2025 Nissan Armada vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2025 Subaru Outback stood out in a dwindling field of wagons in the United States, embracing crossover trends with its rugged design elements like chunky wheel-arch flares and skid plate-inspired fascias. Its Crimson Red Pearl paint paired beautifully with the black leather interior, though earthy tones were deemed more fitting for its adventurous spirit. Subaru's focus on off-road capabilities paid off, as the Outback, along with the Crosstrek and Forester, became top sellers. The 2025 model saw no major changes, but the Limited trim gained features like a power moonroof and a 360-degree heated steering wheel. The Touring XT trim offered Nappa leather and ventilated front seats, enhancing the interior's appeal. The Outback's design balanced ruggedness with a well-executed interior, featuring easy-to-read gauges and a small digital display for essential information.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a high beltline and a tall grille, giving it a commanding presence reminiscent of its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti QX80. The PRO-4X trim stood out with its skid plate and unique front fascia. The Armada's side profile appeared larger and more business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar accents. Lava Red accents on the PRO-4X added a rugged touch, while the round wheel arches complemented the Platinum trims. The Armada's lighting design included C-shaped LED DRLs and taillights, with a red lightbar on higher trims. Wheel sizes varied from 18 to 22 inches, with the PRO-4X featuring all-terrain tires. Inside, the Armada offered a premium feel, with leather seats and a padded center console. The Platinum Reserve trim exuded luxury with its Chestnut and Rye theme, creating a sense of separation from the outside world.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured a horizontally opposed "Boxer" engine, available in two forms. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine in XT trims delivered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines ran on regular unleaded gas and were paired with a Lineartronic CVT and standard AWD. The turbocharged engine provided smart acceleration, though not at a performance level. The Outback offered 8.7 inches of ground clearance, with the Wilderness model increasing it to 9.5 inches. X-Mode optimized traction on slippery surfaces, with additional settings for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud on Onyx and Wilderness models. The Outback's smooth ride, light steering, and powerful brakes made it a comfortable companion on rough roads. However, the stop/start technology and CVT's response to throttle changes were noted as areas for improvement.

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. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the old seven-speed, with RWD or 4WD options, except for the 4WD-only PRO-4X. The PRO-4X featured 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, an electronic locking rear differential, and metal skid plates. The Armada's adaptive electronic air suspension, shared with the Platinum Reserve, offered a 33-degree approach angle and 9.6 inches of ground clearance. 4WD Armadas included hill-descent control and an off-road information display. The Armada's towing capacity reached 8,500 pounds, with trailer sway control and a trailer brake controller standard. On-road, the Armada's electric power steering provided engagement, while the adaptive air suspension enhanced comfort. Off-road, the PRO-4X's suspension and Mud/Rut mode improved ground clearance and traction.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape offered practicality, with easy entry and exit due to its lower chassis. The low center of gravity, aided by the flat-four engine, allowed for quick direction changes. The Outback provided 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat up and 75.6 cubic feet with it folded. Despite smaller cargo measurements compared to some crossovers, the flat floor and square shape maximized usability. The Outback's total passenger volume of 109 cubic feet surpassed its crossover competition, offering more front headroom and legroom. Buyers were advised to test different trims, as the Limited, Touring, and Wilderness models offered distinct driving experiences. The turbocharged engine option increased towing capacity from 2,700 to 3,500 pounds.

The 2025 Nissan Armada replaced the old gear selector with a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad. The Armada Platinum Reserve featured "Zero Gravity" seats, offering comfort but feeling slightly deep. The Armada 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 three-row seating included a 60/40-split bench in the third row, with power one-touch folding. 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. Headroom and legroom adjustments improved passenger comfort, with the third row gaining 4.5 inches of legroom.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's technology package included an 11.6-inch touchscreen with bright icons, though the Starlink infotainment system was slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity except on the base model. The Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system performed well, though Starlink disturbances limited audio to the rear speakers. The dashboard featured a mix of buttons and knobs, appealing to less tech-savvy buyers. The 2025 Outback Touring included a CD player and both USB-A and USB-C ports for device compatibility.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came with two large screens, 12.3 inches on the SV and SL trims, and 14.3 inches on higher trims. The screens sat side by side in a flat housing, visible 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 from the SL trim level. The base Armada SV featured a six-speaker sound system, while a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System was standard on higher trims. The Klipsch system impressed audiophiles with its sound quality.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The system kept the Outback in its lane but with more side-to-side movement than desired. Onyx and higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The DriverFocus system monitored for driver distraction, though it occasionally issued false notifications. The 2024 Outback earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with the 2025 model expected to perform similarly.

The 2025 Nissan Armada included Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering steering assistance. ProPILOT Assist 1.1, standard on higher trims, managed speed based on navigation data. ProPILOT Assist 2.1, available on SL, Platinum, and Platinum Reserve trims, offered hands-free highway-driving assist. The system required occasional steering wheel contact but adjusted smoothly to curves and lane changes. Nissan Safety Shield 360 included features like traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. Higher trims featured a surround-view camera and Nissan's 3D Around View Monitor, with an Invisible Hood View for enhanced visibility.