2025 Nissan Armada Preview – Consumer Reports

Every Armada is now powered by a 425-hp, twin-turbocharged V6 engine that’s more powerful than the outgoing 400-hp V8. The only transmission offered is a nine-speed automatic. Nissan hasn’t shared fuel economy estimates, but the Infiniti is EPA-rated at 17 mpg combined—not great but notably better than the last Armada we tested. 

Rear-wheel drive comes standard and four-wheel drive is optional on all trims except the PRO-4X, which is offered only with four-wheel drive. Other off-road focused features exclusive to the PRO-4X include an electronic locking rear differential, a metal underbody skid plate, 9.6 inches of ground clearance, an approach angle of 33 degrees, a breakover angle of 25.5 degrees, and a departure angle of 24.5 degrees. (The 2024 model had an approach angle of 21 degrees, a breakover angle of 20.7 degrees, and a departure angle of 22.4 degrees.) The improvement should make it easier for the PRO-4X to traverse steeper angles and deeper ditches while driving off-road.

All Armadas can still tow up to 8,500 pounds. However, the base SV trim lacks a tow mode, a trailer brake controller, trailer backup assist, and hill descent control.

The Armada retains its traditional body-on-frame design, in which the body of the vehicle is mounted to a separate chassis—which is generally better for towing and off-roading. Unlike the Toyota Sequoia, it has an independent rear suspension like its competitors from Chevrolet, GMC, and Jeep. We thought the prior Armada had clumsy handling and jostled its occupants over bumps, and that the body rolled like a ship in turns. Although these issues are impossible to avoid in vehicles as large as the Armada, Nissan says it has given the new model a stiffer frame that should significantly improve ride and handling. We’ll put it to the test on our track to see whether it delivers.

The Armada now gets electric power steering with a quicker steering ratio than the prior model, which should also improve handling and address our complaints that the outgoing model’s slow steering required a lot of effort. In addition, an adaptive air suspension is available on the PRO-4X and Platinum Reserve trim levels. (We found that the redesigned QX80 had a comfortable ride in most situations, putting it on a par with the better luxury SUVs.)