Category: Nissan

Competitors to the 2025 Nissan Armada take note — the automaker has given the model a substantial refresh for the new year.

Now in its third generation, the Armada, based on the rugged and globally-known Nissan Patrol, has an even stronger connection to that popular SUV in terms of its off-road capabilities. Its subsequent new trim, the Pro-4X, was made for the trail and now joins the SV, SL, Platinum, and Platinum Reserve in the lineup.

The new Armada will be in showrooms at the end of this year. Let's take a look at how the latest version stacks up against its 2024 predecessor.

A trail-worthy trim has been added to the 2025 Nissan Armada's lineup

The Armada has not always lived up to the Patrol's storied reputation around the world as a powerful off-road vehicle, but Nissan hopes to change that with the Pro-4X. Features include a front fascia reshaped for a superior approach angle and a metal underbody skid plate to protect the Armada's underside on rough terrain.

Off-roading can be challenging without the right tools; the Pro-4x's electronic locking rear differential, four-wheel-drive, adaptive damping air suspension, 20-inch wheels, and all-terrain tires provide much-needed driver control. The Pro-4X also offers Standard, Eco, Sport, Tow, Snow, Sand, Rock, and Mud/Rut drive modes.

The Armada Pro-4X looks imposing with a blacked-out exterior trim and red accents. There’s an available two-tone roof (also an option on the Platinum and Platinum Reserve) of Super Black with accents of Alpine Metallic, Gun Metallic, Coulis Red, Aspen White, or Everest White.

An imposing exterior and roomy interior at all levels

The Armada has always turned heads with its bold look, and this model is no exception to that rule; in fact, there's even more love here, in a very literal sense. The 2025 SUV is slightly bigger than it was in 2024 — while its wheelbase of 121.1 inches remains the same, it's a few inches longer, higher, and wider than it was last year. Depending on the trim, 18-, 20-, or 22-inch wheels are offered.

The 2024 and 2025 Armada can seat seven or eight people: the second row's three-across bench comfortably makes room for eight while the addition of captain's chairs take that number down by one. While front legroom has seen a gain of about two inches, the second row is reduced by nearly the same amount. The legroom in the third row is where the most significant gain lies — it’s now 34.5 inches compared to the 28.4 inches of the current Armada model. The SUV also has slightly more cargo space than it did in the past.

Related: The 2025 Nissan Kicks returns with bold looks, AWD, and more space

Less is more with the Armada's new engine

The Armada has been outfitted with a hefty V8 engine from the get-go, but Nissan recognized the need for change due to rising fuel prices, more stringent emissions regulations, and lessening consumer demand. This latest iteration has pivoted to a smaller but no less powerful engine in the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission powering the rear wheels. (Four-wheel drive is available for all trims but comes standard on the Pro-4x.) The Armada's towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds and top tongue weight of 850 pounds remain the same as 2024.

The Armada's updated tech and entertainment offerings

In 2024 models, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen became the norm. It remains, but a 12.3-inch all-digital gauge display now accompanies it. Higher-end trims can be upgraded to dual 14.3-inch displays. In both instances, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Most Armada trims now feature a Klipsch 12-speaker audio system, USB ports across all three rows, and an upgraded 360-degree camera. A built-in dashcam, interior monitoring camera, and head-up display are also available for higher trims.

Final thoughts

The Nissan Armada’s upgrades for 2025 will no doubt increase its user-friendliness and efficiency, both of which can be sometimes hard to come by in such a large SUV. The introduction of the PRO-4X also allows the Armada to take a great leap forward on the trial. We look forward to seeing what it has to offer in the coming months.