Nissan Armada vs Lexus GX

The 2025 Lexus GX was a striking departure from its predecessors, boasting a completely redesigned exterior that drew inspiration from classic Land Rover models. Its boxy shape, accented by LED headlights and a tastefully sized grille, gave it a robust yet refined appearance. The Overtrail+ model, with its 33-inch tires and matte grey wheels, further enhanced its rugged aesthetic. Inside, the GX exuded luxury with its clean design and high-quality materials. The spacious cabin offered ample headroom and legroom, while features like a head-up display and NuLuxe faux leather seats with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions added to the comfort and convenience.

In contrast, the 2026 Nissan Armada combined the sporty look of Nissan's crossovers with the traditional boxy SUV design. Its imposing grille and double-bracketed running lights gave it a commanding presence. The Armada NISMO variant took this a step further with its Tokyo street style, featuring red accent lines, a lowered body, and 22-inch forged wheels. Inside, the Armada offered a bold red and black theme with microsuede accents and metal pedal covers. The seats, equipped with Nissan's "Zero Gravity" cushioning, provided exceptional comfort, while the center stack's design and controls were both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The 2025 Lexus GX was powered by a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, allowed the GX to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Despite its hefty 5,666-pound curb weight, the GX felt agile and responsive, especially during highway merges. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. Off-road, the GX excelled with features like a locking center differential and downhill assist control, making it a formidable contender in rugged terrains.

The 2026 Nissan Armada, on the other hand, featured a more powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The NISMO variant further increased output to 460 hp. The Armada's nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth and effortless power delivery. Its air suspension, available on select trims, offered superior body control and ride quality. The Armada's towing capacity of 8,500 pounds and its ability to handle tight turns with ease made it a versatile performer. However, its fuel economy was on par with other full-size SUVs, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined.

The 2025 Lexus GX offered a spacious interior with headroom ranging from 39 to 41 inches in the front and around 43 inches in the back. Legroom was generous, with 41 inches in the front and nearly 37 inches in the second row. The GX's cargo space was impressive, with up to 90.5 cubic feet available in the Overtrail trim. Despite its size, the GX was easy to maneuver and park, making it a practical choice for urban environments.

The 2026 Nissan Armada provided seating for seven or eight passengers, with generous headroom across all three rows. While its legroom was slightly less than some American competitors, the Armada's seats were exceptionally comfortable, thanks to Nissan's "Zero Gravity" cushioning. Cargo capacity was substantial, with 97.1 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded. The Armada's design and features, such as 360-degree cameras and intuitive controls, enhanced its practicality and ease of use.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, both offering excellent clarity and responsiveness. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Mark Levinson Premium Audio system, an optional upgrade, provided good audio quality. The GX also offered multiple USB-C ports and a spacious armrest storage with air conditioning.

The 2026 Nissan Armada came equipped with two 12.3-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. Higher trims added features like Google Maps, Google Assistant, and a 12-speaker Klipsch stereo. The Armada's ProPilot Assist 2.2, available on select trims, offered hands-free operation on highways. Additional features included a digital rearview mirror, integrated trailer brake controller, and built-in dash cam on higher trims.

The 2025 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, road sign assist, and more. The GX also featured a 360-degree camera system and 10 airbags for occupant protection. However, it had not yet been rated by major safety organizations.

The 2026 Nissan Armada offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and automatic emergency braking. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, the Armada's extensive safety features provided reassurance. It also came with multiple airbags, including a front far-side airbag on the Platinum Reserve.