2025 Nissan Armada

The 2025 model year is a busy one for Nissan, with a particular focus on their SUV portfolio. We were impressed by the new Kicks and will have something to say on the new Murano soon, but today we’re looking at the 2025 Armada.

A new design, a smaller yet more powerful engine, and a naval fleet’s worth of technology are all part of this next-gen Armada’s arsenal. And yet, off to landlocked Tennessee we flew for a First Drive in and around the city of Franklin; and that included some off-roading in the new PRO-4X trim. But more on that later.

The Armada remains a large body-on-frame utility; three-rows of space and enough amenities to helm their portfolio’s flagship SUV status. But that foundation is where it all starts; the frame is stronger, translating to better on-road comfort and overall driving dynamics.

Also stronger is the powertrain, headlined by a new engine replacing the outgoing V8, now a smaller twin-turbo V6 rated at 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This new 3.5-liter is said to have evolved from the 3.8-liter boom box found in the GT-R. This new VR35 has a strengthened crankshaft and a number of enhancements to the turbos; they’ve been positioned higher for better water fording, they’re lubricated more efficiently on inclines, and they make more boost.

It’s designed to work with a nine-speed automatic, sending power to the rear-wheels or all four wheels when equipped.

“We did some highway driving earlier and now we’re hitting up some of the back roads, and I guess this is a good time to talk about powertrain. Look, I hate to see another V8 bite the dust, but if you’re gonna replace your V8 you might as well do it with a good engine, and a twin turbo 3.5-liter V6… that’s a pretty good foundation for it.

Now, that extra 25 horsepower you’re gaining out of it, to be blunt, you’re probably not really going to notice that. But what you will notice is that extra 103 lb-ft of torque. Now, that’s a lot of twist, and it’s stuff like that that makes doing truck things that much easier. So, I’m talking towing, you know, 8,500 pounds or up to 8,500 pounds. We’re talking payload and we’re talking about off road, which I’m on my way to go demo now, the new PRO-4X. I think you’re going to notice that torque a lot. The way it’s deployed, this nine speed auto, again, you’re probably not really gonna notice it. But what I will say is it’s smooth. With the paddles it’s easy to pass people on the highway. It’s not like it was a totally necessary change, I guess, but I appreciate it personally.”

For the most part, the new Armada coasts very well. The stiffer frame no doubt boosts agility. Occasionally there was some wind and road noise making its way into the cabin, and over certain bumps and on tight roads it didn’t feel fully settled. But it soaks bumps with ease, especially on the highway, and the new electric power steering system was surprisingly accurate and firm. The Armada certainly feels like a truck, but a well sorted one.

Ride and handling can also be contributed to a Nissan-first Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension. This system comes standard on the new PRO-4X grade, a name you may already be familiar with thanks to their Frontier pickup. The PRO-4X also ups adventure capabilities with a locking rear differential, skid plates, pronounced over-fenders, and unique 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. Various drive modes and hill descent control mean tailoring the drive to your current conditions; and for us, that meant mud mode thanks to some recent inclement weather.

Another upgrade seen on the PRO-4X and other models is an array of camera views you can select from. The invisible hood mode lets you see through the vehicle to better place your tires, while an ultra-wide view mode lets you see around obstacles blocking your peripherals.

But to really drive the point home, Nissan had a special test lined up for us.

“Alright, so we’re doing something a little bit different this time. This is to really showcase this camera view. As you can see, I am being forced to use this camera view to navigate this little… I guess it’s an obstacle course of sorts. Very simple to do, but when you’re blindfolded it adds an extra layer of challenge.

There’s a couple different camera views that you can go through. I can switch through some of them. But the main one that we’re going to use has these really nice little tire places or wheel places on the side here. I can perfectly line up where I have to go or where I want to put the tire. So, if I have a divot or a rut, or let’s not even think about off roading for a second, think about– oh, okay, my thing, my blindfold kind of came off. I’m not cheating.

But think about being in a car wash. Think about, you know, parking in a really tight situation. Something like this is really beneficial– Oh, there we go. It’s back. Something like this is very beneficial.

Now we’re coming up on that simulated bridge crossing here and we’re going to try this out. So… we’re going to go ahead and line it up. We’re going to use our markers to sort of line it up. And we’re also using our sides to sort of show where the wheels at. So, see I could I could bring it over a little bit because I saw that we’re just going to go nice and slow bringing it across. No problem. Just like that.”

The PRO-4X gets closer than ever to the global Patrol name, and is no doubt the choice for those Armada buyers looking to explore. But some might compare it more to “glamping” than roughing it thanks to all the interior amenities.

Standard 12.3-inch screens are upgraded to 14.3-inch units on higher grades. Wireless smartphone integration is standard, and the wireless charger is included on most grades. ProPilot Assist is embedded in all Armadas, upgraded to version 2.1 on the SL and higher, providing some hands-free driving opportunities.

Your hands will be plenty happy with the abundance of physical controls interspersed within the softly appointed cabin, retaining that adventure vibe the new design is going for.

The 2025 Nissan Armada is arriving on dealer lots soon, starting around $58,000 with delivery. That’s for an SV rear-wheel drive; all-wheel drive adds about three-grand. Jumping over the SL and Platinum grades, the PRO-4X starts around $75,000, with the Platinum Reserve just above that. All-wheel drive equipped, the Platinum Reserve will tip $80K.

Those are just our first impressions of the 2025 Nissan Armada. We’ll dive into it and give you our final thoughts on this next-gen iteration soon. But until then, drive safe and stay tuned to MotorWeek.