2025 Nissan Armada vs 2025 Subaru Forester

The 2025 Subaru Forester underwent a noticeable visual transformation, focusing on a more streamlined and generic appearance. It featured standard roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels, with higher trims offering larger wheels and distinctive accents. The Forester Sport, for instance, showcased bronze trim accents and 19-inch wheels, while the Touring trim boasted a low-profile roof rack and chrome badging. The interior was upgraded with a more intentional design, featuring structural dash elements and various upholstery options, including the easy-to-clean StarTex material in the Sport trim. Despite these changes, the Forester maintained its practical and functional essence, with a spacious cabin and a large greenhouse shape.

In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Armada presented a bold and imposing design, highlighted by a high beltline and a large grille. The PRO-4X trim stood out with its skid plate and unique front fascia, while the C-shaped LED lighting signature added a modern touch. The Armada's side profile exuded a business-like demeanor, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar accents. The interior offered a luxurious experience, especially in the Platinum Reserve trim, with premium materials and advanced seating options. The Armada's spacious cabin accommodated three rows of seats, with the third row folding flat for increased cargo space. Overall, the Armada's design emphasized a blend of ruggedness and sophistication.

The 2025 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain was paired with a Lineartonic CVT and Subaru's Symmetrical AWD system, providing a stable and confident driving experience. The Forester's X-Mode system, standard from the Premium trim, enhanced off-road capabilities with features like Hill Descent Control. While acceleration was modest, the Forester impressed with its quietness at cruising speeds and smooth steering. Fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined, with slight variations for Sport and Touring trims.

The 2025 Nissan Armada, on the other hand, boasted a new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This engine was mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, with RWD or Intelligent 4WD options. The PRO-4X trim, designed for off-road adventures, featured dedicated wheels, all-terrain tires, and an electronic locking rear differential. The Armada's adaptive electronic air suspension provided a comfortable ride on-road and enhanced ground clearance off-road. With a towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds, the Armada was well-equipped for hauling tasks. Its electric power steering offered a balanced feel, and the adaptive air suspension added comfort and capability in various driving conditions.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate, enhancing convenience for loading and unloading. Its cargo space increased slightly, measuring 29.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 74.4 cubic feet with them folded down. The Forester's interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering a roomy second row and various seating adjustments. The Premium trim featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, while higher trims added more comfort features like seat ventilation and heating.

In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Armada offered a spacious and versatile interior, with a push-button transmission freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad. The Armada's "Zero Gravity" seats provided comfort, with power adjustments available across trims. The three-row SUV featured a second-row bench or captain's chairs, with power-folding third-row seats for increased cargo space. Cargo volume improved 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, but overall, it provided ample space for passengers and cargo.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system, standard on all but the base trim. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with dual USB-A and USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The Touring trim added a navigation system, Harman Kardon sound system, and additional driver-assistance features. Subaru's Starlink connected services suite offered new capabilities, enhancing the Forester's tech offerings.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured dual large screens, with 12.3-inch displays on lower 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 for seamless integration of Google Maps. A head-up display was optional, and a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System became standard on the SL trim. The Armada's infotainment system provided a user-friendly experience, with clear visibility and easy access to key information.

The 2025 Subaru Forester offered advanced safety features, including Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies. Enhancements for 2025 included a wider field of view and an electric brake booster. The Touring trim added Emergency Stop Assist, a digital rearview mirror, surround view monitor, and reverse automatic braking. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the 2024 model received high marks, suggesting continued safety excellence.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came equipped with Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite, offering varying levels of driver-assistance technology. The most advanced version, ProPILOT Assist 2.1, provided hands-free highway-driving assist. Nissan Safety Shield 360 included features like traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. Higher trims offered additional safety features, such as a surround-view camera and Invisible Hood View, enhancing the Armada's safety credentials.