipped Armada ever offered, with standard massaging front seats, dual 12.3- or 14.3-inch displays (depending on the model) with Google built-in, a 12-speaker Klipsch premium audio system and available 64-colour ambient lighting. It’s also the latest Nissan vehicle with available ProPILOT Assist 2.1, which allows attentive drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel in single-lane highway operation.
One last thing: legroom is increased for first- and third-row occupants, while cargo capacity behind the third row is 24 percent more generous than before at 577 litres.
Pricing for the 2025 Nissan Armada starts at $84,998 plus $2,095 freight and PDI. The most expensive model is listed at $105,998.