By TheStraightPipes, Mobile Review Expert | March 07, 2025

Hey there, car enthusiasts! I’m Jacob, your go-to mobile review expert, and today I’m thrilled to take you along for the ride as I test drove the 2025 Nissan Armada Platinum—the top-tier trim of Nissan’s redesigned full-size SUV. This beast is making waves with its bold looks, twin-turbo power, and a price tag that nudges over CAD 100,000 (around USD 75,000). Is it worth it? Does it truly deliver luxury in a Nissan package? In this 2025 Nissan Armada review, I’ll break it all down—design, performance, interior, tech, pricing, and more—so you can decide if this SUV deserves a spot in your garage. Buckle up, and let’s dive in!

Exterior Design: A Rugged Yet Refined Statement

First things first—let’s talk about how this SUV looks. The 2025 Nissan Armada Platinum is a stunner. Its squared-off, chiseled body gives it a commanding presence that feels both rugged and sophisticated. The front end? It’s got this “budget Range Rover” vibe—blocky, bold, and unapologetic. I couldn’t help but imagine it in a flashier color like gold champagne or even the lava red from the off-road-focused Pro-4X trim. The standard color I tested was a bit muted, but trust me, the right hue could elevate this to jaw-dropping status.

What really sets it apart is its design lineage. Think of it as Nissan’s take on the Infiniti QX80, but with a twist. While the QX80 leans into polished luxury, the Armada feels more raw and rebellious—like the Middle Eastern Nissan Patrols you see tearing up the dunes or drifting on two wheels in viral Saudi Arabia videos. That rugged charm is accented by a floating roofline, thanks to a slick D-pillar detail that breaks up the silhouette and sleek, modern taillights that almost give off a “RoboCop” futuristic vibe. No visible exhaust tips, though—Nissan’s keeping it subtle back there.

The wheels? They’re fine—Continental ICE Contact Extreme tires on decent alloys—but for a top-trim Platinum Reserve, I was hoping for a bit more chrome or flair. Still, the side steps are a practical touch, making it easy to hop in and out, and the overall look screams ,“I’m here to impress.” Compared to the QX80, I’d argue the Armada has more personality—less rich-kid flash, more stealth wealth swagger.

Engine and Performance: Twin-Turbo Power With a Twist

Pop the hood (yes, there’s still a dipstick—old-school cool!), and you’ll find the heart of the 2025 Armada Platinum: a twin-turbo 3.5L V6 engine. This powerplant churns out 425 horsepower and a beefy 516 lb-ft of torque, which is a noticeable step up from the outgoing V8 in terms of raw numbers. Does it feel good? Oh yeah. Flooring it delivers a rush that’s downright torquey—think GTR-inspired vibes, even if it’s not quite as raw as that iconic Nissan sports car. The power comes on strong, and it pulls hard through corners without feeling sluggish.

That said, I’ll admit I miss the V8’s exhaust note. The twin-turbo V6 is quieter—more refined, sure, but less visceral. You hear some intake noise inside, which is cool, but it’s not the roaring symphony I secretly hoped for. Still, the performance is impressive for a vehicle this size. In Sport mode, it hooks up nicely, with surprisingly little understeer for a full-size SUV. I ripped it through some turns, and it stayed composed—pretty remarkable considering its heft.

Off-road? That’s where I hit a snag. The Armada comes with an auto four-wheel-drive system (plus 4-high and 4-low options), but its open differential let me down in a medium-sized snowbank. The tires spun on the unstuck side while the stuck ones sat helpless—not the capability I’d expect from a rugged SUV. It’s not a dealbreaker for pavement warriors, but if you’re eyeing serious off-road adventures, the Pro-4X trim might be a better bet. For towing, though, it’s a champ—rated at 8,500 lbs, perfect for hauling a trailer or boat.

Ride Comfort: Air Suspension That Wows

Here’s where the Platinum Reserve trim shines: air suspension. This feature lets the Armada go super high for clearance or drop low in Sport mode for a slammed, sporty stance. I couldn’t get over how smooth the ride felt—whether cruising in Standard mode or pushing it in Sport, it soaked up bumps like a luxury sedan. Even on gravel or uneven roads, the cabin stayed quiet and comfy, with just a hint of that delightful “bounciness” you’d expect from air springs.

Compared to the Infiniti QX80, I didn’t notice a huge difference in ride quality—both are plush—but the Armada’s versatility with height adjustment gives it an edge. It reminded me of high-end brands like Alpina, where that low stance adds a cool factor. Bottom line? This is one comfortable SUV, whether you’re on a family road trip or just commuting in style.

Interior: Spacious, Luxurious, and Tech-Packed

Step inside the 2025 Nissan Armada Platinum, and you’re greeted by a bright, airy cabin that feels massive. A huge moonroof floods the interior with light, and the two-tone color scheme—light leather and wood accents—adds a premium touch. The seats? Oh man, they’re unreal. Soft, supportive, and loaded with features like heating, cooling, and even a faux-massage function (it’s not the best massage ever, but it’s a nice perk). I love that Nissan stuck with hard buttons for climate controls—way easier than fumbling with touchscreens.

The tech is where it gets exciting. You’ve got a fluid infotainment system with wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—though I did have some annoying disconnects with my cable, a quirk I noticed in the QX80 too. The 360-degree camera is a standout, letting you peek under the car for obstacles, and the ProPILOT 2.1 system offers hands-free lane centering that’s smooth as butter. There’s even a built-in dashcam and exterior camera—features you’d expect from a BMW or Audi, not a Nissan. The Head-Up Display is crisp, though I caught some double vision from headlights at night, likely due to windshield lamination.

Space-wise, the second row is roomy and comfy—perfect for adults or kids—but the third row? Tight on headroom for anyone over 6 feet, like me. Trunk space is decent with the seats up (it’ll fit a carry-on sideways), but you’ll need to fold them for bigger loads like strollers. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s not the ultimate family hauler unless your crew is small.

Standout Features: What Makes It Special

The 2025 Armada Platinum isn’t just a luxury SUV—it’s got character. The side steps make entry effortless, and little details like the Japanese sand-inspired wireless charger pattern (a nod to Nissan’s heritage) show that real thought went into the design. Compared to the QX80, it’s less ostentatious—more “stealth wealth” than “look at me” vibes. Plus, it runs on regular gas, unlike the premium-fuel-loving QX80, despite matching torque numbers. That’s a win for your wallet.

Pricing: $100,000+ for a Nissan—Really?

Now, let’s talk money. The 2025 Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve I tested stickers at CAD 62,995, which translates to over 100,000 Canadian dollars after taxes and fees. In the U.S., it’s closer to USD 75,000—still steep for a Nissan. For comparison, the Infiniti QX80 I drove was around CAD 134,000—more power (slightly), a fancier interior, but not leaps and bounds better. The Armada’s value proposition is strong if you prefer its rugged charm over the QX80’s polished luxury.

Is it worth it? Depends on your priorities. The dealership experience might tip some toward Infiniti (fancier lounges, maybe?), but I’d love to hear from owners—drop a comment if you’ve been to both a Nissan and Infiniti dealership. How’s the treatment? Does it justify the price gap?

Who Should Buy the 2025 Nissan Armada Platinum?

This SUV is a great fit for:

• Families who want a comfy, tech-loaded ride with towing muscle for weekend getaways.
• Enthusiasts are drawn to its bold design and Middle Eastern Patrol-inspired attitude.
• Value seekers after luxury vibes without the Infiniti price premium.

It’s not perfect for third-row regulars (too cramped) or hardcore off-roaders (that differential struggle). If that’s you, check out the Pro-4X instead.

Final Verdict: A Luxury Nissan That Delivers

So, is the 2025 Nissan Armada Platinum worth the hype—and the CAD 100,000 price tag? After driving it, I’d say yes—with some caveats. It’s not flawless: the third row’s tight, the snowbank incident was a letdown, and that cost stings for a Nissan badge. But it nails the big stuff—powerful performance, a plush ride, a tech-packed interior, and a design that turns heads. I’d pick it over the QX80 for its badass looks and better value, hands down.

What’s your take? Would you splurge on this luxury Nissan? Or does the Infiniti QX80 tempt you more? If you’ve owned an Armada or QX80, tell me about your experience—especially the dealership vibes. Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’m all ears!

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