Nissan Armada: Previously, the Nissan Armada was lacking a good off-road fighter in the competitive world of full-size SUVs. More recently, the rugged Pro-4X grade has been introduced as part of the new 2025 model of the SUV. With it, the Armada finally gains a foothold amongst the elite in slugging it out with the muck. However, new upgrades will not only stop with the new trim level important aspect is that the improvements made to the overall Armada lineup would also be quite significant and will change the vehicle into a more capable and compelling one.
Introduction to the Pro-4X
This new vehicle, the Armada Pro-4X, does not merely draw attention; it has long put it into a trance. He was rendered buoyant at 80.1 inches, the equivalent of the highest point ever reached by any NBA legend, Shaquille O’Neal. It draws impressive front-end views, mcreatedwith a 33.0-degree approach angle, to be used with red tow hooks for serious recovery tasks. The departure and breakover angles are 24.5 degrees and 25.5 degrees, respectively, which, together with 9.6 inches of ground clearance, make this vehicle a true trail master. Fender cladding, all-terrain tires, and an electronically locking rear differential are just a few more features that make it the most trail-ready Armada to date.
Powertrain modifications and trade-offs
With all these off-roading capabilities, something had to give: Out with the old-school 5.6-liter V8 that used to power the Armada. The now-fit twin-turbo 3.5L V6 engine powers the SUV and is rated at 425 hp and a whopping 516 lb-ft of torque, and is therefore an upgrade of 24 hp and 103 lb-ft over the previous engine. The change of gears is handled by a nine-speed automatic, which is not free from foibles. It shifts very often, even in highway conditions, sometimes to the point of feeling indecisive and overly active.
HIGHS: Fast-accelerating, peaceful, and spacious interior, and a smooth ride with the smaller wheels.
Nissan has tuned its standard V-6 for the use of regular fuel, sacrificing 25 horsepower versus the luxury counterpart of the Infiniti QX80 that requires premium fuel. Still, there is no loss in performance on the Pro-4X during testing, where it reached 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and did the quarter-mile run in 14.4 seconds at 98 mph, only edging ahead of the 406-pound-fatter QX80 by 0.2 and 0.1 seconds, respectively.
Outwardly, the V-6 seems an old diesel motor when idling, but stepping inside provides a cocoon for up to eight passengers in a tranquil 64-decibel environment at 70 mph. Extra legroom is provided in the first and third rows without changing the wheelbase due to the redesign. It does take away a few inches from the second row, but that alone actually allows for an impressive 4.5 inches of added space in the third row.
There’s just a little bit of head toss at low speeds, while the ride is notably smooth compared to what we’ve experienced in the higher trims of the Armada or the Infiniti QX80, thanks to those smaller wheels. The new electric power steering feels a little heavy, but it delivers better responses than the previous hydraulic one. The brake pedal is soft, but it has enough power to bring the weighty SUV to a stop from 70 miles per hour at 175 feet.
With the arrival of the Platinum Reserve, luxury simply comes with muscle.
The entirely luxurious Platinum Reserve trim is the last stop on the Nissan Armada train, trading Pro-4X off-road heroics for upscale refinement and added features. The sky is the limit with this high-end version, and it offers a full array of goodies: quilted leather seats with massage functions for the front occupants; plush surfaces all around; adaptive air suspension; huge 22-inch wheels; and even a biometric skin sensor that cools its occupants based on body temperature.
Disadvantages: transmission is laggy, steering feel is vague, and engine noise is noticeable at idle.
The Platinum Reserve has a posh gravitas, but it is not sacrosanct. The air-suspension and adaptive dampers aren’t meant for use with the huge 22-inch wheels, when coupled with Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S tires, the vehicle’s ride comfort suffers significantly. Even at its cousin, Infiniti QX80, there are noticeable shudders and wobbles inside the cabin. In contrast, the Pro-4X takes a smaller wheel (20 inches as opposed to the 22 of the Platinum Reserve) and has Yokohama all-terrain tires-and thus, like the third world couriers it goes, it is expected to absorb the little things more gracefully.
Oversized wheels allow more noise into the cabin. At highway speed (70 mph), the Platinum Reserve measured ambient noise at 66 decibels, just a tad noisier than the quieter-at-64-decibels Pro-4X. Luckily, the great Klipsch audio can easily drown out such a difference while cranking it up.
The same would not be said of any of the braking tests made on the Platinum Reserve. From 70 mph, it stopped in 179 feet, a measurement longer than that of the Pro-4X. However, it does register better skidpad grip, clocking 0.80 g compared to the Pro-4X’s 0.77 g. Fuel economy is yet another advantage of Platinum; it achieved 22 mpg highway, exceeding its EPA rating by 3 mpg. Pro-4X has fallen 18 mpg behind.
It was found with performance testing that the Platinum Reserve, which weighs more, is significantly slower at 60 mph in 6.1 seconds and finishes the quarter mile in 14.5 seconds at 98 mph.
Both the entry prices of $75,750 for the Pro-4X and $82,000 for the Platinum Reserve seem more than a little overpriced. But they very handily undercut almost every competitor with similar equipment. Well endowed for upgrades and good value, the latest Armada has what it takes to do battle with “the big boys” among full-size SUVs.
Conclusion: The 2025 Nissan Armada
The 2025 Nissan Armada will indeed be one of the best in the full-size SUV category. The Anthem includes everything an off-roader wants in an outdoor adventure in the Pro-4X trim variant or even a terrace with classy comfort in the Platinum Reserve. Performance, comfort, and futuristic technology are the hallmark ingredients of this armory. It has an incredibly powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, a cozy interior with ungodly and high-tech fittings, and most importantly, advanced safety features. It is more of a statement on the road than an SUV.
And if you were thinking of an all-around full-size SUV: power, luxury, and practicality Nissan Armada is the investment you will never regret making. Buy it today and discover some ways it can improve your driving experience.
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