Nissan Armada

For 2025, the redesigned Nissan Armada trades its thirsty V8 engine for a more efficient and powerful 425-hp twin-turbocharged V6 and gains an off-road-focused PRO-4X trim. It retains its 8,500-pound towing capacity but adds cargo room behind the second and third rows. Buyers can choose between rear- and four-wheel drive and seating for seven or eight. It shares its underlying design with the more luxurious Infiniti QX80. Nissan says the new Armada has a better ride and handling performance than its predecessor thanks to a stiffer frame and electric power steering. A wide touchscreen display and digital gauge cluster dominate the dashboard, while physical controls remain for climate control.

This less expensive version of the Infiniti QX80 is powered by a slick and powerful 390-hp, 5.6-liter V8. We got a paltry 14 mpg overall, however. Though the soft suspension absorbs bumps well, the body jostles frequently. Handling is clumsy, with slow steering and pronounced body roll, but it's ultimately secure. Inside, the spacious cabin has a premium feel, particularly in Platinum trim. Controls are a bit dated, and it's a long reach to some buttons and knobs. Seven- or eight-passenger seating configurations are available, and the third row can power fold and unfold. Available in rear-wheel or full-time four-wheel drive, the Armada can tow a generous 8,500 pounds. Updates for the 2019 model included standard forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Armada received a freshening for 2021, the engine now has 400 hp. Standard safety features include Nissan's Shield 360. This suite includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, lane departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Also, dual-zone automatic climate control is standard on all trims. Updates for 2022 include one-touch folding third-row function for power seat-equipped models.