Nissan Armada redesign includes off-road variant, possibility of hybrid

The next generation of Nissan's flagship Armada SUV barrels into dealerships late this year powered by a more efficient gasoline engine.

Nissan executives hinted that an electrified powertrain also could be on the way — specifically, a series-hybrid system such as the automaker's e-Power.

"You get all that instantaneous torque" of an electric vehicle, Nissan Americas Chief Planning Officer Ponz Pandikuthira said at an Aug. 28 briefing. Armada buyers "want performance, they want it to tow, they want to pass [quickly] on the freeway."

A series-hybrid paired with a 60-kilowatt-hour battery would handle most in-city trips with zero emissions while delivering power and capability on the highway.

"We are evaluating powertrains of that type to see if it makes sense, but you're adding a lot of weight and … cost into the vehicle," Pandikuthira said. "That's a balancing game we have to play."

The third-generation Armada is built on a new platform shared with the Infiniti QX80. While the luxury brand swung upmarket with the six-figure QX80, Nissan has gone off-road with the Armada.

Vinay Shahani, Nissan Americas' sales and marketing boss, said the Armada leans into the "legacy of capability" that Nissan has built with utility models such as the Frontier, Xterra and Pathfinder Rock Creek edition.

The 2025 Nissan Armada appeals to thrill seekers with a locking rear differential, trailer blind-spot monitoring and higher ground clearance while offering commuter conveniences such as an adaptive electronic air suspension and premium audio.

The three-row SUV will for the first time offer a rugged PRO-4X variant. The automaker expects the trim level to account for 20 to 25 per cent of volume.

The new generation speaks to the "Patagonia-wearing, mountain-biking crowd in real terms — not just in terms of image," Pandikuthira said. "The usability is far greater than it was in the past."

Lifestyle-oriented variants such as the PRO-4X target consumers who want more capability and are willing to pay for it. Pandikuthira said Nissan's Rock Creek derivatives command a 7- to 8-point residual value increase, capture a new customer demographic and drive incremental volume.

Shahani sees an opportunity in the lifestyle vehicle segment to help drive Nissan's aftermarket business of roof racks, rims and tires.

"Overlanding has become a big thing," he said. "We should have some way to capitalize on that ... through special derivatives, grades and accessories."

The 425-hp Armada drops its V-8 engine for a twin-turbo V-6 to deliver more horses with less tailpipe emissions. The new model has a nine-speed automatic transmission versus a seven-speed in the outgoing generation.

"Power comes on much faster and much more usably, and the fuel consumption is better," Pandikuthira said.

The Armada bulks up for its new generation with short overhangs and vertical fascias. The trapezoidal grille features a double horizontal line that pays homage to Nissan's utility vehicle lineage.

Headlights are arranged in an interlocking double-C shape that aligns the horizontal elements with the grille. LED taillights continue the double-C styling, while an optional full-width LED bar connects the lamps.

The grille on the PRO-4X trim level has larger holes and a three-slot opening design — a nod to historic Nissan off-roaders such as the Hardbody. The front fascia has an exposed metal skid plate and two recovery points.

The Armada's interior is high-touch and high-tech. Twin 12.3-inch digital displays anchor the dashboard — larger 14.3-inch screens are reserved for the PRO-X and Platinum trim levels. The centre console hosts a rotary dial for drive mode selection, toggles for climate control functions and push-button transmission shifters.

Luxe accouterments include a 12-speaker 600-watt Klipsch system, massage functionality for front-row occupants and heated second-row seats. An infrared sensor integrated into the headliner detects whether the front- and second-row passengers are warm and automatically adjusts temperature and airflow.

Camera and image processing technology helps drivers see hidden obstacles around the full-size SUV. Front Wide View projects a 170-degree view to provide visibility around corners, while Invisible Hood View uses exterior cameras to show what's directly in front of the vehicle.

The Armada shares its platform with the more globally recognized Nissan Patrol. Nissan in 1951 began producing the body-on-frame Patrol — which has developed a cult-like following, especially in the Middle East — but the nameplate is relatively unknown in North America.

"There's still some minor differences, but in terms of overall capability, luxury … the cars are very close to one another at this point," Pandikuthira said.

Given the similarities, Nissan considered rebranding the SUV as the Patrol in the U.S. and Canada. Ultimately, Nissan chose pragmatism and stuck with the familiar Armada badge.

"We have awareness, we have loyalty," Pandikuthira said of the Armada name. "We cannot afford to throw away the equity."

Introducing a new name and the added investment it would take to build familiarity and consideration, the executive said, would have created a "launch risk."

But things could be different when the Armada is redesigned again in the next decade.

"I'm a huge fan of the Patrol nameplate; I'm a big fan of global nameplates, because I think it's very powerful for a brand that way," Pandikuthira said. "Stay tuned to see how we will try to converge the nameplates in the future."