2025 Nissan Armada vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. Its upscale appearance was evident, especially with the 22-inch silver-finished wheels included in the TX 350 Executive packages, which significantly enhanced its presence. The styling of the TX was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, offering a conservative design that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's bolder aesthetics. The TX was available in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, although the TX 550h+ was not yet on sale. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, with options for Ultra Luxury or Executive packages in Canada. The interior, while dark, was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge, with premium materials and features like upgraded ambient lighting and semi-aniline leather upholstery.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a high beltline similar to its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti QX80, and a taller grille and front fascia, enhanced by higher ground clearance. The PRO-4X model stood out with a skid plate and unique front lighting signature, including C-shaped LED lines. The third-generation Armada appeared larger and more business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar design. The PRO-4X model featured Lava Red accents, while other trims had chrome. The Armada retained round wheel arches, adding rugged character to the PRO-4X with black plastic cladding. The rear featured standard LED taillights and a red lightbar on higher trims. The Armada SL came with 20-inch wheels, while the Platinum Reserve had 22-inch wheels. Inside, both the Platinum Reserve and PRO-4X were comfortably outfitted, with premium materials like leather seats and padded consoles. The Platinum Reserve offered a luxurious Chestnut with Rye interior theme, enhancing the sense of luxury.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial skepticism about its suitability for a midsize, three-row luxury SUV, it performed adequately in typical driving situations with up to four passengers. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to the torque. The official fuel economy rating was 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, only slightly better than the previous RX L model. During testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm suspension providing road surface feedback while ensuring comfort. The steering was accurate and responsive, and the interior remained quiet on the highway. The brake pedal felt soft but was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a new powertrain with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, inspired by the high-performance GT-R, delivering 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive in Canada. The PRO-4X model included 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, an electronic locking rear differential, and metal skid plates. The Armada's adaptive electronic air suspension, shared with the Platinum Reserve, provided an additional 5.3 cm of ride height, enhancing off-road capabilities with a 33-degree approach angle, 25.5-degree breakover angle, and 24.5-degree departure angle. The Armada offered eight selectable drive modes, including Sand, Rock, and Mud/Rut, and could tow up to 3,855 kilograms. On-road, the electric power steering provided engagement, while the adaptive air suspension added comfort. Off-road, the PRO-4X's suspension automatically adjusted for better ground clearance.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a more affordable and practical option compared to the GX, LX, and RX L models. The TX 350 test unit featured premium materials like semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery. Standard features in Canada included heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional captain's chairs in the Executive package. The front seats were comfortable but lacked a massage function. The second-row seat was less welcoming due to its flat lower cushion, but triple-zone climate control and USB ports for all rows met segment expectations. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering leg support and a good view. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third row, 1,625 litres with the third row folded, and 2,746 litres with the second row down, providing ample storage.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a push-button transmission, freeing up centre console space for a wireless charging pad. The Platinum Reserve model had "Zero Gravity" seats, offering comfort but feeling deep. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated mirrors. The Platinum trims added seat cooling and second-row heating. The third-row seats were 60/40-split with power one-touch folding, providing more cargo space. Cargo volume increased to 577 litres behind the third row, 1,594 litres behind the second row, and 2,750 litres behind the front row. Headroom increased in the front row with a sunroof but decreased in the second and third rows. Front-row legroom increased to 1,112 mm, while the second row decreased to 995 mm. The third row gained 114 mm, offering 835 mm of legroom. The Armada's passenger space was competitive with American rivals but surpassed Toyota's offering.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional options in the Executive packages. The head-up display and surround-view camera were helpful, but the unmarked steering wheel controls for the head-up display were distracting. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. Service Connect and Safety Connect offered 10-year subscriptions, while Remote Connect provided app-based access for three years. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came with two large screens, 12.3-inch on the SL trim and 14.3-inch on higher trims, housed side by side. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and Google Built-In were standard. Google Maps was native, allowing simultaneous use of the infotainment screen for other functions. A head-up display was standard on the Platinum Reserve trim. The Armada featured a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System, with a demo highlighting its merits for audiophiles.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist offered braking and steering assistance but was not transparent. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds but lacked a higher-speed option. LSS+ 3.0 was generally smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured ProPILOT Assist, with enhanced versions on higher trims. ProPILOT Assist 1.1 included adaptive cruise control and lane-centring, while ProPILOT Assist 2.1 on the Platinum Reserve offered hands-free highway driving. The system adjusted smoothly to curves and lane changes but required frequent driver input. Nissan Safety Shield 360 included traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and more. A surround-view camera was standard on the SL, with higher trims offering a 3D Around View Monitor and Invisible Hood View for enhanced visibility.