Is the 2026 Nissan Armada a Good SUV? 5 Pros, 2 Cons

Nissan redesigned the Armada full-size SUV for 2025, bringing a more fuel-efficient powertrain, added off-road capability, and lots of new tech while keeping its spacious interior and seating for up to eight. The result is a much improved flagship SUV — and one that is attractively priced for the category.

Related: 2025 Nissan Armada Review: Nissan Builds a Replacement Toyota Land Cruiser

Unlike its Toyota Land Cruiser rival that got a bit smaller and more utilitarian with its 2024 redesign, the new Armada is every bit as large and luxurious as the last one, with plenty of room inside and a beautifully finished and attractive interior. The new twin-turbo V-6 outguns the Armada’s old V-8 and is less thirsty at the pump, and a new Pro-4X trim brings more off-road capability. For 2026, the Pro-4X can now be had with second-row captain’s chairs and there’s a new NISMO trim, but the remainder of the lineup remains mostly unchanged.

Cars.com Detroit Bureau Chief Aaron Bragman attended a Nashville, Tenn., media event to get familiar with the new Armada and found it ready to go head-to-head against competitors including the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia. (Per our ethics policy, Cars.com pays for its own travel and lodging when attending manufacturer-sponsored events.) Tap the link above to read Aaron’s expert review. Read on for a look at five things we like about the 2026 Nissan Armada and two things we do not.

What Do We Like About the 2025 Nissan Armada?

1. Fewer Cylinders, More Turbos

The redesigned Armada is the latest model to ditch an aging V-8 for a more potent and fuel-efficient V-6 — in this case, one with twin turbos and good for 425 horsepower and an impressive 516 pounds-feet of torque. That works out to an increase of 25 hp and a notable 103 pounds-feet of torque compared to the old V-8. The NISMO further ups the ante for a total output of 460 hp. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Armada hustles smoothly and effortlessly up to speed with a lot more urgency than before.

2. Towing Champ

The redesigned Armada is rated to tow an impressive 8,500 pounds, more than enough to meet the needs of most weekend warriors. We had the opportunity to haul a 6,500-pound Airstream camping trailer during testing, which it handled easily, even accelerating while tackling a large hill. Thanks to an integrated trailer brake controller (standard with upper trims) and a suspension that’s up for the task, the Armada felt stable and drama-free while pulling the big trailer.

3. On- and Off-Road Ready

While the NISMO adds some oomph when you’re trailering your track car, fans of off-roading will be pleased to hear the redesign also brings a Pro-4X trim to the Armada lineup, which gets you additional hardware that includes skid plates for the radiator, transfer case and fuel tank, tow hooks, an electronic locking rear differential, all-terrain tires on 20-inch wheels, a height-adjustable air suspension and assorted electronic terrain programs for different conditions. What’s perhaps most impressive is that the Armada rides and handles just as well on pavement as it does out in the boonies, with well-controlled body motions and a quiet cabin.

4. Improved Interior

Like the outgoing model, the redesigned Armada rides on a 121.1-inch wheelbase and is about the same size all around. But engineers worked on more efficient interior packaging, resulting in a roomier cabin with added legroom. Nissan’s “Zero Gravity” front seats in our top Platinum Reserve test vehicle were big and comfortable, with heating, cooling and massage functions. Fit and finish are top notch, with excellent materials quality and thoughtful use of color.

5. Dash and Controls

A vivid 12.3-inch digital instrument display and matching adjacent 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen are standard, while upper trims like our Platinum Reserve tester get an even larger 14.3-inch touchscreen. Both screens are clear and easy to use, but what we really like is Nissan’s decision to go with easy-to-use physical controls for frequently used functions like climate adjustment and off-road settings.

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What Do We Dislike About the 2025 Nissan Armada?

1. Push-Button Shifter

There’s no beating a shift lever for easy use on the fly, which makes the Armada’s push-button gear selector a bit of a disappointment. While not as egregious a misstep as some control choices from other manufacturers, the buttons take up dash real estate and are harder to use than a lever without taking your eyes off the road.

2. Rim Shot

Nissan would be wise to join other manufacturers in adopting a more rectangular steering wheel to make it easier to see dashboard displays. With today’s wide, horizontal dash designs, a more rectangular shape makes it easier to monitor instruments and controls than with the Armada’s round wheel, which obscures some of the driver display.

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