By: Jag Dhatt
The Refreshed Armada is a Welcome Change
There are a few vehicles that, although not bad in any sense, just get overlooked. The Nissan Armada was perhaps one of these. It was never a bad SUV, but it just didn’t have the appeal factor when compared to GMC, Jeep or Ford. Add on the point that in the past 21 years, it’s only had two generations. In the automotive world, a refresh usually happens every 4-6 years on average; the Armada was definitely lagging behind the competition. But for 2025, team Nissan went to work and made, in my opinion, a very attractive option for a full-size, three-row SUV.
The 2025 Armada is all new; everything from the engine, frame, transmission, interior, and new technology, the makeover is impressive.
As with many other brands, the new Armada has shifted towards an even boxier look. This seems to have become the norm, as seen in the new Lexus GX, Toyota Land Cruiser and of course, the Escalade and Suburban. And why not. It creates more interior space while giving a rugged and sporty look.
The 2025 Armada incorporates bolder proportions which give it a brash, imposing stance. The front fascia now has less chrome, thankfully, all the while becoming more seamless. The larger grille incorporates Dual C-Clamp running lights that border the LED headlamps. Our Platinum Reserve edition came with massive 22-inch machined and painted wheels, wearing 275/50R22 all-season tires. These wheels add a touch of contemporary flair, and they look substantial enough to handle our sometimes rough Canadian roads. Moving to the rear, the redesigned taillights connected by a light bar give it a more upscale and sophisticated appearance. It feels more cohesive now.
Climbing inside, the materials feel a step up from before. The quilted leather-appointed seats in the first and second rows are plush and supportive, definitely a step up in terms of luxury. The Platinum Reserve gives both heating and ventilation – a real treat on those hot summer days or during a chilly winter morning. The heated outboard second-row seats are another thoughtful touch for passenger comfort.
If you opt for the seven-seat configuration, you’ll find second-row captain’s chairs with a center console. This not only provides a more spacious and comfortable experience for those passengers but also makes accessing the third row a breeze with the LATCH AND GLIDE® feature for easy tip-up. Looking around, the materials definitely feel more upscale.
The technology is also much improved. The 14.3-inch digital dashboard is crisp and modern, and it pairs seamlessly with the 14.3-inch touchscreen display in the center. This infotainment system includes features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as available Google built in. Luckily, unlike other brands, Nissan decided to keep lots of physical buttons and for me, this is a definite plus.
For added convenience and luxury, the Platinum Reserve features a power panoramic moonroof, a power liftgate, and even an Intelligent Rear View Mirror. For the audiophile, the 12-speaker Klipsch® setup provides a truly immersive sound experience.
All this is great so far, but the real meat of the Armada is felt when you drive it, and like the improved exterior and interior, the ride quality is improved.
Gone is the previous V8 engine, and in its place is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 powerplant. Don’t let the smaller displacement fool you; this new engine cranks out an impressive 425 horsepower and a substantial 516 lb-ft of torque, which is an increase in both horsepower and torque compared to the outgoing V8. There’s definitely no shortage of grunt.
The engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, which offers smooth and responsive shifts. Whether you’re accelerating onto the highway or just cruising around town, the powertrain feels strong and capable. The transmission generally does a good job of finding the right gear, though occasionally it does feel a little indecisive with frequent gear changes.
The 2025 Armada comes standard with four-wheel drive (4WD) in Canada. This isn’t a simple on-demand system either. It features a two-speed transfer case with 4HI and 4LO settings for more serious off-road situations. For everyday driving, there’s a convenient 4Auto mode that can be used on paved surfaces.
On the road, the Armada offers a comfortable ride, especially when equipped with the available adaptive air suspension on the Platinum Reserve. This system can adjust the ride height for better comfort and even lower the vehicle at highway speeds for improved aerodynamics. While it’s a big SUV, the steering is more responsive than the previous generation, making it easier to maneuver. You’ll still be aware of its size, but it handles curves reasonably well for a vehicle in this class.
With all the good, there are some shortcomings of the 2025 Nissan Armada. Most notably has to be fuel economy. While the new twin-turbo V6 is more powerful than the old V8, it’s still a large, body-on-frame SUV, and fuel consumption is not its strongest suit. With high gas prices (especially in Vancouver), this could be a significant factor for some buyers. Real-world mileage often falls short of official estimates, particularly in city driving with stop-and-go traffic, which we definitely experience around here.
Another point to consider is the third-row space. While it’s there and functional, it’s not as spacious as some of its competitors. Adults can fit back there for shorter trips, but it might feel cramped on longer journeys. If regularly hauling more than five adults is a priority, some other large SUVs might offer more comfortable third-row seating.
Finally, the sheer size of the Armada can be a challenge in tighter parking situations or navigating narrow streets, which can be common in some urban areas. While the improved steering helps, it’s still a large vehicle to maneuver.
To note, the 2025 Armada isn’t the most budget friendly, with our Platinum Reserve’s sticker at $105K. The base SL starts at $85K as reference. But this Armada represents a significant step forward, offering a potent twin-turbo V6 engine, a more modern and assertive style, and a notably upgraded interior, especially in the top trim. While it may not lead the pack in fuel efficiency or third-row spaciousness, the Armada delivers a compelling blend of power, capability, and enhanced refinement. For those seeking a robust and well-equipped family SUV with a strong presence, the 2025 Nissan Armada is certainly a contender worth serious consideration.
