2025 Nissan Armada vs 2025 INFINITI QX80

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 underwent its first redesign since 2017, growing slightly longer and wider while maintaining its height. It retained its body-on-frame architecture, but with a new frame that significantly improved torsional and lateral stiffness. The QX80's styling became more expressive, particularly at the front, with a larger grille and a stacked-headlight setup that gave it a distinctive look. Other updates included full-width taillights, blacked-out roof pillar trim, and flush door handles, contributing to a cleaner profile. The QX80 was available in four trim levels, with varying wheel sizes and designs, and featured a high-tech interior makeover with a large horizontal display and ambient lighting. However, the use of shiny black plastic trim detracted from the premium feel.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a high beltline and a taller grille and front fascia, enhanced by higher ground clearance. The PRO-4X trim stood out with a skid plate and unique front lighting. The Armada's side profile appeared 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 C-shaped LED taillights and a lightbar on higher trims. Wheel sizes varied across trims, with the PRO-4X offering a unique design. Inside, the Armada offered comfortable seating, with higher trims featuring premium materials and color combinations. The cabin felt luxurious, especially in the Platinum Reserve trim, with tan leather and a sense of separation from the outside world.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, replacing the previous 5.6-liter V8. This engine produced 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, offering more power than the outgoing V8. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the old seven-speed, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive optional. The new powertrain provided a more energetic driving experience, although the active sound enhancement added an artificial noise during acceleration. The QX80 featured air suspension and adaptive damping on higher trims, allowing for adjustable ride height and improved aerodynamics. Despite its reinforced frame, the QX80's handling remained average for a large SUV.

The 2025 Nissan Armada also received a new powertrain, featuring a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine inspired by the GT-R. It delivered 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over its predecessor. The Armada's nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the old seven-speed, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive available on most trims. The PRO-4X trim was 4WD-only and included off-road features like an electronic locking rear differential and skid plates. The Armada's adaptive electronic air suspension, shared with the Platinum Reserve trim, provided excellent ground clearance and off-road capability. The Armada's towing capacity reached 8,500 pounds, and its updated electric power steering offered a nice sense of engagement. The adaptive air suspension enhanced comfort on-road and off-road, making it a versatile choice.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's redesign increased cargo space by 6%, 17%, and 28% behind the first, second, and third rows, respectively. This resulted in 22 cubic feet with all rows in place, 59 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 101 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The QX80 offered a power liftgate and power-folding second- and third-row seats, making reconfiguration easy. Passenger space was generous, with increased legroom in the first and third rows. Heated, ventilated, and massaging seats were available, and the QX80 could tow up to 8,500 pounds.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad. The Armada's "Zero Gravity" seats were comfortable, with power adjustments available across trims. Heated front seats were standard on the SL trim, with higher trims offering seat cooling and second-row seat heating. The Armada's cargo volume increased, with 20.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 97.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Armada's headroom and legroom varied depending on the presence of a sunroof, with improvements in the third row. Overall, the Armada offered competitive passenger space and cargo capacity.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 featured dual 14.3-inch screens, one for the instrument cluster and the other for infotainment. A smaller 9-inch touchscreen handled additional controls. Google built-in apps provided navigation and voice recognition, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The QX80's infotainment system had a familiar interface, but the graphics resembled those of non-luxury vehicles. The Klipsch sound system varied by trim, with higher trims offering a 24-speaker version. The QX80 also offered a 360-degree camera system with multiple viewing angles and an Invisible Hood view.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came with two large screens, 12.3-inch on lower trims and 14.3-inch on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with six USB-C ports. Google Built-In was available on the SL trim and above, allowing for native Google Maps navigation. A head-up display was optional, and the Klipsch Premium Audio System became standard on the SL trim. The Armada's infotainment system offered a clear advantage with its ability to display navigation on the driver-information display while managing other controls on the infotainment screen.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and a trailer blind-spot warning system. The QX80 offered ProPilot Assist, with adaptive cruise control and lane centering. The more advanced ProPilot Assist 2.1 allowed for hands-free driving and automated lane changes.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came with Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite, with varying levels of assistance 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 featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, with traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and more. Higher trims included a surround-view camera and Nissan's 3D Around View Monitor.