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. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model, featuring Luxury trim, showcased impressive 22-inch silver-finished wheels, an expensive option that significantly enhanced the SUV's aesthetic and presence. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative look that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's design. The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, including a $1,350 destination charge. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, offered a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with FWD or AWD options. The test vehicle, equipped with FWD and Luxury trim, had a base price of $60,950, including destination, and featured packages like the Convenience and Technology Packages, culminating in an MSRP of $67,869. The interior, while luxurious, felt dark due to the Peppercorn color scheme, but overall, it maintained the Lexus standard of luxury.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a high beltline akin to its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti QX80. Its grille and front fascia appeared taller, aided by higher ground clearance and a limited lower grille portion. The PRO-4X model stood out with a skid plate and exclusive front lighting, featuring C-shaped LED lines. The Armada's imposing grille made a strong impression, setting it apart from its predecessor. From the side, the third-generation Armada appeared larger and more business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar accents. The PRO-4X model added rugged character with black plastic cladding and unique wheel designs. The rear featured standard LED taillights, with a red lightbar on higher trims. Wheel sizes varied from 18-inch on the SV to 22-inch on the Platinum Reserve. The interior of both the Platinum Reserve and PRO-4X models felt premium, with leather seats and padded consoles. Higher trims offered more luxurious features, such as quilting and unique color combinations. The Armada's cabin exuded a sense of luxury, especially in the Platinum Reserve trim with its Chestnut and Rye theme.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 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. The engine's grating note and hints of torque steer in the FWD model were minor irritations. Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD), though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The EPA rated the TX 350 FWD at 23 mpg in combined driving, a slight improvement over the previous RX L model. During testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, available for an additional $1,600, offered slightly quicker acceleration and improved traction in adverse conditions. The TX 350's suspension provided a balanced ride, firm enough for road feedback yet comfortable, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on highways, though the brake pedal felt too soft in the test vehicle.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a new powertrain with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, inspired by the high-performance GT-R. It delivered 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 25 horsepower and 103 lb-ft over its predecessor. The seven-speed automatic transmission was replaced with a nine-speed automatic. All trims, except the PRO-4X, offered RWD or Nissan's Intelligent 4WD, while the PRO-4X was exclusively 4WD. The PRO-4X featured dedicated 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, an electronic locking rear differential, and metal skid plates. It shared an adaptive electronic air suspension with the Platinum Reserve, providing a 33-degree approach angle, 25.5-degree breakover angle, and 24.5-degree departure angle, with 9.6 inches of ground clearance. Every 4WD Armada included hill-descent control and an off-road information display. 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 engagement, though it exhibited some lean in corners. The adaptive air suspension enhanced comfort in the Platinum Reserve and improved off-road capability in the PRO-4X.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The GX and LX models were off-road-oriented, compromising on-road dynamics, while the RX L was too small for adult passengers in the third row. The TX resolved these issues, offering a more affordable and spacious option. The TX 350 Luxury featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The standard second-row bench seat could be replaced with heated and ventilated captain's chairs. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they provided a supportive driving position. The second-row seat, though comfortable, had a relatively flat lower cushion. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, with a stadium-style bottom cushion and large side windows. However, sliding the second-row seat forward for third-row comfort compromised second-row legroom. The TX offered numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad in all but the base SV trim. The Armada Platinum Reserve featured Nissan's "Zero Gravity" seats, which were comfortable but felt deep. The Armada offered standard eight-way driver's-side power adjustment, increasing with each trim to 12-way adjustment with four-way lumbar support. Heated front seats were standard on the SL trim, with cooling and second-row heating available on higher trims. The third-row seats were 60/40-split benches with power one-touch folding. Cargo volume increased across the board, with 20.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 97.1 cubic feet with all seats down. The Armada's headroom increased in the front row with a sunroof but decreased in the second and third rows. Front-row legroom increased to 43.8 inches, while the second row decreased to 39.2 inches. Third-row legroom improved to 32.9 inches. The Armada's passenger space was competitive with American rivals but surpassed Toyota's offering.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, a surround-view camera, and a semi-autonomous parking assist system. However, the package replaced properly marked steering wheel controls with unmarked dual-purpose ones, requiring drivers to reference the head-up display, which was often invisible with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, was user-friendly, especially with the complimentary three-year Drive Connect subscription, offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with seamless connectivity. The TX also offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, providing features like automatic collision notification and a stolen vehicle locator. Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect added further connectivity options. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system delivered impressive audio quality.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came standard with two large screens, 12.3-inch displays on the SV and SL trims, and 14.3-inch screens on higher trims. The screens were housed side by side in a flat display unit, 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 became standard on higher trims. The collaboration with Klipsch provided impressive audio quality, appreciated by audiophiles.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), featuring adaptive cruise control with curve speed adjustment, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, offered braking and steering assistance but was not entirely transparent. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving on approved highways but lacked a higher-speed hands-free option. LSS+ 3.0 generally performed smoothly and effectively, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in, causing frustration for following drivers.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite, with varying levels of advanced driver-assistance technologies. The basic version on the SV and PRO-4X trims included adaptive cruise control with active lane-centering steering assistance. ProPILOT Assist 1.1, standard on higher trims, added proactive speed management based on navigation data. ProPILOT Assist 2.1, available on the SL, Platinum, and Platinum Reserve trims, offered hands-free highway-driving assist technology. While the system adjusted smoothly to curves and lane changes, it required frequent driver input. Nissan Safety Shield 360, standard on all Armadas, included traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning and prevention, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. Higher trims featured a surround-view camera, replaced by Nissan's 3D Around View Monitor on top trims. The Intelligent Around-View camera system allowed for impressive navigation without physical sight, useful in tight situations.