2025 Nissan Armada vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Lexus GX presented a bold departure from its predecessor, embracing a more geometric and aggressive design. The signature spindle grille was less pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights that sat at the squared-off upper edge of the front fascia. The new front end stood more vertically, giving the SUV a robust appearance. The hood featured raised humps above each front wheel, aiding drivers in maintaining positional awareness during off-road adventures. The side profile of the GX was sleek, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline to enhance visibility. The rear design continued the horizontal theme, with standard running boards completing the look. The GX was available in six trim levels, with the Premium+ expected to be the best-seller, while the Luxury+ and Overtrail+ trims highlighted the SUV's luxury and off-road capabilities, respectively.

In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Armada showcased a strikingly high beltline, reminiscent of its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti QX80. The front fascia appeared taller, aided by higher ground clearance and a limited lower grille portion. The PRO-4X trim featured a skid plate, enhancing its rugged appeal. The Armada's side profile was business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar accent strips. The round wheel arches added to the rugged character, especially on the PRO-4X trim with its black plastic cladding. The rear design echoed the front with C-shaped DRLs and a fashionable lightbar on higher trims. The Armada offered a range of wheel sizes, with the PRO-4X featuring unique 20-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. The interior of the Armada was comfortably outfitted, with premium materials and a range of color combinations, enhancing the sense of luxury.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided impressive torque low in the rev range, making off-road driving more accessible. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX boasted a stiffer chassis, enhancing stability both on-road and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated confidently, and the standard full-time 4WD with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential ensured excellent traction. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), increasing wheel articulation and off-road capability. The GX demonstrated controlled and relaxed behavior on-road, with effective brakes and minimal body roll, making it a pleasant surprise for a vehicle with such off-road prowess.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, inspired by the high-performance GT-R, producing 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the old seven-speed, and the Armada offered both RWD and Nissan's Intelligent 4WD, with the PRO-4X being 4WD-only. The PRO-4X trim featured dedicated 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an electronic locking rear differential. The adaptive electronic air suspension, shared with the Platinum Reserve, provided a 33-degree approach angle and 9.6 inches of ground clearance. The Armada's off-road capabilities were enhanced by hill-descent control and eight selectable drive modes. On-road, the Armada's electric power steering offered a nice sense of engagement, while the adaptive air suspension provided comfort and stability. Off-road, the PRO-4X excelled in challenging conditions, showcasing its capability in Mud/Rut mode.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was a departure from its predecessor, featuring a minimalist and sophisticated design. The center console retained essential physical buttons, with rotary knobs for climate control and off-roading features. The GX offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. The third row, available in Premium and Luxury models, was tight for adults, with 31.7 inches of legroom. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 76.9 cubic feet. Overtrail models provided even more cargo space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet in total.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad. The Armada's interior was equipped with Nissan's "Zero Gravity" seats, offering comfort and adjustability. The Platinum trims featured captain's chairs in the second row, with a bench option available. The third row offered 60/40-split bench seats with power one-touch folding. Cargo volume increased across the board, with 20.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 97.1 cubic feet in total. The Armada's headroom and legroom varied depending on the presence of a sunroof, with improvements in the third row, offering 32.9 inches of legroom.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen integrated into the dash, with USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad for front-seat passengers. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Drive Connect and Remote Connect subscription services. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on higher trims. While the Lexus Interface was user-friendly, the subscription costs after the initial three-year trial were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came standard with two large screens, with 12.3-inch displays on the SV and SL trims and 14.3-inch screens on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with six USB-C ports. The SL trim added a wireless charging pad and Google Built-In, allowing Google Maps to be viewed on the driver-information display. A head-up display was optional starting at the SL trim level. The base Armada SV featured a six-speaker sound system, while a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System was standard on higher trims. The collaboration with Klipsch provided an impressive audio experience, appealing to audiophiles.

The 2024 Lexus GX received a significant upgrade in safety features with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. The proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during highway driving. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the modern GA-F architecture and advanced driver assistance systems provided confidence in the GX's safety offerings.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite, with varying levels of advanced driver-assistance technologies. The basic version included adaptive cruise control and lane-centering steering assistance, while ProPILOT Assist 1.1 added proactive speed management. The most advanced version, ProPILOT Assist 2.1, offered hands-free highway-driving assist technology. The Armada also came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, providing a range of safety and driver-assistance features. The surround-view camera and 3D Around View Monitor enhanced visibility and safety during driving.