2025 Nissan Armada vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2025 Nissan Armada presented a bold and commanding presence, reminiscent of its luxury sibling, the Infiniti QX80. Its high beltline and elevated ground clearance contributed to a taller front fascia, accentuated by a prominent grille that left a lasting impression. The PRO-4X variant stood out with its skid plate and rugged design elements, including C-shaped LED lines that replaced the previous DRLs. From the side, the Armada's parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar design, along with the ARMADA-emblazoned accent strip, added to its business-like appearance. The PRO-4X's Lava Red accents and all-terrain tires emphasized its off-road capabilities, while the Platinum and Platinum Reserve trims exuded a more refined character with their round wheel arches and red lightbar at the rear.

Inside, the Armada offered a luxurious experience, especially in the Platinum Reserve and PRO-4X trims. The PRO-4X, despite its rugged exterior, featured premium leather seats and a padded center console, while the Platinum trims added quilting for an even more upscale feel. The interior color schemes varied across trims, with the Platinum Reserve showcasing a Chestnut with Rye theme that enhanced the sense of luxury. The Armada's cabin provided a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, making it a standout choice for those seeking both style and comfort.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600, with prices ranging from $91,600 to $181,350. Our test vehicle, the GLS 450, featured the new Manufaktur Edition Package, which added 21-inch AMG wheels, the AMG Line Exterior Package, and other premium upgrades. While the Manufaktur Silicon Grey paint didn't stand out, the AMG and Night styling details gave the GLS a sporty appearance. Inside, the GLS offered high-quality materials and detailing, though we noticed some body creaks on chilly mornings. The GLS 450's interior boasted standard ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a variety of upholstery and trim options, providing a luxurious and comfortable environment.

The GLS 450's powertrain, a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with mild-hybrid assist, delivered 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds and offered a combined EPA rating of 21 mpg. The GLS featured a standard Airmatic adaptive suspension and a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. While the GLS exhibited occasional delays in responsiveness, its tailored feel and composed ride made it a standout choice among full-size luxury SUVs. The GLS excelled in urban and suburban environments, offering a quiet cabin and solid dynamics, making it a compelling option for those seeking a refined driving experience.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a new powertrain, featuring a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine inspired by the high-performance GT-R. This engine delivered 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, providing an additional 25 horsepower and 103 lb-ft compared to its predecessor. The Armada's nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the old seven-speed, and all trims except the PRO-4X offered rear-wheel drive or Nissan's Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive. The PRO-4X, designed for off-road adventures, came exclusively with 4WD and included features like dedicated 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, an electronic locking rear differential, and metal underbody skid plates. The Armada's adaptive electronic air suspension, shared with the Platinum Reserve, allowed for increased ground clearance and improved off-road capabilities. With a towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds, the Armada was well-equipped for hauling, and its updated electric power steering provided a sense of engagement on the road.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist, producing 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel-drive, the GLS 450 accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. While more powerful versions of the GLS were available, the six-cylinder 450 offered acceptable fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. The GLS featured a standard Airmatic adaptive suspension and a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The GLS excelled in urban and suburban environments, offering a quiet cabin and solid dynamics, making it a compelling option for those seeking a refined driving experience.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad in all but the base SV trim. The Armada's "Zero Gravity" seats provided comfort, though they felt a bit deep. The SUV offered standard eight-way driver's-side power adjustment, with higher trims offering more customization. Heated front seats became standard on the SL trim, while Platinum and Platinum Reserve offered front-row seat cooling and second-row seat heating. The Armada's three-row seating configuration included a second-row bench seat, with captain's chairs available on Platinum trims. Cargo volume increased across the board, with 20.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.3 behind the second row, and 97.1 in the first. The Armada's headroom and legroom measurements varied depending on the presence of a sunroof, with improvements in third-row legroom.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger configuration featuring second-row captain's chairs as a no-cost option. The GLS provided exceptional comfort, with standard features like a four-zone climate control system and heated and ventilated front seats. Comfort-related upgrades included massaging seats, a heated steering wheel, and an executive-style rear seat package. The six-passenger configuration included power-operated and heated second-row captain's chairs with a pass-through to the third-row seat. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 to 48.7 cubic feet with the third row folded flat. Maximum capacity with the second-row folded down was 84.7 cubic feet. While the GLS fell short of traditional full-size luxury SUVs in cargo space, it provided a comfortable and luxurious interior.

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 the PRO-4X, Platinum, and Platinum Reserve. The screens were housed side by side in a single unit, 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 for native Google Maps integration. A head-up display was optional starting at the SL trim level, and a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System became standard on the SL trim. The Armada's infotainment system offered a user-friendly experience, with features that catered to both tech enthusiasts and audiophiles.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays, offering a more traditional approach compared to Mercedes' Superscreen and Hyperscreen technologies. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system provided a capable collection of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented reality enhancement, and online music access. The GLS came with a standard Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos technology, with a high-end Burmester 3D audio system available as an option. Additional options included gesture control capability, a head-up display, and rear infotainment screens. MBUX was easy to use, with a digital assistant that responded to voice commands, though it occasionally stumbled with specific requests.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came equipped with Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, with varying levels of enhancement across trims. The most basic version included adaptive cruise control with active lane-centering steering assistance, while ProPILOT Assist 1.1 added proactive speed management based on navigation data. ProPILOT Assist 2.1, available on higher trims, offered hands-free highway-driving assist technology. The Armada also featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning and prevention, and rear cross-traffic alert. A surround-view camera became standard on the Armada SL, with higher trims offering Nissan's 3D Around View Monitor and Invisible Hood View.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS boasted nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, including Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist technologies. The GLS featured a Car-to-X Communication system, preparing for a future where cars can exchange warnings of road hazards. Parking was made easy with front and rear parking sensors and a surround-view camera system. The GLS offered a hands-on driver-assistance system with a touch-sensing steering wheel, though it required active participation from the driver. The system occasionally struggled with curve-speed reduction and braking behavior, but it provided a smooth and refined driving experience when drivers remained alert and active.