The 2025 Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve commands attention from every angle.
Now in its third generation, it comes with a complete overhaul of all-new features, including a new twin-turbo, direct-injected 3.5-litre, 425 hp V6 engine across all trims, which enables an impressive towing capacity of 3,855 kg (8,500 lbs).
The Armada also has the most standard horsepower among its competitive set (excluding hybrids and EVs). It’s paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard Intelligent 4WD, meaning it’s built to take on any terrain.
The Armada strikes an impressive balance between power and fuel efficiency, boasting an estimated 14.7/12.4/13.7 L/100 (city/hwy/combined).
The Platinum Reserve has a bold, adventure-ready design with a bold road presence and higher ground clearance, making it unlikely to miss. It measures 532 centimetres (209.6 inches) in length and stands 198 cm tall (78 inches). Throw in a set of 275/50R22 all-season tires and 22-inch machined and painted alloy wheels, and it leaves a big impression.
And that extends to the spacious inside. Every passenger I had commented on how comfortable the seats were and I agree. The ample leg and back support made long trips feel effortless, while the heated, cooled and even massage-ready driver and passenger seats made every traffic jam a little more bearable. It's luxury where it counts.
The Armada’s new platform brings a noticeable increase in cargo volume – 4,559L (161.6 cu.-ft.) of comfort and cargo space to be precise. The third-row seating is a pleasant surprise with 919mm (36.2 inches) of headroom and 876mm (34.5 inches) of legroom. Plus, there’s still 578L (20.4 cu.-ft.) of cargo space with the third row in use, which expands to a generous 1,594L (56.3 cu.-ft.) with the seats folded down.
In terms of technology, the centrepiece is the massive 14.3-inch NissanConnect touchscreen, now with Google built-in, flanked by tactile buttons that make navigating through the features intuitive. Climate controls, audio settings and drive modes are easy to access, and the high-quality materials throughout – from soft-touch surfaces to premium trims – add a luxurious touch to the driving experience.
The second-row captain’s chairs are an optional upgrade ($1,000) and well worth it for those who prioritize comfort over capacity. My son, perched in the second row, said he felt like a “professional footballer” being driven around in his cushy chair, complete with cooled seating.
It was a fun comment making a good point: these seats are perfect for anyone who enjoys a bit of extra space or has taller passengers. Whether you’re chauffeuring an athlete or simply want to indulge in a little more comfort, the captain’s chairs add a touch of class.
The ride quality is where the Armada really shines. Whether gliding over city streets or cruising down the highway, the adaptive Electronic Air Suspension makes the drive feel like you’re floating. This smoothness comes courtesy of a new frame design with 25 per cent greater torsional rigidity and 57 per cent increased lateral stiffness, which translates into improved ride quality and better sound insulation.
While it feels dreamlike, you never lose the connection to the road – potholes and all!
The Klipsch Premium Audio System enhances the experience with rich, audiophile-quality sound, powered by 12 precision-tuned speakers, including titanium tweeters and a high-performance eight-inch subwoofer. Crank up the volume, let the wind rush through the windows or panoramic sunroof, and enjoy an immersive experience on every drive.
The 2025 Nissan Armada starts at $84,998 for the base SL trim, while the Platinum Reserve, with the captain’s chairs and additional upgrades, comes in at $108,393. Competitors in the segment can include the Chevrolet Suburban with a starting MSRP of ($83,433), GMC Yukon ($93,433), Ford Expedition ($83,815), Toyota Sequoia ($87,174) and Jeep Wagoneer ($83,026).
For large(er) families who want a full-size SUV – with an incredibly capable off-road/AWD prowess stemming decades back (think Nissan Patrol over 70 years back) – it blends capability, luxury and the ability to haul and tow.
