2025 Nissan Armada vs 2025 Hyundai Palisade

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its bold and unmistakable design, which was a refreshing departure from the rugged styling cues often seen in other SUVs. Its angular and technical look, introduced in the 2023 refresh, replaced the previous chubby-cheeked face, giving it a more sophisticated appearance. The Palisade's exterior was characterized by balanced forms and tasteful body sculpting, contributing to an upscale look that belied its sticker price. Inside, even the base SE trim offered a clean and modern feel, while higher trims like the Calligraphy boasted premium leather, artificial suede, and other luxury touches. However, some metallic-surface control markings were difficult to read in daylight. The Palisade was also packed with thoughtful details, such as USB charging ports in the front seatbacks, second-row smartphone storage pockets, and easily accessible drink holders for children. Hyundai offered the 2025 Palisade in seven trim levels, with prices ranging from $37,200 to $54,500, excluding the destination charge.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a strikingly high beltline, reminiscent of its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti QX80. Its grille and front fascia appeared taller, aided by higher ground clearance and a limited lower grille portion. The PRO-4X trim stood out with a skid plate and unique front lighting signature, featuring C-shaped LED lines. The Armada's side profile exuded a larger and more business-like appearance, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar accents. The PRO-4X trim added rugged character with black plastic cladding and unique wheel designs. The rear featured standard LED taillights and a fashionable red lightbar on higher trims. Inside, the Armada offered comfort with "Zero Gravity" seats and various interior color combinations. Cargo space increased across the board, with improved legroom in the third row. The Armada's interior was well-appointed, with features like a push-button transmission and wireless charging pad, enhancing convenience and functionality.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission transferred power to the front wheels, with an optional AWD system available. The Palisade had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and averaged 22 mpg in combined driving, or 21 mpg with AWD. Despite its age, the Palisade's driving dynamics remained impressive, with a firm ride at lower speeds and a softer feel on highways. The powertrain was smooth and refined, offering plenty of power and a satisfying sound. However, fuel efficiency fell short of EPA estimates, with recorded figures of 16.9 mpg in city driving and 19.8 mpg overall. The Palisade's steering and suspension provided a reasonable feel for the road, and the brakes were well-calibrated.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a new powertrain with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, inspired by the high-performance GT-R. It produced 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, an increase over its predecessor. The Armada featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, with RWD or Nissan's Intelligent 4WD available on most trims. The PRO-4X trim was 4WD-only, equipped with off-road 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 improved ground clearance and approach angles. The Armada's towing capacity reached 8,500 pounds, with standard trailer sway control and other towing aids. On-road, the Armada's electric power steering offered engagement, while the adaptive air suspension enhanced comfort. Off-road, the PRO-4X trim excelled in challenging conditions, thanks to its specialized suspension and drive modes.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offered three rows of seats, accommodating adults comfortably. Our test vehicle featured a seven-passenger setup with second-row captain's chairs, while the base SE trim had eight-passenger seating. The Calligraphy trim boasted Nappa premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, and a massaging driver's seat. The second-row captain's chairs provided heating, ventilation, and good legroom, with side window shades for sun protection. The third-row seat was heated, a rarity in this segment, and offered USB-C charging ports and air vents. Storage space was generous, with adjustable cupholders and dedicated smartphone storage. The Smart Liftgate added convenience, though it could open unexpectedly. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet behind the front seats.

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, though they felt deep without a thigh extender. The front seats provided power adjustment, with heating and cooling available on higher trims. The second-row bench seat was standard, with captain's chairs available on Platinum trims. The third-row seats offered power one-touch folding, and cargo space increased across the board. The Armada's cargo volume measured 20.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 97.1 cubic feet behind the front seats. Headroom and legroom improved in various rows, with the third row gaining 4.5 inches of legroom. The Armada's passenger space generally fell short compared to American rivals but surpassed Toyota's offering.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade's technology, while functional, appeared dated compared to Hyundai's newer models. It featured separate digital instrumentation and infotainment screens, with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, along with Bluetooth support, wireless charging, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Palisade Calligraphy included a navigation system, voice recognition, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system performed well, providing accurate directions. The Harman Kardon audio system delivered commendable sound, and the Palisade offered a Rear Seat Quiet Mode. Hyundai Pay and a digital rearview mirror were standard, with a head-up display and surround-view camera system available.

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, providing clear visibility from the driver's seat. 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, and the SL trim featured a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System. The audio system impressed during a demo, showcasing its merits to audiophiles.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, offering a range of standard safety features. These included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Highway Driving Assist system combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. Higher trims added features like ultrasonic rear occupant alert, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera. The Calligraphy model featured automatic parking braking and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS through 2024 but missed the accolade in 2025 due to a Poor rating in a new frontal-impact test. The NHTSA awarded it five-star frontal impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.

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. ProPILOT Assist 1.1 added proactive speed management, while ProPILOT Assist 2.1 offered hands-free highway-driving assist. The Armada also came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, providing features like traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. Higher trims included a surround-view camera and Nissan's 3D Around View Monitor. The Intelligent Around-View camera allowed for precise navigation, even without a physical line of sight.