Armada: The full-sized SUV may be freshened for the 2008 model year; a redesign is expected for the 2010 model year.

The 2021 Nissan Armada made its debut today, and the changes this year amount to a heavy mid-cycle refresh. Nissan’s full-size SUV isn’t especially old in model years having debuted in its current form for the 2017 model year, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. This generation of Armada is essentially a Nissan-ized Infiniti QX80. At this point, the QX80 is two facelifts on from the vehicle it was when it was all-new in 2011 — at that point, it was still called the QX56. Underneath it all is the internationally-sold Nissan Patrol, which is still the basis of this refreshed 2021 Armada.

Make sense? OK, onward to what’s new.

Since it’s just a refresh, the Armada’s exterior design changes are limited to the front and rear. Nissan gave it new front fenders, a new hood, new grille design and a new front bumper. To Nissan’s credit, that’s a whole lot of new for a mid-cycle update, and the Armada does project a changed attitude. Its new grille and lighting design stand out the most and bring the Armada into the new decade looking fresh. Nissan also chose to debut its new logo on the 2021 Armada, making it the first Nissan in the U.S. to bear it.

Around back, you get new taillights (LED just like the front lights), a new adornment connecting those lights, and a restyled bumper. It’s much more handsome and clean than before. A new Midnight Edition model will black everything out if chrome isn’t your thing. Unseen are new front windows and an acoustic windshield. Of all the elements requiring work, though, the Armada’s interior was in the most dire straits. Thankfully, Nissan has given it some of the love it deserves.

You’ll immediately notice this interior is far removed from the previous Armada, as it gets a new center stack and loads of tech additions. We’ll still point out that much of the interior is carryover, like the dash, doors and seat design (new leather but still the same seats). The new, large 12.3-inch infotainment system (not a touchscreen) now sits front and center, dwarfing the previous screen. Below this you’ll find new buttons for the audio controls, and below that are the climate controls, all updated to Nissan’s current design language. It’s miles better than the absolute mess of buttons the Armada featured previously.

Hiding behind the rectangle of wood on the center stack is a new storage compartment that hides a wireless phone charger. You get USB (A and C) outlets and a new trailer brake controller (standard on all trims). Other new bits include a fancy mode switch dial and redesigned gear shifter. The bigger screen adds wireless Apple CarPlay functionality, but requires a plug for Android Auto. You’ll also need to use the new dial sitting behind the shifter to navigate around the screen.

A new 7-inch screen is tucked into the instrument cluster between the gauges. And the last two new screens are on the rear of the front headrests. Armada Platinum models get 8-inch monitors with an HDMI input for rear passengers to watch movies.




Moving away from screens and to the powertrain, there’s almost nothing new. The 5.6-liter V8 and seven-speed automatic remain. However, Nissan has eked out an extra 10 horsepower if you run premium fuel. That means the Armada maxes out at 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. You can run regular fuel, but the car dials it back to 390 horsepower. Considering neither the rear-drive or all-wheel drive versions manage to crest 20 mpg with their EPA highway ratings, regular fuel might be the prudent choice. The only improvement to its off-roading ability is thanks to the revised front end design. It allows for an approximately 2-degree better approach angle than before.

New safety systems are added to make driving a touch more pleasant, though. Nissan makes its full Safety Shield 360 suite and more standard. Most helpful this year is the addition of adaptive cruise control and auto high-beams. The SL and Platinum trims add a 360-degree camera, and the Platinum gets an improved digital rear view mirror (higher resolution) and traffic sign recognition.

Pricing isn’t available for the Armada yet, but Nissan says it will hit dealers in January 2021.

Fuel and emissions regulations are getting stricter all around the world, not just in Europe. Automakers active in the United States know that which is why the new Toyota Sequoia has lost its gas-guzzling V8 in favor of a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6. It would seem Nissan will be going down the same road with its very own fullsize SUV for the next-generation Armada.

Automotive News has it on good authority the three-row body-on-frame vehicle will also drop the naturally aspirated V8 for a smaller and more efficient six-cylinder. Citing a dealer with information about Nissan's agenda, AN mentions the revamped Armada will switch to a newly developed twin-turbo V6. Such a move would follow not just the Sequoia, but also the Ford Expedition, which retired the V8 several years ago.

The second-gen Armada has been around since the 2017 model year and received a mid-cycle facelift for 2021MY. Its replacement will apparently reach dealers across North America towards the end of 2023. That would make it a 2024MY, with mpg numbers far better than the current model. We'll remind you the 2WD returns 16 mpg combined while the 4WD does just 15 mpg.

As for power, we're aren't necessarily expecting a big drop despite the adoption of a smaller engine. The current 5.6-liter V8 makes 400 hp at 5,800 rpm and 413 pound-feet of torque. The adoption of forced induction will not only pay dividends in terms of fuel economy, but should also enable more lower-end oomph even though the maxim output might not match the VK56VD's.

On a related note, the automaker announced this week plans to abandon ICE development for European markets. However, Nissan did say it will continue to engineer gasoline engines where it projects these will remain relevant, including the United States. A few days ago, Nikkei Asia reported R&D will mainly continue for trucks and SUVs in the US.

Primed for off-road adventures and equipped with advanced technologies to make every journey more connected and more convenient, the all-new 2025 Nissan Armada reinvigorates the full-size SUV segment.

With a PRO-4X grade available for the first time, drivers can feel even more confident tackling the great outdoors, capably transporting outdoor toys with an up to 8,500-pound tow rating and easily handling cross-country road trips with ProPILOT Assist 2.1 hands-off driving assistance.

Effortless capability

The all-new 2025 Nissan Armada was developed for greater capability in nearly every scenario. Compared to the outgoing model, its new frame has 25% greater torsional rigidity and 57% increased lateral stiffness, contributing to improved ride quality and better sound isolation. Those enhancements create a strong foundation for Armada's first-ever PRO-4X grade.

Equipped with Intelligent 4WD as standard, mechanical enhancements to Armada PRO-4X include an electronic locking rear differential, Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension, 20-inch wheels with 275/60R20 all-terrain tires, a metal underbody skid plate and a unique front fascia reshaped for an improved approach angle.

With suspension raised to the highest setting - 2.1 inches above standard height - Armada PRO-4X delivers impressive off-roading metrics:

• 9.6 inches of ground clearance
• an approach angle of 33.0 degrees
• a 25.5 degree breakover angle
• a 24.5 degree departure angle

Numbers don't tell the whole story, however, as PRO-4X features several technologies intended to simplify drives on tricky terrain.

Eight selectable drive modes (Standard, Eco, Sport, Tow, Snow, Sand, Rock, Mud/Rut) on PRO-4X alter vehicle systems to optimize performance for the selected scenario, and Hill Descent Control helps manage speeds when going downhill. An Off-road Information Display features an inclinometer, slip indicator and a steering angle indicator.

Innovative camera technologies also improve visibility around PRO-4X: Invisible Hood View helps spot obstacles by providing a virtual view "through" the engine bay; Front Wide View provides a wide-angle vantage to the front; and 3D Intelligent Around View® Monitor allows the driver to "rotate" the viewing angle on the infotainment display to spot obstacles and hazards from nearly any angle.

Following the iconic appearance of other Nissan PRO-4X models, Armada PRO-4X wears numerous Lava Red accents, including for the functional tow hooks, lettering on the wheel caps and an accent element on the D-pillar. Visual differentiation continues with LED fog lights, black fender flares, black-painted mirror covers and roof rails, a black-painted front grille and unique PRO-4X-themed interior accents.

Engineered for confidence and control

Powering the 2025 Nissan Armada is a twin-turbo, direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 engine. Rated for 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, the VR35DDTT engine offers an additional 25 horsepower and 103 lb-ft compared to the V8 in the outgoing Armada - the most standard horsepower among Armada's competitive set (excluding hybrids and EVs). The engine features numerous technologies to help improve efficiency, including Idle Stop-Start and mirror bore coatings in the cylinders that reduce friction.

The engine pairs to a 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters - two more forward speeds than in the outgoing Armada for improved acceleration and cruising efficiency. It has a 40% increased gear ratio range versus the prior 7-speed transmission, with quicker upshifts.

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. PRO-4X and 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; drivers simply input the length of their trailer (up to 33 feet in length) to configure the system.

PRO-4X and Platinum Reserve grades feature Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension, which helps optimize ride comfort and handling. The system has multiple ride heights depending on circumstance; it can lower at speed to improve aerodynamics, and when parked it can lower 2.0 inches to ease access for people or loading cargo.

This suspension additionally uses electronically adjustable dampers to control roll, pitch and dive. By monitoring road conditions, driver inputs and the currently selected drive mode, the suspension provides a flatter, more comfortable ride across a variety of road surfaces.

The 2025 Armada also switches to electric power steering with a quicker steering ratio, compared to the outgoing model.

Adventurous design

The all-new 2025 Armada features a new adventure ready design with a strong presence and higher ground clearance, along with an imposing visual presence with strong proportions, yet carefully controlled surfacing on its bodysides. All-LED exterior lighting provides stunning illumination at night and a strong visual signature, including an available full-width LED tail lamp.

Armada is offered with 18-, 20- or 22-inch wheels. Its rear wiper is cleverly "hidden" at the top of windshield, yielding a sleeker appearance while enhancing rear visibility. In front, a functional air curtain built into the front fascia helps direct air around the front wheels to improve aerodynamic efficiency.

The 2025 Armada is offered in a stunning color palette including Alpine Metallic, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Coulis Red Pearl, Aspen White Tricoat, Everest White Pearl Tricoat and Deep Ocean Blue Pearl.

A two-tone roof treatment is offered on Platinum, PRO-4X and Platinum Reserve, with a Super Black upper body combined with Alpine Metallic, Gun Metallic, Coulis Red, Aspen White or Everest White.

Function meets form inside

The 2025 Armada offers supreme comfort within its cabin, including high-quality materials, carefully integrated available technologies and notable improvements in roominess for people and cargo.

The dashboard combines tactile physical controls with large, high-definition screens to optimize utility. The 2025 Armada has dual 12.3-inch screens (one for the instrument cluster, one touchscreen for infotainment) as standard; PRO-4X, Platinum and Platinum Reserve upgrade to dual 14.3-inch displays. A physical rotary dial is used to effortlessly control the vehicle's drive modes, and physical push buttons operate the 9-speed automatic transmission.

Finely crafted touches are available, including open pore wood finishing, available 64-color ambient lighting and quilted leather-appointed seating. The driver has a commanding viewpoint - the highest driver's eye point in the segment - for a confident view of the vehicle's surroundings.

Three carefully selected interior color schemes include Charcoal, Chestnut and Almond.

The first row has available heated, cooled, massaging and 12-way adjustable power seats. For the second row, both a bench seat with 40/20/40 split function and captain's chairs with a center console are available, depending on grade level and configuration. The second-row seats can also be heated (Platinum and Platinum Reserve grades). Standard on Platinum and Platinum Reserve grades, and optional on PRO-4X, Biometric Cooling uses a roof-mounted infrared camera to detect overheated front and second-row passengers and direct more cooling air toward them.

To help keep everyone hydrated on long journeys, the cabin features eight cup holders and four bottle holders.

To more comfortably accommodate families, the 2025 Armada's interior roominess has increased in several key metrics. Front-row legroom is up 4.2 inches versus the outgoing Armada, while in the third row, legroom increases an impressive 5.7 inches.

The 2025 Armada likewise offers more cargo room in all seating configurations, helping drivers bring along more of what they need for work, play or the daily commute. Cargo room behind the third row increases by 24%, or nearly 4 cubic feet, to 20.4 cubic feet; behind the second row it rises by 6 cubic feet to 56.3 cubic feet; and behind the first row, it increases to a total of 97.1 cubic feet. An available power liftgate (SL and higher) and motion-activated liftgate (Platinum and higher) make access to the cargo area simpler.

Inspired technology

As on all Nissan models, the 2025 Armada implements advanced technology to make the experience better for all on board.

One of the most immediately visible technologies is Google built-in (SL grades and higher), which brings familiar apps - Google Maps, Google Assistant and the Play Store - to the vehicle's dashboard, providing up-to-date navigation and other entertainment apps, without needing to connect a phone.

On all 2025 Armada grades, wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™ are standard. There are six USB Type-C ports throughout the cabin, plus a wireless device charger in the center console on SL grade and higher.

To deliver rich and immersive sound that matches its bold and imposing capabilities, Armada is available with a Klipsch® Premium Audio System. It features 12 speakers, including a DualPower™ subwoofer, with 600 watts of power.

The 2025 Armada uses powerful camera technology to help drivers confidently navigate parking lots, urban areas and even off-road. The technologies include a 3D version of Nissan's Intelligent Around View® Monitor, an Invisible Hood View and a Front Wide View for seeing past parked cars, buildings or other obstacles.

Intuitive driver assistance

The all-new 2025 Armada offers three different levels of driver assistance technology that can make road trips, or even just the daily commute, more convenient.

Standard on SV and PRO-4X grades is ProPILOT Assist, which combines Intelligent Cruise Control with steering assistance to help the driver stay centered in their lane and maintain a set speed and distance to the vehicle ahead.

Moving up to the SL, Platinum and Platinum Reserve grades, the 2025 Armada is equipped with ProPILOT Assist 1.1, which elevates the driver assistance experience by using navigation information to proactively adjust vehicle speed for curves and interchanges.

Optional on SL, Platinum and Platinum Reserve, ProPILOT Assist 2.1 is Nissan's most advanced driver assistance technology. It allows attentive drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel in single-lane freeway operation, while the system handles acceleration, steering and braking. A map of roads on which ProPILOT Assist 2.1 is available can be found here.

The 2025 Armada also includes numerous safety technologies on all grades with standard Nissan Safety Shield® 360, including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Automatic Braking and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, plus Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention and Intelligent Lane Intervention.

An armada of configurations

The 2025 Nissan Armada is offered in five well-equipped grades: SV, SL, PRO-4X, Platinum and Platinum Reserve. All grades offer the option of either rear-wheel drive or Intelligent 4WD, except PRO-4X, which has standard 4WD.