​​The New Armada Is A Bright Star In Its Category​

The previous Nissan Armada was a fine full-size SUV that met all expectations for its category, including comfortable seating for three rows of passengers, ample cargo space, and a towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds. The new 2025 Armada features an all-new look, with every angle appearing “upscale.” The interior reinforces this with a distinctly luxurious dashboard and high-end vehicle features. Under the hood lies an all-new powerplant. For those who find their luxury in the great outdoors, the Pro-4X offers true enhanced off-road capability. So now, when people in coastal South Carolina think “full-size SUV,” they should definitely shop at Dick Smith Nissan of Columbia.  

Greater Power 

Our Armada research page covers many fundamentals, but it’s worth reiterating that the previous 5.6-liter V-8 has been replaced by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, producing 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. That’s an increase of 25 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed and managed through a nine-speed automatic transmission before being sent to either the rear or all four wheels. Despite the additional power, EPA-estimated mileage increases by a couple of mpg to 16 (city), 20 (highway), and 18 (combined), while retaining the towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, surpassing the Tahoe by 100 pounds. “The Armada’s generational improvements make it more competitive than ever,” says Car and Driver. 

World-Class Off-Road Chops 

The Armada now differs little from the Nissan Patrol sold in other markets worldwide, which, in the words of The Drive automotive website, has “a stellar reputation in other parts of the world as a peer to the Land Cruiser.” This capability is fully manifested in the Armada Pro-4X. This is the first time the name has appeared on an Armada, and it distinguishes itself with a locking rear differential, adaptive electronic air suspension, all-terrain tires, and a metal underbody skid plate. Its unique front fascia results in a 33-degree approach angle. The 24.5-degree departure angle and 25.5-degree breakover angle exceed the specs for the Ford Expedition Tremor, and the Tahoe line has nothing comparable.  

Luxurious Interior 

All Armada models save their most impressive aspects for the interior, showcasing dashboards that would feel perfectly at home in any luxury-brand competitor. J.D. Power observed the Armada interior this way: “Many large, truck-based SUVs are characterized by harsh, angular surfaces and shapes that harken back to their utilitarian roots. Nissan eliminates all of that here. All of the Armada’s surfaces flow smoothly together, and up front, at least, they’re adorned with a selection of quality materials.” 

Dual 12.3-inch displays are well integrated into the dash design, with screens increasing to 14.3 inches on higher models. The Drive observed, “That sounds like a lot, and maybe it’s a bit much, but they’re short and wide rather than tall, so they don’t protrude into your field of vision. Plus, there are real buttons for most controls underneath the screens, right where they should be.” Speaking of The Drive, the author remarked on the available 12-speaker, 600-watt Klipsch sound system: “The sound quality is better than any factory car I’ve heard, including the Bentley Bentayga’s outrageous Naim sound system, a $9,150 option.” 

Despite all its new features, the Armada has a starting MSRP of $57,520, just $1,000 more than the previous model. The reviews are in, and they indicate that if you’re in the market for a full-size three-row SUV, the Armada should be on your list of considerations. You can check out this impressive new model here at Dick Smith Nissan of Columbia.