Large SUVs rule the school run. They also are great for bringing your children and their friends or teammates to sports practice. You have space for them and their gear. After you drop them off, you can take home a month’s worth fo shopping at your favorite membership mega-retailer.
Nissan has been trying to find the right ingredients to make a large SUV that competes with its rivals. They may have found it in the new 2025 Nissan Armada. It is the only SUV built by the automaker on the larger truck-based frame. It is also a global vehicle, marketed as the Patrol in several markets worldwide.
For us, we have a lineup of large SUVs that includes this off-road capable Pro-4X trim. We were intrigued by this model to check it out.
Compared to the last generation model, the 2025 Nissan Armada has presence. It may bigger in some dimensions, but it is the exterior design that makes it so. It is more squared off with creases and some angles to give it a dominance you expect in a large SUV. The front end sports an LED headlamp and driving cluster that is distinctive, each one flanking a large grille area. The side profile sports a large glass area that eventually cants up to meet a trim piece finishing the D pillar.
The tailgate is large with LED taillight units flanking each side, with a horizontal strip across it bridging the two lightning units. It also opens wide and high, but it can be adjusted if need be.
The Pro-4X comes with 20-inch alloy wheels wearing all-terrain tires. It also wears its own large black grille design with red badges front and back. The lower front clip is folded back for a better angle of approach, while sporting red recovery hooks.
Inside yields a massive feel. That starts with the two 14.3-inch screens in front of the driver. One, is the digital instrument cluster that offers plenty of information that you need through a few screens. The other is the infotainment touchscreen that also houses Google built-in, along with smartphone integration. It also shows series of camera views that includes a clear view through the hood to see which obstacles are in the way that you can’t see over it.
The controls are tactile, but the climate controls ones seem to be both lacking logic and are overwhelming. The transmission is controlled by piano black buttons. We found the center control a bit too wide.
However, the front leather seats are large and comfortable. They also yield support, as well. Second row room is exceptional when you adjust the 60/40 split for both rake and recline. Third row access is fine where you can seat up to three people.
Behind the third row of seats, you can stow up to 20.4 cubic feet of luggage. Folding down the third-row seats is easy, while opening up the space to 56.3 cubic feet. With both the second and third rows folded down, you have up to 97.1 cubic feet of cargo space.
All 2025 Armadas are powered by a 425-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine that also puts down 516 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels through a two-sped transfer case and an electronic locking rear differential.
The twin-turbo V6 is a strong performer. It doesn’t hesitate to accelerate and pass on the highway. It is happier when you’re just cruising. The EPA states that the 2025 Nissan Armada Pro-4X can achieve around 15 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway. It is also rated to tow up to 8,500 pounds.
The Armada Pro-4X is not as softly sprung as you might expect. It delivers a smooth ride and dampens any rougher surfaces below. However, we did experience some softness when it comes to handling with some lean and roll when pushed through the corners. Yet it can quickly maneuver away from any obstacles.
The steering is fine with solid action from the wheel. Turning radius is fien for a vehicle in its size and you can adjust into a parking space with ease. On-center feel was fine, as well. The brakes felt good with a solid pedal feel. We experienced decent stops in normal and panic situations.
You have a choice of four trim levels on the 2025 Nissan Armada. Most trim levels will come with four-wheel drive. Pricing starts from $57,520. Our Pro-4X tester came with a sticker price of $80,980.
The new Armada competes in a segment where family transportation is a high priority among consumers. The more space you have available to you and 7-8 people, the better. Competitors include the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition, Jeep Wagoneer, and Toyota Sequoia.
Considering your choices in the large SUV segment, the 2025 Nissan Armada made strides to improve itself, It is now a serious player in this segment and worth a look.
