Should You Buy the 2025 Armada? Full Safety, Engine, and Price Breakdown

If you are shopping for a full-size sport utility vehicle in 2025, the redesigned Nissan Armada is something you will definitely want to keep on your radar. Built tough and engineered for families and adventurers alike, this body-on-frame SUV is not just big on space and power—it is also raising the bar on safety.

According to the latest test results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2025 Armada nailed every single crash test they threw at it. Even the updated moderate overlap front crash test, which is considered particularly difficult to pass, was handled with ease. Nissan has clearly prioritized protection, and that effort shows.

Safety does not stop at crash performance. The vehicle’s pedestrian front crash prevention systems, both standard and optional, received the highest possible score of “good.” The seatbelt reminder and child-seat latch usability also scored top marks, making the Armada a reassuring choice for families.

There is one slight caveat. While all models come with projector-style LED headlights and high-beam assist, the Insurance Institute found that headlight visibility is not ideal in certain driving scenarios. Still, they confirmed that low beams stayed within glare limits, which is an important plus for nighttime safety.

The model shown in the official review was the SV trim with optional four-wheel drive. The SV is the base model, while the only trim that includes Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive by default is the PRO-4X. If you want eight seats, both the SV and PRO-4X trims come configured that way. The SL, Platinum, and Platinum Reserve offer seating for either seven or eight.

Now let us talk pricing. The base SV model starts at $57,520 before destination fees. The SL begins at $62,970, and the Platinum comes in at $69,930. The off-road-oriented PRO-4X will cost you just over $70,000, while the top-tier Platinum Reserve starts at $76,990 in its rear-wheel-drive configuration.

Under the hood, the big news is the move to a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This powertrain replaces the previous generation’s 5.6-liter V8. It is more fuel-efficient while still offering serious performance, and it pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission developed by JATCO under a Mercedes-Benz license.

The result is improved fuel economy. The previous Armada models delivered 15 to 16 miles per gallon depending on drivetrain. The 2025 Armada boosts those figures slightly, delivering between 16 and 18 miles per gallon combined. The PRO-4X, being the most off-road-focused, is the least efficient of the lineup.

Speaking of off-road chops, the PRO-4X trim level stands out. It offers 9.6 inches of ground clearance, approach and departure angles of 33.0 and 24.5 degrees respectively, and a breakover angle of 25.5 degrees. This version can confidently handle rough terrain, and like all other trims, it can tow up to 8,500 pounds.

With all of this capability wrapped in a safer and more efficient package, the 2025 Armada is making a strong case for itself. Whether you need a family hauler or a weekend warrior, Nissan’s latest SUV is ready for whatever you have planned.