2025 Nissan Armada vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2025 Land Rover Defender presented a rugged yet customizable aesthetic, with the Defender 110 four-door model striking a balance in design. Despite the Defender 90 appearing stubby and the 130 carrying excessive visual mass over its rear wheels, all models maintained an appealingly robust look. The base prices ranged from $58,525 to $120,525, with the new Defender OCTA priced at $153,625. Our test vehicle, a Defender 130 X trim, was priced at $106,092 with options, including the Extended Black Exterior Pack and upgraded interior materials. The test model, dressed in Gondwana Stone paint, lacked the new matte paint protection film, and its color clashed with the orange brake calipers and delicate twin-spoke wheels. Inside, the Defender X featured premium Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric, with an industrial-themed cabin that emphasized quality materials over luxury.

The 2025 Nissan Armada showcased a strikingly high beltline and a tall grille and front fascia, enhanced by higher ground clearance. The PRO-4X model stood out with a skid plate and unique front lighting signature. The third-generation Armada appeared larger and more business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar design. The PRO-4X featured Lava Red accents, while other trims had chrome. The Armada's round wheel arches complemented the Platinum and Platinum Reserve trims, with the PRO-4X adding black plastic cladding for a rugged look. The rear featured standard LED taillights and a fashionable red lightbar on higher trims. Wheel sizes varied from 18-inch on the SV to 22-inch on the Platinum Reserve, with unique designs for the PRO-4X. Inside, the Armada offered a premium feel, with leather seats and padded consoles, and higher trims added luxurious touches like quilting and unique color themes.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender's test vehicle featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with a mild-hybrid system and an eight-speed automatic transmission, it provided robust acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds. The Defender 130 X accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. Standard features included an adaptive air suspension, hill descent control, and Terrain Response 2 driving modes. The Defender excelled off-road, with 11.4 inches of ground clearance and a maximum wading depth of 35.4 inches. However, on-road performance was less thrilling, with a heavy curb weight and slow steering. The test vehicle achieved 16.2 mpg, below the expected 19 mpg.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the old seven-speed, with rear-wheel drive or Nissan’s Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive available on most trims. The PRO-4X model featured dedicated 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an electronic locking rear differential. The Armada's adaptive electronic air suspension provided a 33-degree approach angle and 9.6 inches of ground clearance. Towing capacity reached 8,500 pounds, with standard trailer sway control and other towing aids. On-road, the Armada's electric power steering offered engagement, while off-road, the PRO-4X excelled in challenging conditions.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 offered three rows of spacious seating, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats featuring heating and ventilation. Visibility was excellent, though the square side mirrors seemed undersized. A panoramic sunroof and fixed glass panel over the third row enhanced the open feel. Storage was plentiful in the front but less accommodating in the rear. The Defender 130 excelled in third-row accessibility and comfort, with heated and supportive seats. The side-hinged cargo door was heavy and awkward, with a high load floor. Cargo space measured 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 89 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad. The Armada Platinum Reserve offered "Zero Gravity" seats, with standard eight-way power adjustment and optional heating and cooling. The third row featured a 60/40-split bench with power one-touch folding. Cargo volume increased across the board, with 20.4 cubic feet behind the third row and 97.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. Headroom and legroom varied, with improvements in the third row. The Armada generally fell short in passenger space compared to American rivals but surpassed Toyota's offering.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender came equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring an 11.4-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system's response and accuracy had improved, with intuitive user experience and easy programming of favorite radio stations. The Defender also included a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system. The optional Towing Pack added a hands-free trailer reverse-steering system.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured two large screens, with 12.3-inch displays on lower trims and 14.3-inch screens on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with six USB-C ports. Google Built-In was available on the SL trim, offering native Google Maps. A head-up display was optional, and a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System became standard on higher trims. The Armada's infotainment system provided a clear advantage with its intuitive design and audio quality.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender included several driver aids, such as automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. The lane-keep assist was decisive, though it occasionally attempted to steer the vehicle into a turnout area. Adaptive cruise control operated smoothly, with minor issues in heavy traffic. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at press time.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist suite, with adaptive cruise control and active lane-centering steering assistance. Higher trims offered ProPILOT Assist 2.1, with hands-free highway-driving assist technology. Nissan Safety Shield 360 included traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. A surround-view camera was standard on higher trims, with the 3D Around View Monitor available on top trims. The Intelligent Around-View camera provided enhanced visibility and navigation assistance.