- Nissan has unveiled the redesigned Armada, which has a new twin-turbo V6 developing 425 hp.
- The SUV offers seating for up to eight and can be equipped with 14.3-inch displays, open pore wood trim, and quilted leather seats.
- The Armada will go on sale later this year and can be had in rugged Pro-4X trim.
The Nissan Armada is barely a blip on the automotive radar as the Chevrolet Tahoe outsells it by more than 5:1. However, the company isn’t throwing in the towel as they unveiled a redesigned model.
Set to go on sale later this year, the 2025 Armada sports an evolutionary design that is instantly recognizable. Despite this, the SUV is clearly more modern as it sports a wide grille that is flanked by vertical LED headlights. They’re joined by an acoustic windshield, rain-sensing wipers, and functional air curtains.
More: 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe And Suburban Debut With New Looks, Fresh Tech, And Super Cruise
Moving down the sides, we can see curvaceous bodywork as well as 18-, 20-, or 22-inch wheels. Designers also reimagined the greenhouse and developed a distinctive rear pillar. Elsewhere, there are vertical taillights that can be connected by an available illuminated strip.
The interior borrows heavily from the Infiniti QX80 and feels light years ahead of its predecessor. That being said, the entry-level model is surprisingly bare bones.
On the bright side, customers will find a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as well as a 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. They’re joined by a six-speaker audio system and eight leatherette seats with power adjustment up front.
That’s not much to get excited about, but third-row passengers will find an extra 5.7 inches (145 mm) of legroom. Cargo capacity also climbs as there’s 20.4 cubic feet (578 liters) behind the third-row and 97.1 cubic feet (2,750 liters) behind the first-row.
Higher-end variants are far more luxurious as they offer 14.3-inch displays, open pore wood trim, and quilted leather seats. Customers can also get heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, second-row captain’s chairs with a center console, and a wireless smartphone charger. Other options include a dual-pane panoramic moonroof, Google integration, and a 12-speaker Klipsch premium audio system.
Power is provided by a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 developing 425 hp (317 kW / 431 PS) and 516 lb-ft (699 Nm) of torque. That’s 25 hp (19 kW / 25 PS) less than the QX80, but 25 hp (19 kW / 25 PS) more than the outgoing model.
The engine is connected to a new nine-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the previous seven-speed gearbox. It promises to provide improved acceleration, quicker upshifts, and better efficiency. That sounds like a winning combination and customers will find a familiar choice between rear- and four-wheel drive.
Speaking of capability, the Armada can tow up to 8,500 lbs (3,856 kg). The SUV can also be equipped with an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller as well as a new Trailer Blind Spot Monitoring system.
Customers looking to explore the great outdoors can opt for the new Armada Pro-4X, which is distinguished by Black and Lava Red accents. However, the model is more notable for featuring a clearance maximizing front bumper, an electronic locking rear differential, and 20-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. They’re joined by skid plates and an air suspension that can raise the model 2.1 inches (53 mm) for improved off-road capability or lower it 2 inches (51 mm) for better entry and egress.
Regardless if you’re on the trail or on the street, you’ll be thankful for a new frame that boasts a 25% increase in torsional rigidity as well as a 57% increase in lateral stiffness. This, unsurprisingly, promises to deliver a far better ride.
On the safety front, customers will find ProPILOT Assist, ProPILOT Assist 1.1, and ProPILOT Assist 2.1. The first combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering, while the 2.1 system allows for hands-free operation.
Buyers will also find the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assistance systems that includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Automatic Braking, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. They’re joined by Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention, and Intelligent Lane Intervention.