2025 Nissan Armada vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in three model series: B5, B6, and Recharge T8. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid, offering the most power and efficiency, with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. All models came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). The XC90 was offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The Recharge T8 in Ultimate trim, priced at $89,145, included features like massaging front seats, a premium audio system, and a trailer hitch with a 5,000-pound towing capacity. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued, earthy color palette and a Bright theme with chrome accents, contrasting with the trend of blacked-out designs. Inside, the XC90's design was somewhat dated but featured rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, a crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim.

The 2025 Nissan Armada showcased a bold design with a 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 and a unique front lighting signature with C-shaped LED lines. The Armada's side profile was larger and more business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar accents. The PRO-4X trim added rugged elements like black plastic cladding and all-terrain tires. The rear featured standard LED taillights and a red lightbar on higher trims. Wheel sizes ranged from 18 to 22 inches, with unique designs for the PRO-4X. Inside, the Armada offered a premium feel, even in the PRO-4X trim, with leather seats and a padded center console. Higher trims added luxurious touches like quilting and unique color combinations. The Armada's interior was spacious, with increased cargo volume and improved passenger space compared to its predecessor.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Recharge T8 offered 32 miles of electric-only driving and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. Charging the battery took about 12 hours with a standard outlet or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. However, during testing, the XC90 fell short of its electric range and fuel economy estimates, achieving 28 miles of electric range and 24.5 mpg. The SUV's performance waned as the battery approached its minimum charge, and the gas engine would assist when necessary. While the XC90 offered lively acceleration, its handling was not particularly thrilling, and the ride quality was firm on uneven surfaces.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a new powertrain with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, inspired by the GT-R, producing 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive or Nissan's Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive available on most trims. The PRO-4X trim was 4WD-only and included features like an electronic locking rear differential and metal skid plates. The Armada's adaptive electronic air suspension, shared with the Platinum Reserve trim, provided a 33-degree approach angle and 9.6 inches of ground clearance. The Armada offered eight selectable drive modes, including Sand, Rock, and Mud/Rut. It could tow up to 8,500 pounds and included trailer sway control and a trailer brake controller. On-road, the Armada's electric power steering provided a sense of engagement, while the adaptive air suspension offered comfort. Off-road, the PRO-4X's suspension raised the SUV for better clearance, and the Mud/Rut mode handled challenging terrain effectively.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 offered a well-equipped interior, even in the base Core trim, with features like power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims included amenities like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and upgraded interior lighting. The XC90's front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, but their design could catch on clothing. The SUV provided a commanding driving position with good sightlines. However, the climate control system struggled to cool the cabin in Pure mode. The XC90 seated seven or six with optional captain's chairs, and the third-row seat was more accommodating than expected. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use but expanded to 65.5 cubic feet with it folded and 85.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad. The Armada Platinum Reserve offered "Zero Gravity" seats, which were comfortable but felt deep. The SUV 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 second-row heating available on higher trims. The Armada's third-row seats folded flatter for easier loading, increasing cargo space. Cargo volume increased across the board, with 20.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.3 behind the second, and 97.1 in total. The Armada's headroom and legroom varied depending on the presence of a sunroof, with improvements in some areas and reductions in others. Overall, the Armada offered more passenger space than the Toyota Sequoia but fell short of American rivals.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. These features were complimentary for four years, with subscription payments required afterward. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with premium audio options available. The infotainment system was more intuitive than previous versions, and the XC90's cabin included a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The digital voice assistant, activated by saying "Hey Google," generally provided a rewarding experience. The XC90 also included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came standard with two large screens, 12.3-inch displays on the SV and SL trims, and 14.3-inch screens on higher trims. The screens were housed together and positioned lower in the dash for better visibility. 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, which allowed 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 had a six-speaker sound system, while higher trims featured a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System. The Klipsch system was demonstrated by product specialists, highlighting its merits for audiophiles.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was known for its safety, with a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in every assessment except rollover resistance, where it earned four stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, the XC90's advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were not as innovative as some rivals. It included features like large-animal detection and a notification system for distracted drivers but lacked a hands-free driving assistance system. Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, was used extensively during testing but struggled with certain road conditions and made a significant error when exiting a freeway.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, with enhanced versions available on higher trims. The basic version included adaptive cruise control with active lane-centering steering assistance. ProPILOT Assist 1.1, standard on higher trims, added proactive speed management based on navigation data. ProPILOT Assist 2.1, available as an option, offered hands-free highway-driving assist technology. The Armada also came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included features like traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. A surround-view camera was standard on the SL trim, with higher trims offering Nissan's 3D Around View Monitor and Invisible Hood View. The camera system was tested with a "blindfold" applied to the windshield, demonstrating its effectiveness in navigating obstacles.