2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Nissan Armada

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV that managed to blend luxury with a somewhat unremarkable exterior. Its exclusive Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers added a touch of flair, but the overall design remained understated. The RX's large front grille and rising rear haunches were its most distinctive features, yet it still lacked the visual appeal of some competitors. Despite this, the interior offered a contemporary feel with quality materials and ambient lighting, though the ergonomics of the controls varied from baffling to brilliant. The RX Hybrid lineup included three models: the efficient RX 350h, the plug-in RX 450h+, and the powerful RX 500h, each with standard all-wheel drive in Canada and a range of packages to suit different preferences.

In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Armada presented a more imposing and rugged appearance. Its high beltline and large grille, reminiscent of the Infiniti QX80, gave it a commanding presence. The PRO-4X trim stood out with its skid plate and unique front fascia, while the new C-shaped LED lighting added a modern touch. The Armada's side profile was business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar accents. Inside, the Armada offered a luxurious cabin, especially in the Platinum Reserve trim, with leather seats and a premium feel. The PRO-4X, despite its off-road focus, maintained a sense of luxury with its Lava Red accents and rugged design elements. Overall, the Armada's design was both bold and functional, appealing to those seeking a full-size SUV with a strong presence.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of performance options, starting with the RX 350h, which delivered 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque from its hybrid powertrain. While it wasn't the most thrilling to drive, it excelled in fuel efficiency. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid increased power to 304 hp and offered a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds, though it came at a higher price point. The RX 500h, with its turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, providing a more exhilarating driving experience with a 0-100 km/h time of 6.2 seconds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 13.5 L/100 km in testing. The RX 500h featured advanced suspension and AWD systems, but its dynamic capabilities were somewhat muted, making it more suited for straight-line acceleration than spirited driving.

The 2025 Nissan Armada, on the other hand, boasted a new 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain, inspired by the GT-R, provided a significant boost over its predecessor. The Armada's nine-speed automatic transmission and Intelligent 4WD system ensured smooth and capable performance both on and off-road. The PRO-4X trim added off-road enhancements like an electronic locking rear differential and adaptive air suspension, offering impressive approach and departure angles. The Armada's towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms was a standout feature, supported by trailer sway control and other towing aids. On-road, the Armada's steering provided a good sense of engagement, while the adaptive air suspension enhanced comfort. Off-road, the Armada excelled in challenging conditions, making it a versatile choice for adventure seekers.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space, with a two-row configuration that offered ample room for passengers. The RX 500h's front seats, while heated and ventilated, felt snug due to their bolstering, and the climate system's fan was notably loud. The rear seats, however, were comfortable and spacious, with optional power-reclining and heating features. Cargo space was adequate, with 838 litres behind the second row and 1,308 litres with the seats folded, though it fell short for a midsize SUV.

The 2025 Nissan Armada, with its push-button transmission, freed up centre console space for a wireless charging pad. The Platinum Reserve trim featured comfortable "Zero Gravity" seats, though they felt deep. The Armada offered generous interior space, with heated and cooled front seats and a second-row bench or Captain’s Chairs option. The third-row seats folded flat for increased cargo capacity, with 577 litres behind the third row, 1,594 litres behind the second, and 2,750 litres behind the front row. While not class-leading, the Armada's cargo space was competitive, and its passenger space improved over previous models, offering more legroom in the third row.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with a range of high-tech features, including digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h featured a 14-inch touchscreen display with the Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a cloud-based navigation system. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting and difficult to use while driving. The Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality, but the infotainment system experienced occasional glitches.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came standard with two large screens, with the PRO-4X, Platinum, and Platinum Reserve trims featuring 14.3-inch displays. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Built-In, and a head-up display on the Platinum Reserve trim. The Klipsch Premium Audio System, a first for Nissan, offered impressive sound quality. The Armada's technology package was comprehensive, with features like Google Maps integration and a user-friendly interface, making it a strong contender in the tech department.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Safety Connect, offering up to ten years of free service, including automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, such as forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX also featured Proactive Driving Assist and a surround-view camera. In crash tests, the RX received a five-star rating from the NHTSA but a Poor rating from the IIHS for occupant protection.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist suite, with ProPILOT Assist 1.1 on most trims and ProPILOT Assist 2.1 on the Platinum Reserve, offering hands-free highway driving assist. The Armada also included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The surround-view camera and 3D Around View Monitor provided excellent visibility, and the Intelligent Around-View camera proved useful in various scenarios, enhancing the Armada's safety credentials.