2025 Nissan Armada vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, although the M Sport treatment was not universally appreciated, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch “741M” wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were considered a worthwhile upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine, with the high-performance X5 M Competition variant. The xDrive50e M Sport specification test vehicle came with Brooklyn Grey paint, optional wheels, and all available equipment packages, priced at $88,075. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh, aligning it with other BMW models, and introduced the BMW Curved Display instrumentation and infotainment screen, modernizing the interior while retaining high-quality materials and construction.

The 2025 Nissan Armada showcased a bold design with a high beltline, reminiscent of its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti QX80. The grille and front fascia appeared taller, complemented by higher ground clearance and a limited lower grille portion. The PRO-4X variant featured a skid plate and unique front lighting with C-shaped LED lines. The Armada's side profile exuded a larger, business-like appearance, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar accents. The PRO-4X model added rugged elements like black plastic cladding and all-terrain tires. The rear featured standard LED taillights and a red lightbar on higher trims. The Armada offered various wheel sizes, with 18-inch wheels standard on the SV and 22-inch on the Platinum Reserve. Inside, the Platinum Reserve and PRO-4X trims provided premium comfort, with leather seats and a luxurious cabin ambiance. The Armada's interior offered different color combinations, enhancing its upscale feel.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced new mild-hybrid six-cylinder and V8 engines, with a significant upgrade to the xDrive50e PHEV's electric range and power output. The PHEV featured a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. BMW doubled the battery's maximum AC charging rate to 7.4 kW. The xDrive50e offered 38 miles of electric-only driving and achieved 22 mpg in combined driving. It produced 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV was favored for its balance of performance and efficiency, with a recommendation for a Level 2 home charging station. The adaptive damping air suspension provided a smooth ride, and the vehicle excelled in handling and braking during spirited drives. The xDrive50e achieved an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg during evaluation.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a new powertrain with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the old seven-speed, and the PRO-4X trim was exclusively 4WD. The PRO-4X included 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, an electronic locking rear differential, and skid plates. The Armada's adaptive electronic air suspension, shared with the Platinum Reserve, provided a 33-degree approach angle and 9.6 inches of ground clearance. The 4WD Armada offered hill-descent control and eight selectable drive modes. The Armada could tow up to 8,500 pounds, with trailer sway control and other towing features standard. On-road, the Armada's electric power steering provided engagement, while the adaptive air suspension enhanced comfort. Off-road, the PRO-4X excelled in challenging conditions, showcasing its capability.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious interior with room for five people in two rows. The cargo area provided 33.1 cubic feet of space, expanding to 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design offered convenience but required stretching to access deep cargo. The test vehicle featured BMW's Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, which felt like genuine leather. The Climate Comfort Package added 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, four-zone automatic climate control, and other comfort features. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed supportive cushions and a panoramic sunroof. The X5 no longer offered an optional third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad. The Armada Platinum Reserve featured "Zero Gravity" seats, offering comfort but feeling deep. The Armada provided standard eight-way driver's-side power adjustment, with higher trims offering more customization. Heated front seats were standard on the SL trim, with cooling and heating options available on higher trims. The Armada offered a three-row configuration, with power one-touch folding for the third row. Cargo volume increased across all rows, with 20.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.3 behind the second, and 97.1 in the first. The Armada's headroom and legroom varied depending on the sunroof and trim, with improvements in some areas and reductions in others.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, connected services, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant provided voice recognition, but its performance was inconsistent. The head-up display conveyed data effectively, and the augmented video function enhanced navigation. However, the reduction in physical controls was less favorable due to the assistant's limitations.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came with two large screens, 12.3-inch on the SV and SL trims, and 14.3-inch on higher trims. The screens were housed in a single unit, positioned lower in the dash. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with six USB-C ports. Google Built-In was available, offering native Google Maps integration. A head-up display was optional, and the Klipsch Premium Audio System provided excellent sound quality. The Armada's infotainment system offered a user-friendly experience, with clear advantages in navigation and audio.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, requiring deliberate activation. It performed well in specific conditions but exhibited errant braking in heavy traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance worked effectively, but the system's behavior in certain situations could be frustrating. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS, but lower headlight ratings prevented an IIHS safety award. The NHTSA gave the X5 a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured the ProPILOT Assist suite, with varying levels of technology across trims. The ProPILOT Assist 2.1 offered hands-free highway-driving assist, but required occasional driver input. The Armada included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with features like traffic-sign recognition and automatic emergency braking. The surround-view camera and 3D Around View Monitor enhanced visibility, and the Intelligent Around-View camera provided unique functionality. The Armada's safety features offered comprehensive protection and assistance.