There are some folks who are looking for opulent luxury features without being showy with a luxury nameplate. If you are more interested in blue jeans versus the designer dress, the Nissan Armada is a terrific choice for a large three-row SUV that is often overlooked. The competition is fierce in this segment, but I was left impressed with what Nissan is offering. It delivers all the luxury and looks you would expect from a high-end SUV.
Unfortunately, that does come with a significant price tag of just over $89K. Compared with competitors that push well into six-figure territory, it can be considered a deal. My tester flaunted a “super-premium paint” option as well as ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s automatic highway driving suite. Without those two options, the price would have dropped, allowing you to get most of the features you crave for around $80K. However, I really like the technology that allows the vehicle to navigate highways and traffic jams with minimal driver input, helping you arrive more relaxed.
All the Bells. All the Whistles.
My Platinum Reserve tester was loaded with goodies such as a panoramic moonroof, quilted leather that evoked a Bentley-like feel, and heated and ventilated seats with massage. Power third-row seats make it easy to raise and lower them for storage. The middle-row seats have the usual lower anchors for car seats, but they can also tilt to allow access to the third row even when those seats are installed. Accessing the third row is a breeze, which makes loading and unloading kids at pickup easy.
I really liked the large, legible heads-up display, which makes finding turns using the built-in Google navigation easy. Something this large may not be easy to park, but Nissan delivers with powerful camera technology that helps drivers confidently navigate parking lots, urban areas and even off-road situations. These technologies include a 3D version of Nissan’s Intelligent Around View Monitor, an Invisible Hood View, and a Front Wide View that lets you see past parked cars, buildings or other obstacles.
Big Power
Everyone loves a V8, but manufacturers are chasing fuel economy, and most have switched to turbocharged V6 powerplants for their large SUVs. Nissan follows suit, powering the new Armada with a twin-turbo, direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 engine. Rated at 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, the VR35DDTT engine delivers an additional 25 horsepower and 103 lb-ft compared to the V8 in the outgoing Armada.
According to Nissan, the engine incorporates several technologies to improve efficiency, including Idle Stop-Start and mirror bore coatings in the cylinders that reduce friction. It pairs with a 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, offering two more forward speeds than the outgoing Armada for improved acceleration and cruising efficiency. The transmission has a 40 percent wider gear ratio range than the prior 7-speed, along with quicker upshifts.
All that power and gearing means this big SUV can tow toys. The 2025 Armada has a standard towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds, with a Class IV tow hitch and 7-pin harness pre-wiring on all grades. Platinum Reserve grades add an integrated trailer brake controller. New to Nissan, standard Trailer Blind Spot Monitoring can warn of vehicles in blind spots even when towing. You just need to input the length of the trailer, up to 33 feet, to configure the system. That inspires confidence on the highway when hauling a large boat to the launch ramp.
Impressive Interior
The dashboard blends tactile physical controls with large, high-definition screens to optimize usability. The 2025 Armada features dual 14.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment. A physical rotary dial controls drive modes, while push buttons operate the 9-speed automatic transmission.
To enhance the upscale look, the cabin features popular open-pore wood trim. Sixty-four color ambient lighting options illuminate the quilted leather-appointed seating with massage, available in Chestnut, Almond or Charcoal. Nissan says the driver benefits from a commanding viewpoint, the highest driver’s eye point in the segment, providing a confident view of the surroundings.
There are eight cup holders, four bottle holders and six USB-C ports throughout the cabin to keep everyone hydrated and entertained.
Klipsch Audio
Home audio experts Klipsch partnered with Panasonic to design the Armada’s 12-speaker premium audio system. Tom Dunn, Director of Panasonic Audio Systems, notes, “Panasonic and Klipsch teams have been working together for several years, exploring the possibilities to redefine performance levels for automotive audio. The Klipsch Premium Audio System in Armada represents our collective passion to deliver a refined, high-performance, powerful audio experience at the top of the Nissan product lineup.”
Mounted on the dash are 1-inch titanium tweeters that provide extended high-frequency response, enhanced clarity and transparency through a design inspired by the revered Klipsch consumer product line. The doors house high-excursion 6×9-inch mid-bass drivers. Panasonic’s proprietary DJX Surround algorithm works with the Klipsch speakers to create an immersive listening experience that places occupants at the center of the performance.
An 8-inch DualPower subwoofer in the cargo area features a high-excursion design for low-frequency extension. The system is powered by a 12-channel amplifier with a 1 GHz digital signal processor delivering 600 watts of total system power. It sounds very good, and the surround effects are pleasing without being overdone. However, it does begin to break up at higher volumes. If you typically listen around a theoretical seven out of 10, you will be satisfied. If you need more punch, your local mobile electronics retailer can help with a power upgrade.
The Nissan Armada is a pleasant surprise in the full-size SUV segment. Nothing in this category is inexpensive, but it is a quiet, comfortable and tech-laden SUV offered at a reasonable price compared to its luxury siblings. Even fuel economy is respectable, coming in at 17 MPG overall. Sometimes the burger at the chain restaurant beats the one at the expensive steakhouse.
