2025 Nissan Armada vs 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, with a full-time 4WD system and electronic locking differentials, allowing for a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. Standard features included Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control, while the higher trim added Multi-Terrain Select modes and a front stabilizer bar disconnect. Despite an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, real-world testing showed a less impressive 15.7 mpg. The Land Cruiser excelled as a daily driver and off-road adventurer, with features like a high seating position, excellent visibility, and off-road capabilities enhanced by its suspension and ground clearance. However, it struggled with handling on twisty roads, and its performance was more about comfort and capability than speed.

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. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, with most trims offering RWD or 4WD, while the PRO-4X was 4WD-only. The PRO-4X also included unique off-road features like an electronic locking rear differential and skid plates. The Armada's adaptive electronic air suspension, shared with the Platinum Reserve, provided a 33-degree approach angle and 9.6 inches of ground clearance. All 4WD models had hill-descent control and eight selectable drive modes. The Armada could tow up to 8,500 pounds, with standard trailer sway control and other towing aids. On-road, the Armada's electric power steering offered good engagement, and the adaptive air suspension added comfort. Off-road, the PRO-4X's suspension and Mud/Rut mode enhanced its capability.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior featured SofTex artificial leather in the higher trim, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Premium Package added real leather and a power sunroof. While the front seats were comfortable, the second-row seats lacked support, and the running boards could be cumbersome for taller passengers. The rear window design was less practical, and the center console's cool box took up valuable storage space. The Land Cruiser offered 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 82.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though the high load floor required effort to load heavy items.

The 2025 Nissan Armada replaced the old gear selector with a push-button transmission, freeing up console space for a wireless charging pad. The Armada Platinum Reserve featured "Zero Gravity" seats, which were comfortable but felt deep. The front seats offered various power adjustments, with heated and cooled options available on higher trims. The Armada's three-row seating included a standard second-row bench, with captain's chairs available on Platinum trims. Cargo space increased 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 with the sunroof option, but overall, it offered more space than the Toyota Sequoia.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser upgraded its displays to dual 12.3-inch screens in the higher trim, featuring the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and connected service plans. The Premium Package added a JBL sound system, wireless charger, head-up display, and digital key technology. The voice recognition system was effective, providing accurate navigation assistance.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came standard with two large screens, 12.3 inches on lower trims and 14.3 inches on higher ones. The displays were flat and easily visible, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six USB-C ports, and Google Built-In on the SL trim. A head-up display was optional, and the sound system upgraded to a 12-speaker Klipsch system on higher trims. The Klipsch system was demonstrated by specialists, highlighting its audio quality.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist offered semi-autonomous driving, though performance varied. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact testing but a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured ProPILOT Assist, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering steering. Higher trims offered ProPILOT Assist 1.1 and 2.1, with hands-free highway-driving assist. Nissan Safety Shield 360 included features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning. The Armada SL and higher trims had a surround-view camera, with the 3D Around View Monitor on top trims. The camera system was tested with a "blindfold" challenge, demonstrating its effectiveness.