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Nissan Armada
Car and Driver says the Armada is a family-oriented workhorse competent at hauling people, cargo, or both, with adults fitting in each of its three rows of seats and a maximum 8,500-pound trailering capacity, and all models come with a twin-turbocharged V-6, unlike several V-8-powered rivals, though performance is similar; it can be ordered as stripped-down or as luxurious as you want, with top-spec Platinum Reserve models imitating premium SUVs. MotorTrend says the first-ever Armada NISMO joins the lineup for 2026 with a more powerful twin-turbo V-6 making 35 more hp than other trims, a retuned exhaust with Active Sound Enhancement, sportier steering, a more responsive adaptive air suspension, and NISMO-specific styling, while the Armada overall rivals the Ford Expedition, Jeep Wagoneer, and Chevrolet Tahoe, standing out as a much-improved three-row contender with excellent braking, better-than-expected handling for its size, and a strong towing capability.
A family workhorse with 8,500-pound towing
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says the Armada is a family-oriented workhorse competent at hauling people, cargo, or both, with adults fitting in each of its three rows of seats and a maximum 8,500-pound trailering capacity, and all models come with a twin-turbocharged V-6, unlike several V-8-powered rivals, though performance is similar.
A first-ever NISMO trim for 2026
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the first-ever Armada NISMO joins the lineup for 2026 with a more powerful twin-turbo V-6 making 35 more hp than other trims, a retuned exhaust with Active Sound Enhancement, sportier steering, a more responsive adaptive air suspension, and NISMO-specific styling.
A much-improved three-row contender
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the Armada rivals the Ford Expedition, Jeep Wagoneer, and Chevrolet Tahoe, standing out as a much-improved three-row contender with excellent braking, better-than-expected handling for its size, and a strong towing capability.
Questions buyers ask
How much can a Nissan Armada tow?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says a maximum 8,500 pounds.
What's new on the 2026 Nissan Armada?
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the first-ever Armada NISMO trim, with 35 more hp and sportier tuning.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2025 Nissan Armada is built around Twin-turbo 3.5L V6, rated at 425 horsepower across its full-size SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2025 U.S. lineup has 5 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe most the 2025 Nissan Armada is published to tow is up to 8,500 lb.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 21 owner complaints for the 2025 Armada.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2025 Nissan Armada
The redesigned 2025 Armada uses a single 425-horsepower twin-turbo V6 across all five trims; four-wheel drive is standard only on Pro-4X and optional elsewhere.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
2 indexed Nissan Armada model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Nissan Armada | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Nissan Armada | 2025 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Nissan Armada.
The Nissan Armada (originally badged as the Nissan Pathfinder Armada) is a full-size SUV manufactured by Nissan for the North American market, since 2003 for the 2004 model year. From 2003 to 2015, the first-generation Armada was assembled in Canton, Mississippi based on the Nissan Titan. From mid-2016 onwards, the second-generation Armada is built in Kanda, Kyushu, Japan.
- Safety
- The 2025 model year Armada was awarded "Top Safety Pick+" by IIHS. The third-generation Armada is equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360 system as standard across all trims and available features such as Front Wide View and Invisible Hood View cameras.
Source: Nissan Armada (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Nissan Armada at a glance
- Production
- 2003–present
- Model years
- 2004–present
- Class
- Full-size SUV
- Body style
- 5-door SUV
- Layout
- Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive
- Chassis
- Body-on-frame
- Also called
- Nissan Pathfinder Armada (2003–2004), Nissan Patrol (2016–present)
Nissan Armada generations
The Nissan Armada has been redesigned in 2017, 2025, gaps of 14, 8 years, an average of 11.0 years between generations. The current generation (third generation, Y63) began in 2025.
| Generation | Code | Began | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | TA60 | 2003–2017 | The 2004 model Pathfinder Armada was unveiled on April 17, 2003, at the New York International Auto Show. |
| Second generation | Y62 | 2017–2025 | Nissan unveiled the second-generation Armada at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, and it went on sale in August 2016 as a 2017 model. |
| Third generation | Y63 | 2025–present | The third-generation Armada was unveiled on September 3, 2024 and went on sale in December 2024. |
Recent recalls (2 campaigns across the latest model years)
- July 2026, Equipment:Other:Labels. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Nissan Armada, 2011-2013 Infiniti QX56, and 2014-2027 QX80 vehicles equipped with 22" wheels. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be… Consequence: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
- November 2025, Back Over Prevention:Software. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Murano, 2025-2026 Armada, and Infiniti QX80 vehicles. A software error may occur in the In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) system at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is… Consequence: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners filed 21 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Nissan Armada, most often about electrical system (7), unknown or other (6), vehicle speed control (3).
Year by year
The Nissan Armada across 11 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Nissan Armada | 16–18 | $4,450–$5,000 | 3 | 2 | ||
| 2025 Nissan Armada | 16–18 | $4,300–$4,850 | 3 | 2 | 20 | |
| 2024 Nissan Armada | 15–16 | $4,850–$5,150 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 4 stars |
| 2023 Nissan Armada | 15–16 | $4,850–$5,150 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 4 stars |
| 2022 Nissan Armada | 15–16 | $4,850–$5,150 | 3 | 1 | 9 | |
| 2021 Nissan Armada | 15–16 | $4,850–$5,150 | 3 | 2 | 13 | |
| 2020 Nissan Armada | 15–16 | $3,900–$4,150 | 2 | 2 | 10 | 4 stars |
| 2019 Nissan Armada | 15–16 | $3,900–$4,150 | 2 | 1 | 73 | 4 stars |
| 2018 Nissan Armada | 15–16 | $3,900–$4,150 | 2 | 1 | 74 | 4 stars |
| 2017 Nissan Armada | 15–16 | $3,900–$4,150 | 2 | 81 | ||
| 2015 Nissan Armada | 14–15 | $4,150–$4,450 | 4 | 3 | 21 |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Nissan Armada, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 to 2025 | 2 to 3 | 15.5 to 17.0 | Labels: Armada 4WD PRO-4X; Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic (S9) | Engines: 5.6L 8-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic (S7) |
| 2023 to 2024 | 3 to 2 | Engines: 5.6L 8-cyl SIDI; LDT, 5.6L 8-cyl SIDI; MDPV | ||
| 2022 to 2023 | Engines: 5.6L 8-cyl SIDI; LDT, 5.6L 8-cyl SIDI; MDPV | Engines: 5.6L 8-cyl SIDI; MDPV (Curb Weight >6000 lbs) | ||
| 2020 to 2021 | 2 to 3 | Engines: 5.6L 8-cyl SIDI; MDPV (Curb Weight >6000 lbs); Fuels: Premium | Fuels: Regular | |
| 2015 to 2017 | 4 to 2 | 14.5 to 15.5 | Engines: 5.6L 8-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic (S7) | Engines: 5.6L 8-cyl, 5.6L 8-cyl FFV; Transmissions: Automatic 5-spd; Fuels: Gasoline or E85 |
Buying used
What the Nissan Armada recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | back over prevention (software); equipment (other) | None |
| 2025 | 2 | back over prevention (software); equipment (other) | None |
| 2024 | 1 | equipment (other) | None |
| 2023 | 1 | equipment (other) | None |
| 2022 | 1 | equipment (other) | None |
| 2021 | 2 | fuel system, gasoline (delivery); equipment (other) | None |
| 2020 | 2 | fuel system, gasoline (delivery); equipment (other) | None |
| 2019 | 1 | back over prevention (sensing system) | None |
| 2018 | 1 | back over prevention (sensing system) | None |
| 2015 | 3 | power train (automatic transmission); seat belts (front); air bags (frontal) | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| electrical system | 141 | 45% | 2018 (41) |
| unknown or other | 51 | 16% | 2019 (20) |
| engine | 45 | 14% | 2017 (16) |
| service brakes | 45 | 14% | 2018 (15) |
| power train | 34 | 11% | 2017 (17) |
| forward collision avoidance | 25 | 8% | 2019 (7) |
| Model year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| 2023 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| 2020 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| 2019 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| 2018 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Nissan Armada trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SV | 4WD | 3.5-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) | 425 | 516 | 5,870 | 8,500 | 17 | $61,085 |
| SL | 4WD | 3.5-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) | 425 | 516 | 5,965 | 8,500 | 17 | $65,775 |
| Platinum | 4WD | 3.5-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) | 425 | 516 | 6,055 | 8,500 | 17 | $72,735 |
| PRO-4X | 4WD | 3.5-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) | 425 | 516 | 6,055 | 8,500 | 16 | $76,545 |
| Platinum Reserve | 4WD | 3.5-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) | 425 | 516 | 6,078 | 8,500 | 17 | $79,795 |
| NISMO | 4WD | 3.5-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) | 460 | 516 | 6,102 | 8,500 | 17 | $81,775 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Nissan Armada model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 3.5-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) | 425–460 | 5,870–6,102 | 8,500 | 23.6 |
| 2025 | 5 | 3.5-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) | 425 | 5,871–6,075 | 8,500 | 23.6 |
| 2024 | 3 | 5.6-liter V8 | 400 | 5,664–6,034 | 8,500 | 26 |
| 2023 | 4 | 5.6-liter V8 | 400 | 5,651–6,034 | 8,500 | 26 |
| 2022 | 4 | 5.6-liter V8 | 400 | 5,650–6,034 | 8,500 | 26 |
| 2021 | 4 | 5.6-liter V8 | 400 | 5,666–5,958 | 8,500 | 26 |
| 2020 | 3 | 5.6-liter V8 | 390 | 5,577–5,958 | 8,500 | 26 |
| 2019 | 3 | 5.6-liter V8 | 390 | 5,590–5,972 | 8,500 | 26 |
| 2018 | 4 | 5.6-liter V8 | 390 | 5,576–5,963 | 8,500 | 26 |
| 2017 | 3 | 5.6-liter V8 | 390 | 5,576–5,963 | 8,500 | 26 |
| 2015 | 3 | 5.6-liter V8 (Flex Fuel) / 5.6-liter V8 | 317 | 5,267–5,841 | 8,200–9,000 | 28 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Nissan Armada.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0W-20 (6.4 qt) | – | 98 lb-ft | – | – |
| 2025 | – | – | 98 lb-ft | – | – |
| 2024 | – | – | 98 lb-ft | – | – |
| 2023 | – | – | 98 lb-ft | – | – |
| 2022 | – | – | 98 lb-ft | – | – |
| 2021 | – | – | 98 lb-ft | – | – |
| 2020 | – | – | 98 lb-ft | – | – |
| 2019 | – | – | 98 lb-ft | – | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Nissan Armada: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | not available | backup camera, equipment |
| 2025 | 2 | 20 | backup camera, equipment |
| 2024 | 1 | 4 | equipment |
| 2023 | 1 | 5 | equipment |
| 2022 | 1 | 9 | equipment |
| 2021 | 2 | 13 | fuel system, equipment |
| 2020 | 2 | 10 | fuel system, equipment |
| 2019 | 1 | 73 | backup camera |
| 2018 | 1 | 74 | backup camera |
| 2017 | 81 | ||
| 2016 | 1 | ||
| 2015 | 3 | 21 | seat belts, powertrain, airbags |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Nissan Armada model year 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Nissan Armada?
Federal recall records don't single out a best Nissan Armada model year: recall counts across the 10 published model years checked here stay within a normal range of this nameplate's own average (about 1.6 recalls per year), with no year standing out as notably higher or lower. Recall count is one input, not a purchase verdict. It says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record.
Q02What are common recall-related problems on the Nissan Armada by model year?
2026: backup camera, equipment. 2025: backup camera, equipment. 2024: equipment. 2023: equipment. 2022: equipment. 2021: fuel system, equipment.
Q03Why do some Nissan Armada model years show "not available" for complaints?
The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Nissan Armada model year 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Buying, records and recalls, Transmission and drivetrain, Climate and electrical, Engine and cooling.
Compared with
Models this Nissan Armada is most often compared with.
Nearest Nissan models
Other Nissan models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2025 Armada come in?
The 2025 Nissan Armada (full-size SUV) comes in 5 trims: SV, SL, Pro-4X, Platinum, Platinum Reserve.
Q02What are the 2025 Armada trims?
The 2025 Nissan Armada trims are SV, SL, Pro-4X, Platinum, Platinum Reserve, listed from the entry SV up to the top Platinum Reserve.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2025 Armada use?
The 2025 Nissan Armada is built around Twin-turbo 3.5L V6, rated at 425 horsepower across its full-size SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2025 Armada have?
The 2025 Nissan Armada is rated at 425 horsepower (Twin-turbo 3.5L V6).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2025 Armada?
The 2025 Nissan Armada is offered with RWD / 4WD.