The muddy terrain could easily snag your boot. Following two days of chilly winter rain, the shallow areas of a hilly forest evolved into a quagmire. With a base layer of decomposing oak and maple leaves, there was a better grip to be found on the trees than on the sodden ground below. Deep within the woods adjacent to Nissan USA’s headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee, I took the new Pro-4X trim—adapted from the Frontier midsize pickup truck—for a spin in the redesigned 2025 Armada. However, the mud had its own agenda.
Those familiar with off-roading understand this kind of soul-sucking sludge can only be managed with a steady flow of momentum. If you stop while climbing or stay entrenched in the ruts, the mire will continue to envelop your tires until the tread has less grip than skin pores.
On the rugged path leading to the mud course, the redesigned Armada—now longer (an increase of 0.7 inch), wider (expanding by 3.4 inches), and taller (ground clearance rises from 9.1 to 9.6 inches)—made its presence undeniably felt. Engaging four-wheel drive and swapping to Mud/Rut mode sent the full-size SUV sliding sideways more than one might expect. It was entertaining enough, akin to a bad wedding dance, especially if you’re in the right mood.
2025 Nissan Armada Pro-4X
For newcomers to off-roading, Nissan has equipped the Pro-4X with ample features to streamline the experience. Engaging the standard rear locker automatically mitigated some of the slipping and swaying common in such a hefty vehicle. Additionally, the Pro-4X offers modes for Snow, Sand, and Rock alongside the four modes available in every Armada. Its air suspension within the double wishbones at both front and rear can elevate the body by 2.0 inches from the base of 9.6 inches or lower it by the same amount for easier loading. In any off-road modes other than Rock, the suspension can reach approximately 10.6 inches of lift, while Rock mode can max out at around 11.6 inches. During standard cruising, it defaults to a two out of four setting.
The redesigned Pro-4X features a raised front bumper that improves the approach angle from 23.5 to 34 degrees. Skid plates safeguard the radiator, 2-speed transfer case, and fuel tank from rocks and other obstacles lurking beneath the murky surface. As I navigated a narrow trail, flanked by towering oak trees with branches threatening to mar the Armada’s sleek Gun Metallic finish, I utilized the side camera views from Nissan’s updated display configuration to maneuver past potential hazards.
The new surround-view camera system might be one of the standout features of the Pro-4X, along with the two Platinum grades. In these versions, the standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen can be upgraded to a combined 14.3 inches. Views from the eight cameras can be displayed across the expansive 28.6 inches of screen area, providing a panoramic wide-angle 170-degree front view. An invisible hood view allows drivers to observe beneath the front axle for obstacles; side mirror cameras display the surroundings on either side; and bird’s-eye views provide a complete surround assessment. This enhanced visibility alleviates many of the uncertainties that often accompany off-roading.
Nissan then brought us to a flat section for a slalom course past hay bales and maneuvering across wooden beams spanning a shallow pit, all while our view was obstructed except via the screens.
The junction between the camera demonstration and the steep climb had transformed into a muddy mess, so I opted for a higher, narrower line to escape the slop and position myself for the ascent. Some of my colleagues remained stuck in the gooey mire. This hefty 6,054-pound SUV demanded strategic maneuvering. I switched to neutral, set the two-speed transfer case to 4-Low, engaged drive, and began to roll until it locked into position. Then I simply waited.
Moving through the trees, the lead Armada made it up without issue. The second vehicle, however, became ensnared in deep ruts during the climb. It slid back down, wedged against a tree. The narrow path made it difficult to align both of the Pro-4X’s standard tow hooks. As a result, side-by-sides and chainsaws were called in for assistance. Perhaps the lead driver didn’t provide adequate space for the second vehicle to maintain momentum. Alternatively, maybe the Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tires on the 20-inch wheels struggled against the mud. It could have been a case of driver inexperience with muddy terrain, or a combination of factors. Would the Frontier Pro-4X have succeeded? Could other off-road SUVs have fared better?
Ultimately, it didn’t matter. The forest had delivered its verdict. I trudged through the mud in my now-soiled boots, feeling sufficiently confident in the Armada Pro-4X’s off-road capabilities, but with limits.
I was reminded of the GMC Hummer EV SUV experience from March 2023, when the term “atmospheric river” became part of the daily lexicon. The torrential rains in California’s wine region, following two decades of drought and overlaying ash from prior wildfires, made the earth akin to mashed potatoes. Even with significantly advanced technology, including rear-axle steering for Crab Walk and an air suspension that could elevate clearance to 15.9 inches, the 9,000-pound SUV couldn’t navigate the terrain. That experience was later repeated in a drier area of the Southwest, where the Hummer EV SUV proved to dominate the off-road landscape.
The third-generation Armada, which bears a striking similarity to the Nissan Patrol offered internationally and is Nissan’s longest-running nameplate, does not share the lofty aspirations of the Hummer EV. At $75,750 for the Pro-4X, it comes in at $30,000 less than the Hummer EV.
The SUV I tested, however, should not have been taken for granted. The underlying message is that the planet often outsmarts us, proving stronger and more perilous than our best aspirations, leading some days to be better spent on the couch.
Towing with the 2025 Nissan Armada
Nissan has shifted from the previous 5.6-liter V-8 engine to a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6, which the company claims has evolved from the GT-R supercar. This new engine produces **425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque**, marking an increase of 25 horsepower and 103 lb-ft over its predecessor. It is combined with a more efficient 9-speed automatic transmission, upgraded from a 7-speed design. Nonetheless, the maximum towing capacity remains unchanged at **8,500 pounds**.
This powertrain performed admirably while towing an Airstream trailer weighing approximately 6,000 pounds, which was bulkier than its towing vehicle. There was no noticeable juddering or bouncing, nor any visible sag from an external perspective. While there was slight swaying during acceleration off the ramp, it stabilized nicely once at cruising speed. Pro-4X models include a standard trailer brake controller, and every Armada is equipped with a Class IV tow hitch and a 7-pin wiring harness.
With the optional air suspension, the rear drops down to accommodate the trailer weight on the tongue, before rising back to its standard height, allowing users to adjust the settings and input the trailer profile into the instrument cluster. A trailer light check feature on the key fob enables one person to step out and verify that trailer brake lights and indicators are functioning correctly, eliminating the need for reflective walls or assistance.
The Armada does not feature the comprehensive array of camera angles found in GM trucks or Ford’s intuitive trailer control system, which simplifies hitching even for novices. Standard side mirrors limit rear visibility, and it appears that Nissan could enhance the visibility with an additional rear camera angle for long trailers. Nonetheless, the system represents a significant modern upgrade.
On-Road Performance of the 2025 Nissan Armada
The revamped Nissan Armada benefits from a more compact, robust engine, a sturdier and better chassis, an optional air suspension, and an overall quieter, more stable driving experience. I find this powertrain—also featured in the Infiniti QX80, albeit with premium fuel—performing impressively. It operates more quietly, accelerates more nimbly, and responds quicker to go from 0 to 60 mph with the 9-speed transmission showing improved throttle responsiveness. Although Sport mode exhibits some jerkiness, both Normal and Eco modes deliver a smooth drive. The rated **17 mpg with four-wheel drive**, which is 2 mpg more than the previous V-8 model, is certainly a welcome advantage.
Both the Platinum and Pro-4X models I tested did not feel or sound like traditional full-size SUVs; however, I did not experience the base SV or mid-tier SL versions with the standard steel spring suspension. Nissan asserts that the new chassis offers 25% greater torsional rigidity and 57% enhanced lateral stiffness when compared to the previous Armada. While body lean is common for such a large, elevated vehicle, it still felt stable.
Each Armada comes equipped with a laminated front windshield and ample sound insulation. Although Sport mode allowed more engine noise in, with the sizable side mirrors contributing to wind noise at highway speeds, the cabin remained generally quiet.
Why the 2025 Nissan Armada is Worth It: $58,530
With the inclusion of a $2,010 destination fee, the 2025 Nissan Armada SV has a price tag nearly $2,000 less than the 2025 Chevy Tahoe and about $6,000 under the 2025 Toyota Sequoia. It offers expected driver-assist technologies such as adaptive cruise control, alongside power front seats and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel paired with a similarly sized touchscreen featuring wireless smartphone connectivity. Similar to the Tahoe, opting for four-wheel drive adds $3,000.
It’s a solid offering that delivers real value.
Image Source: woodsnorthphoto / Shutterstock
