2025 Nissan Armada vs 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse was available in four trims: LS, LT, Z71, and RS, with the Z71 being the new addition aimed at those interested in moderate off-roading. During test drives near Atlanta, Chevrolet emphasized that the Z71 was not designed for extreme off-road adventures like those tackled by a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco. Instead, it was built to handle reasonably rugged terrain. The Traverse's pricing was competitive, starting at $38,995 for the LS and reaching $55,595 for the RS, which came loaded with features. The Z71 model, priced at $47,795, featured 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint, with a Jet Black interior accented by "Torch Red" highlights. While synthetic leather seating was optional, the standard cloth seats were comfortable and breathable.

The 2025 Nissan Armada showcased a high beltline similar to its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti QX80. Its grille and front fascia appeared taller, enhanced by higher ground clearance and a limited lower grille portion. The PRO-4X trim stood out with a skid plate and unique front lighting. The Armada's side profile was larger and more business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar accents. The PRO-4X featured Lava Red accents, while other trims had chrome. The Armada's rear design included C-shaped DRLs and a red lightbar on higher trims. Wheel sizes varied, with 18-inch wheels on the SV and 22-inch on the Platinum Reserve. The interior of the Platinum Reserve and PRO-4X was comfortable, with leather seats and premium features. The Armada offered various interior color combinations, with the Chestnut with Rye theme in the Platinum Reserve being particularly appealing.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine offered 18 more horsepower and 50 more lb-ft of torque than the V6. All-wheel drive was optional on every trim, with the Z71 featuring a more advanced dual-clutch system. The Traverse provided acceptable acceleration and passing power, with a pleasant exhaust growl. The steering was adequate, and the ride was smooth, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes were progressive, and the stop-and-start feature was seamless. Fuel economy estimates ranged from 18 mpg city to 26 highway for the FWD Limited trim.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, inspired by the GT-R, delivering 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It replaced the old seven-speed automatic with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The PRO-4X trim was 4WD-only, featuring 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 Armada offered eight selectable drive modes and could tow up to 8,500 pounds. On-road, the electric power steering felt engaging, while off-road, the adaptive air suspension excelled in Mud/Rut mode.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse's base LS model offered seating for eight, while the LT introduced second-row captain's chairs. The Z71 and RS were seven-seaters with standard captain's chairs, providing easier access to the third row. The Smart Slide second-row seats were user-friendly, and a power-folding third row was available. Cargo volume behind the third row was 22.9 cubic feet, expanding to 96 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Traverse featured numerous storage compartments, including a hidden area under the center console. Visibility was generally good, except for the third row. The Z71 had a power-operated driver's seat, but the front passenger seat was manually adjustable.

The 2025 Nissan Armada replaced the old gear selector with 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 slightly deep. The Armada provided various power adjustments for the front seats, with heated and cooled options available on higher trims. The third-row seats folded flatter for increased cargo space, with cargo volume increasing across the board. The Armada's headroom and legroom varied depending on the presence of a sunroof, with improvements in the third row. While the Armada's passenger space fell short compared to American rivals, it surpassed Toyota's offering.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, replacing the previous 8-inch screen. The system was responsive, with simple menus and an 11-inch digital instrument display. It ran on Google-based software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The wireless charging pad securely held smartphones during cornering. Physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were retained, but the headlight controls were buried in the infotainment system. The Traverse introduced Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, expanding its functionality to single-lane roads.

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 together, sitting lower in the dash but remaining visible. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with six USB-C ports. Google Built-In was available, allowing Google Maps to be viewed on the driver-information display. A head-up display was optional, and the SL trim featured a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System. The Armada's infotainment system offered a demo with Klipsch specialists, highlighting its audio quality.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not undergone crash tests by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of testing. However, it offered a wide range of standard driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. These systems provided peace of mind during the test drive.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite, with varying levels of technology across trims. The basic version included adaptive cruise control and lane-centering steering assistance. ProPILOT Assist 1.1 added speed management based on navigation data, while ProPILOT Assist 2.1 offered hands-free highway-driving assist. The Armada also came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and more. Higher trims featured a surround-view camera and Nissan's 3D Around View Monitor, enhancing visibility and safety.