The Nissan Armada is barely a blip on the automotive radar as the company only sells around 20,000 units annually in the United States. That pales in comparison to the 236,857 Tahoes, Suburbans, and Yukons that GM sold last year alone.
However, it’s time to start paying attention as Nissan has launched the third-generation Armada. It’s a huge leap forward and one that easily outclasses rivals such as the Toyota Sequoia. The SUV is a much needed breath of fresh air and it’s surprisingly affordable for what it offers as pricing begins at $56,520.
QUICK FACTS
A Ruggedly Modern Design
Photos Mike Gauthier / Carscoops
While there’s no shortage of crossovers and SUVs in the US market, one look at the 2025 Armada should be enough to convey the message that it means business. Sporting a boxy design, the model is instantly recognizable but surprisingly premium. That’s certainly the case with our range-topping Platinum Reserve tester, which has the luxury, presence, and price tag to battle the GMC Yukon Denali.
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It begins at $76,990 and has an elegant exterior with LED headlights and chrome flourishes. They’re joined by body-color side steps and 22-inch alloy wheels that have a stylish two-tone finish.
Besides looking suitably upmarket, designers went the extra mile and created an eye-catching profile with a distinctive rear pillar. The remaining pillars are blacked out, visually expanding the greenhouse and delivering a ‘floating roof’ aesthetic. It’s a great look and one the helps the Armada stand out from the crowd.
The elevated design continues out back with jewel-like taillights that are connected by an illuminated bar. They’re joined by a motion-activated power liftgate and a heavily stylized bumper that keeps the exhaust hidden away.
A Luxurious And High-Tech Cabin
Photos Mike Gauthier / Carscoops
While the exterior design is attractive, the interior takes things to another level and feels more like an Infiniti than a Nissan. The attention to detail is impressive and it’s nice to see the Japanese automaker realize there’s more to luxury than just a couple of screens.
The Almond and Chai quilted leather seats look great, and they’re joined by a finely wrapped dashboard. The latter incorporates subtle wood and metallic accents, which help make the Armada feel like a proper luxury SUV.
Drivers sit behind a chunky heated leather steering wheel and find themselves looking at dual 14.3-inch displays. The infotainment system has Google built-in and this provides access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play Store. The voice assistant is particularly handy as you can use it to change everything from radio stations to climate control settings.
A wide center console resides below and is accompanied by a wireless smartphone charger as well as an assortment of physical controls. The latter provide easy access to audio settings, climate controls, and the drive mode selector. There are also buttons for the transmission and four-wheel drive system as well as the heated and ventilated front seats.
Speaking of the front seats, they’re comfortable and supportive with plenty of bolstering. Occupants will also find generous head and legroom as well as 12-way power adjustment and a soothing massage function.
The second-row doesn’t feel second-class, as there are heated captain’s chairs that are separated by a small console which has two cup holders, a stylized tray, and dual USB-C charging ports. Passengers will also be happy to find dedicated climate controls as well as spacious seats that can slide back and forth.
The power-folding third-row leaves something to be desired as headroom was tight for my 6’ 2″ frame. However, the redesigned SUV gains an additional 5.7 inches (145 mm) of third-row legroom and this makes the back seat adult friendly.
Besides a decent amount of legroom, third-row passengers will find power adjustable backrests, cup holders, charging ports, and air vents. Entry and egress was also better than I expected, but not exactly elegant.
In terms of space, the Armada has 20.4 cubic feet (578 liters) of cargo room behind the third-row, 56.3 cubic feet (1,594 liters) behind the second-row, and 97.1 cubic feet (2,750 liters) behind the first-row. The seats fold flat and this is a far better solution than the terribly packaged Toyota Sequoia.
Digging deeper into the numbers, the Armada has significantly less cargo room than the Chevrolet Tahoe (122.9 cubic feet), Jeep Wagoneer (116.7 cubic feet), and Ford Expedition (108.5 cubic feet). However, it bests the Sequoia by 10.2 cubic feet (289 liters).
Space aside, the Armada Platinum Reserve comes loaded with features including a 12-speaker Klipsch audio system, which took approximately two to three years to develop. Buyers will also find an expansive panoramic moonroof and a host of high-tech goodies.
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The latter include a fully integrated dash cam, which can be controlled through the infotainment system. There’s also a ton of camera views including an Invisible Hood View and a Front Wide View, which helps you ‘see around’ parked cars, buildings, and other obstacles.
While those features are useful, there’s also a tri-zone automatic climate control system with biometric cooling technology. We didn’t need it during our chilly test drive, but the system sounds pretty gimmicky even though it uses a roof-mounted infrared camera to detect when first- and second-row passengers are hot. When this occurs, the system directs cool air at them.
A Godzilla Of An Engine
Like a number of recent trucks and SUVs, the Armada has embraced downsizing as the previous-gen’s 5.6-liter V8 gives way to a new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6. Nissan officials told us the engine has been “evolved” from the GT-R and has been built specifically for ‘truck’ use.
While it lacks the GT-R’s eye-catching output, it churns out a respectable 425 hp (317 kW / 431 PS) and 516 lb-ft (699 Nm) of torque. That works out to be an increase of 25 hp (19 kW / 25 PS) and 103 lb-ft (139 Nm) over the naturally-aspirated V8 it replaces.
The twin-turbo V6 is a notable improvement and it responds in a heartbeat, while also moving the 5,886 lb (2,670 kg) luxury SUV with ease. Of course, that shouldn’t be too surprising as it massively outguns GM’s 5.3-liter V8 and also leaves their 6.2-liter V8 in the dust.
It also edges out the standard 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 in the Ford Expedition as well as the twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six in the Jeep Wagoneer. However, it’s no match for the hybridized Sequoia and its combined output of 437 hp (326 kW / 443 PS) and 583 lb-ft (790 Nm) of torque.
Besides punching above its weight, the Armada is equipped with a new nine-speed automatic transmission that replaces the previous seven-speed gearbox. It promises faster shifts, improved acceleration, and better efficiency. The EPA doesn’t have figures listed for the 2025 model, but its predecessor maxed out at 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined.
Buyers can select between rear- or four-wheel drive, although the off-road focused Pro-4X comes standard with the latter setup. The trim is also notable for having an electronic locking rear differential.
A Comfortable And Capable Cruiser
While the Armada is a large body-on-frame SUV, it’s surprisingly civilized. A lot of the credit goes to the independent front and rear suspension as well as the available adaptive air suspension. They help to keep the ride comfortable and composed, although rough roads expose some truck-like qualities. Body roll is also kept at a minimum, although we didn’t explore the SUV’s limits.
The ride isn’t the only thing the Armada has going for it, as the electric power steering system feels perfectly tuned. Even in Normal mode, there’s a good amount of heft and that’s surprisingly rare as most models force you into Sport mode to avoid an overly boosted feel.
Engineers beefed up the frame and the latest Armada benefits from a 25% increase in torsional rigidity as well as a 57% increase in lateral stiffness. This results in making it feel solid as a rock. The benefits extend beyond that as the stiff structure works together with an acoustic windshield and generous amounts of sound deadening material to limit wind and road noise.
Since the full-size SUV is smaller than some competitors, at 209.6 inches (5,324 mm) long, it doesn’t feel like you’re driving the Ever Given. Visibility is also good and there’s a ton of different camera views to aid in tight quarters.
Thanks to the comfortable ride, the Armada is a capable highway cruiser. To make long distance trips even more relaxing, most versions have ProPILOT Assist 1.1, which combines adaptive cruise control with a lane centering function. A number of trims also offer ProPILOT Assist 2.1 and it’s worth the roughly $3,000 price tag as it allows for hands-free operation.
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Speaking of driver assistance technology, all Armadas come with Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning / Intervention, and Trailer Blind Spot Warning. They’re joined by Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning / Intervention, Rear Automatic Braking, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
When it comes time to stop, the Armada calls on 13.78-inch (350 mm) discs at all four corners. They’re up to the challenge as they bring the nearly three ton SUV to a safe and predictable halt.
While we didn’t get an opportunity to tow during our brief test drive, the Armada comes standard with a Class IV receiver and the ability to haul up to 8,500 lbs (3,856 kg). Customers will also find an assortment of towing tech including trailer sway control, trailer back-up assist, and an integrated trailer brake controller. The latter comes standard on the Pro-4X and Platinum Reserve, and sees the controller installed right next to the steering wheel.
Verdict: No Longer A Wallflower
While the Armada isn’t particularly fun to drive, it’s large, comfortable, and surprisingly luxurious in Platinum Reserve guise. It also has a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine as well as the capability to tow up to 8,500 lbs (3,856 kg).
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On top of that, the interior packaging has been improved and the third row can now accommodate adults. While some of the technology comes across as gimmicky, there are welcome features such as an integrated dash cam and ProPILOT Assist 2.1. Nissan also wisely embraced physical controls instead of burying commonly used functions behind a touchscreen.
All in all, the Armada is a huge leap forward as it easily outclasses the Sequoia while also scoring some good hits against the Tahoe and Yukon. That’s pretty remarkable when you consider it costs less than its rivals.
