Latest Nissan Armada borrows heavily from its wealthier sibling

The family resemblance is strong between Nissan’s full-size SUV and the Infiniti QX80, which recently had its own makeover.

2025 Nissan Armada in Platinum Reserve trim exterior
The 2025 Nissan Armada is shown in Platinum Reserve trim. – Nissan Canada photo

It’s good to see siblings sharing.

In the case of the Nissan Armada, the result is a well-equipped, technology laden full-size SUV that is said to mix on-road comfort and off-road capability.

Nissan has unveiled its next generation Armada, which is debuting as a 2025 model. At first glance, you can see the strong family resemblance with the more-expensive Infiniti QX80, which had its own makeover earlier this year. That’s no surprise as the Armada and QX80 have been body doubles ever since the QX was born, initially called the QX56 before it gained the larger number in more recent generations.

From the exterior, the general shape is the same with some tweaks as the Armada gets its own grille, lights, more off-road ready fenders, side vents and more.

But there’s more sharing than what you can see from the outside.

2025 Nissan Armada interior front seats
The all-new Nissan Armada ups the comfort level. – Nissan Canada photo

The Armada gains the QX80’s twin-turbo direct-injected 3.5-litre V6, which produces 425 hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque, which is up by 25 hp and 103 lb.-ft. of torque over the outgoing Armada’s V8. Interestingly, it’s 25 hp less than the QX80’s 450 hp but has the same torque figure. Towing capacity is 8,500 pounds.

Select the Platinum Reserve grade and you’ll get an adaptive electronic air suspension, which is available in the Infiniti as well.

There’s also an available ProPilot Assist 2.1 system, which provides hands-free highway driving capability. ProPilot Assit 1.1 is standard, which combines intelligent cruise control with steering assistance.

Another goody shared with its wealthier sibling, the Armada gets a Klipsch sound system with 12 speakers as standard fare, whereas the Infiniti’s Klipsch sound system has 14 or 24 speakers, depending on the trim selected. Looking for personalized ambient lighting with 64 colours? You got it as well.

The list of shared features goes on and on.

2025 Nissan Armada PRO-4X exterior
A more off-road capable PRO-4X grade of the 2025 Nissan Armada is available. – Nissan Canada photo

For this latest Armada, Nissan reminds North Americans of its connection to the Nissan Patrol, a name the company’s flagship SUV uses in other markets and has a legacy of more than 70 years with a reputation of being a vehicle designed to conquer tough terrain.

Furthermore, the 2025 Armada gains the all-new PRO-4X grade, which increases the three-row SUV’s off-road capability. This trim features all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, an electronic locking differential and an adaptive electronic air suspension.

With its suspension raised to its highest setting, an increase of 2.1 inches over standard height, the Armada PRO-4X provides:

  • 9.6 inches of ground clearance
  • an approach angle of 33.9 inches
  • a 25.3-inch breakover angle
  • a 24.3-inch departure angle

The newest Armada also increases safety with the Nissan Safety Shield 360, which is standard on all trims, as well as available 3D Around View Monitor, Front Wide View and Invisible Hood View, all features that utilize cameras that help the driver see outside the vehicle, especially when navigating in tight or off-road spots.

2025 Nissan Armada interior facing seats
There’s more passenger space in the 2025 Nissan Armada over the outgoing model. – Nissan Canada photo

On the inside, there are standard massaging front seats, available dual 14.3-inch screens, Google built-in connectivity and more.

The 2025 Armada also gains more legroom for first- and third-row occupants and 24 per cent more cargo space behind the third row. Wheels measuring up to 22 inches are available.

The 2025 Armada will be available in five grades: SL, PRO-4X, Platinum, Platinum Reserve and Platinum Reserve Captain’s Chairs. All versions come with intelligent four-wheel drive.

2025 Nissan Armada rear cargo area
There is more cargo space in the 2025 Nissan Armada over the outgoing model. – Nissan Canada photo

The Armada will go on sale in late 2024 and Canadian pricing will be announced closer to that date. The outgoing 2024 model starts at $76,450 so you can expect a price bump.

Visit the Nissan Canada website for updates.

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