Over my many years of covering the automotive industry, I've maintained a soft spot for Nissan. They've consistently been that manufacturer perpetually on the cusp of greatness, delivering enjoyable vehicles like the Leaf, Altima, Maxima, and the beloved old-school Frontier – a truck that remained true to its utilitarian roots until the very end (note: I'm looking forward to testing the new version soon!).
The Armada, however, has been a different story. Despite its imposing presence, previous generations struggled to find their identity, feeling unnecessarily large on the outside while somehow managing to feel neither particularly spacious nor luxurious on the inside. For a brand that has the legendary Patrol in its global portfolio, the Armada's inability to excel in any particular area – be it luxury, comfort, or off-road capability – has always felt like a missed opportunity. While I'm sure the folks at Nissan don't appreciate me tearing the old one apart, I think it is worth mentioning because I was about to be turned around. This newly introduced 2025 Armada is something that has absolutely caught my attention.
That's why, despite the near-blizzard conditions during my recent preview drive of the all-new 2025 Armada in Detroit left me genuinely impressed. Nissan has finally cracked the code, delivering a full-size SUV that feels purposeful and competitive in today's demanding market.
It's worth mentioning that Nissan is updating it's entire portfolio right now - a few years ago they introduced the all-new Frontier and Pathfinder and now it's time for Armada. They were also introducing the Murano at this event and while I drove that in the afternoon, it frankly suffered from being presented alongside Armada since these two have such very different target audiences. Hopefully we get a chance to spend some time with that one at a later point as well. It deserves it's own time in the spotlight - unfortunately, this wasn't the day for Murano and me to connect :)
A Technical Evolution
The improvements start with the fundamentals. The new frame boasts 25% greater torsional rigidity and 57% increased lateral stiffness compared to its predecessor. These aren't just numbers on a spec sheet – the enhanced structural integrity translates to noticeably better ride quality and sound isolation on the road.
Under the hood, Nissan has made a bold move, replacing the previous V8 with a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine. With 425 horsepower and a whopping 516 lb-ft of torque, it actually outmuscles its predecessor by 25 horses and 103 lb-ft. Paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain feels thoroughly modern and capable.
The Game-Changing PRO-4X
Perhaps the most exciting addition to the lineup is the new PRO-4X grade. While previous iterations of this trim level that I've tried have focused more exclusively on rugged off-road feature, this time they are trying to combine luxury and off-road features into one package.
This isn't just a cosmetic package though – it's a serious off-road contender equipped with an electronic locking rear differential, Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension, and proper all-terrain tires. With up to 9.6 inches of ground clearance and impressive approach and departure angles, it seems poised to challenge the likes of GMC's Yukon AT4 Ultimate, potentially at a more attractive price point.
When asked why they didn't just introduce the Patrol, the response was that they wanted to roll everything together so that Armada could take on the spot that Landcruiser does as a large luxury SUV that was also very capable in terms of going off-road without compromising the luxury comforts you enjoy on road.
We'll see how that goes but one thing is for sure, the demo of the Klipsch sound system that they have in this vehicle was quite impressive and the specs suggest that this might be a lot of fun on trails in Northern Michigan or the UP this summer!
Technology That Makes Sense
Inside, the 2025 Armada finally feels like a modern SUV. The dual 12.3-inch screens (14.3-inch on higher trims) are well-integrated, and the inclusion of Google built-in on SL grades and higher shows Nissan is serious about connectivity. The ProPILOT Assist 2.1 system, available on higher trims, offers hands-off driving capability on compatible highways – a feature that should make those long road trips significantly more relaxing.
First Impressions Matter
While our preview drive was brief – just a few hours on a Detroit morning – it was enough to suggest that Nissan has finally given the Armada the comprehensive update it deserved. The increased interior space (including an additional 5.7 inches of third-row legroom) and improved cargo capacity address key practical concerns, while the overall refinement feels several notches above the outgoing model.
Looking Ahead
As someone who's watched Nissan's evolution over the years, this feels like a pivotal moment for the Armada. While a few hours behind the wheel isn't enough for a definitive verdict, I'm genuinely excited to spend more time with this vehicle, particularly to test its long-distance touring capabilities and explore the PRO-4X's off-road prowess.
In a segment dominated by well-established players, the 2025 Armada finally feels like it knows exactly what it wants to be – and more importantly, has the capabilities to back it up. It's no longer just playing catch-up; it's ready to compete on its own terms.
Now that it's fully in dealerships, the new Armada might just surprise a lot of people. I know it surprised me – and in the best possible way.
