2025 Nissan Armada SL Review: Can it Challenge the Lexus GX 550?

Redesigned 2025 Nissan Armada SL

• 🚀 The 2025 Nissan Armada receives a complete redesign, sharing its platform with the global Nissan Patrol for the first time, offering a steel box frame and rugged four-wheel-drive capability.
• 🎨 The "Alpine" color, an optional metallic finish, enhances the modern aesthetic of the new Armada, complementing its redesigned LED lighting and grille.
• 💨 Functional corner air curtains are present on the SL trim, though fog lamps are notably absent, a point of consideration given the vehicle's price.

Powertrain and Performance

• ⚙️ Under the hood, a new 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine delivers 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, running on regular 87 octane fuel.
• 🐎 Mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, the Armada achieves 0-60 mph in approximately 6.2 seconds, with a top speed of 120 mph.
• 🏋️ Despite its substantial weight of around 6,100 lbs, the Armada boasts a towing capacity of up to 8,500 lbs.
• 🛣️ The vehicle features adaptive air-ride suspension and offers various drive modes, including Sport, enhancing its drivability and comfort.

Interior and Technology

• 🛋️ The SL trim features a luxurious interior with soft-touch materials, contrast stitching, and premium sound system.
• 📱 A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation, heated seats, and dual-zone climate control is standard, with an optional larger 14-inch screen available.
• 🔌 Physical buttons and switches are retained for essential functions like climate control and heated steering wheel, alongside wireless charging and USB-C ports.
• 💺 The seats offer excellent comfort with zero-gravity support and full power adjustments for the driver and passenger; the second and third rows provide ample space and recline functionality.

Space and Practicality

• 📦 With the third row up, the Armada offers 20 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 57 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97 cubic feet with both rear rows down.
• 💡 Under-floor storage in the cargo area provides additional space for smaller items.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The third row is surprisingly spacious for a full-size SUV, featuring AC vents, a USB-C port, cup holders, and power recliners for enhanced comfort.

Driving Experience and Competition

• 🌟 The 2025 Armada SL offers a quiet, smooth, and comfortable ride, with excellent visibility and precise handling, especially for its size.
• 🔊 Nissan has significantly improved interior sound deadening, making it quieter than competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe.
• 🏆 While the Armada SL is a strong contender, its MSRP of around $70,000 for the 4x4 model places it in competition with established luxury SUVs like the Lexus GX 550, offering a compelling blend of features, performance, and comfort.