Nissan Armada vs Chevrolet Tahoe Comparison: Big Rig Battle

We’ve been here before.
Back shortly after the current Chevy Tahoe launched, we put it up against the Nissan Armada, which had just seen a refresh of its own. Now here in the middle of 2025, it’s the Chevy that’s had an update, represented here in rugged Z71 trim. The Nissan, meanwhile, is new for this year, ditching the V8 for a torquey turbo V6 and, in this top-shelf Platinum Reserve trim, plenty of swanky luxury vibes. As Michael Scott would say, how the turn tables…
Why this trim-based mismatch? Simple: these two hulking behemoths list for very nearly the same amount of cash. So which of these full-sized SUVs deserves your considerable coin? Mike and I spent a week with both to find out.
Nissan Armada vs Chevrolet Tahoe Quick Take
Nissan has done its homework, creating the latest Armada for families wanting a smooth, comfortable, and high-tech hauler. Prices are up, but it still represents something of a deal. Those wanting a classic SUV feel will find a lot to like in the V8-powered Tahoe, however.
What’s New for 2025:
Nissan Armada: The brand’s big SUV is all-new for the 2025 model year, dubbed the Y63 generation. It features new, blockier exterior styling, improved technology, and upgraded safety. The biggest news though is what’s under the hood. The V8 engine is dead. Like the Sequioa, Wagoneer, and Expedition, the Armada has joined the turbocharged V6
party.
Chevrolet Tahoe: Not the type to leave its moneymaker to stagnate, Chevy has updated both the Tahoe and Suburban with tweaked styling, more tech, and a broader availability lineup for the three available engines. Yes, it continues to offer the only remaining V8 in the class; two in fact, in the standard 5.3-liter V8 and this tester’s bigger 6.2-liter option. The excellent turbodiesel gains more power too, and is now available in the Z71.
2025 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71: All the Details
Exterior Style:
Armada: The Nissan Armada is not quite as long as the Tahoe but is wider and a bit taller. Official measurements are 209.7-inches (5,325 mm) in length, 83.3-inches (2,350 mm) in width, and 77.9-inches (1,980 mm) in height. Being the Platinum Reserve trim, it’s a more on-road focused version of the big SUV and looks much blockier next to
the off-road ready Tahoe Z71.
Notable exterior features on the Armada Platinum Reserve include a dual pane panoramic moonroof, running boards, a chrome bar on grille, and 22-inch wheels with 275/50R22 tires.
Tahoe: Chevy has been subtle with the SUV facelifts here: ironic, since there’s nothing particularly subtle about the Tahoe. The grille has become even larger, framed by a stacked headlight design that incorporates a more angular LED lighting signature. The taillights get a techy, modern redesign, and there’s a variety of wheel sizes ranging right up to a massive 24 inches. This Z71 sticks to 20s, which look almost quaint next to the big rollers on the Nissan. There’s enough off-road attitude to justify the badge too, with blacked-out trim bits and a visible bash plate behind the redesigned, tow-hooked front bumper.
2025 Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve: All the Details
Powertrain and Fuel Economy:
Armada: The new Armada comes equipped with a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. Although it’s not a direct descendant of the Nissan GT-R power unit, the Armada’s engine still makes a healthy 425 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. That’s more power than the old 5.6-liter V8 of last year’s model, but the turbo does recommend the use of premium fuel.
With four-wheel drive models like our tester, power is sent through a nine-speed automatic transmission featuring a two-speed transfer case to all four wheels. The added power in the new SUV is noticeable, especially at the low-end where the turbochargers really earn their keep. The vehicle effortlessly accelerates with a surprisingly deep growl for a V6 engine, besting the Tahoe in a straight line.
When not burying the throttle, the four-wheel drive Armada is rated to achieve 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km) in the city and 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) on the highway. Although these numbers aren’t stellar, they do beat the Tahoe’s figures.
Tahoe: Those who want the classic V8 soundtrack will smile every single time they thumb that starter button and the octet of pistons do their thing. Just uh, maybe don’t make the argument that a V8 is inherently more reliable…
The Tahoe’s big engine is so darned predictable. Power is barely down from the Nissan (just 5 ponies) and while the torque gap is significant, the only time it’s ever noticeable is immediately off the line. Everywhere else, the Tahoe is a match for the Armada, thanks in a large part to its smooth and smart 10-speed automatic transmission. The stopwatch might give the nod to the Nissan but honestly, that’s not really the point of these things.
Neither is efficiency if we’re being honest. Nonetheless, the Nissan should save you more money at the pumps, as the Chevy is rated at 14 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined (16.6, 13.0, and 15.0 L/100 km, respectively).
Handling and Drivability:
Armada: Handling isn’t a full-size, truck-based SUV’s forte, and the new Nissan Armada is no exception. It isn’t overly dangerous or ponderous when cornering, it just doesn’t like to be hustled. The automatic adjustable air suspension and adaptive suspension do their best to keep things in check and deliver a predictable driving
experience. The automatic air suspension is a bit of a sticking point though, as it can be turned off, but never manually overridden to select a specific height.
In its highest, off-road mode, the Armada delivers 9.6-inches (243 millimeters) of ground clearance, which is a bit short of the more off-road focused Tahoe. Even the Armada PRO-4X doesn’t increase ground clearance, but does offer better approach, break-over, and departure angles.
Tahoe: While the Tahoe is longer than the Armada, it doesn’t feel like it from behind the wheel. It’s oddly easier to pilot than the Nissan, feeling… well, “agile” isn’t the right word, but comparatively pointier. The all-terrain tires give the Chevy some squidge and hesitation on turn in, but that’s easy to plan for, and we welcome the resulting smoother ride. Like the Armada, the Tahoe has an air suspension that can automatically drop down for ease of entry. Chevy drivers have the option to manually control it too; useful for those of us with fairly low underground parking height limits.
While we never took the Z71 off the tarmac during its week with us, the hardware suggests it would be more than capable for what most owners will ever use it for. The improved approach and departure angles of the unique front and rear bumpers, plus the over 10 inches (254 mm) of ground clearance, should make short work of the local mall curbing, at any rate.
Ride Quality and Comfort:
Armada: Large SUVs are designed in part for passenger comfort and the Platinum Reserve trim of the Armada really takes this to heart. Up front, occupants enjoy multi-way power, heated, ventilated, and massage capable seats with quilted leather. Those in the back two rows also get the fancy leather surfaces, but second row passengers must manually adjust their seats.
While on the topic of the second row, our tester has the captain’s chair option which eliminates the middle seat position. The remaining two middle row passengers have 39.2-inches (996 mm) of legroom and 37.8-inches (960 mm) of headroom. The back row riders get less space at 32.0-inches (813 mm) of legroom and 36.2-inches (919
mm) of headroom. When all the seats are up, there’s 20.4 cubic feet (578 L) of cargo space. The third-row
seats can be power lowered and raised from the cargo area, while the second-row seats can only be lowered.
Tahoe: You won’t find ventilation or massage functionality in the Z71; in fact, you won’t find the latter anywhere in the Tahoe lineup. The Bow Tie big boy just can’t match the pampering nature of the Armada. That said, it’s a very comfortable place to spend time: while the front seats look flat, they’re squishy and supportive, perfect for cross-country road trips. The middle row seats are similarly flat and, like the Armada, are fully manual in their adjustments.
The Chevy out-points the Nissan on every available measurement for the second- and third row seats. Those in the second row will find a full 42.0 inches (1,067 mm) of legroom and 38.9 inches (988 mm) of headroom. In the way-back, those shrink to 34.9 and 38.2 inches (886 and 970 mm), respectively. While it’s more spacious, the Chevy doesn’t necessarily feel it, as the huge C-pillar makes the third row in particular feel tight and dark. Bottom line: average-sized adults will fit easily back there in either vehicle.
Tahoe buyers eke out additional storage too, with 25.5 cu ft (722 L) of space behind the third row. This tester has the optional power-folding third- and second-row seats as well.
Interior Style and Quality:
Armada: The Nissan Armada easily has the higher quality interior, being a top-of-the-line model versus the more mid-trim Chevrolet. The leather-swathed interior, wood trim, and contrasting interior bits may not rival the Armada’s sibling, the Infiniti QX80, in terms of quality, but it still feels premium inside the Nissan. We especially like the way
the driver information center and infotainment screens are housed together.
Tahoe: The most stand-out bit of interior trim in the Tahoe is the long strip of not entirely unconvincing wood along the dashboard. Material quality as a whole doesn’t match up with the Nissan, either. What the Chevy lacks in design flair, it makes up for with a simple, straightforward layout that’s easy to learn. We also appreciate how many cubbies and storage spaces there are to just toss stuff into—these are the sorts of vehicles that need it.
Tech and Safety:
Armada: The Platinum Reserve trim comes loaded with features, many of which have been listed above. The dual screens each measure 14.3-inches in size and can be highly customized. The Klipsch 12-speaker audio system may lack the sheer number of speakers compared to other systems on the market, but oh wow does it
sound fantastic. It’s an absolutely great travel companion on those long freeway jaunts.
Other technology highlights include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, ambient lighting, and rain sensing wipers. On a safety front, the Platinum Reserve comes with active lane centering/freeway cruise control support, the Nissan ProPilot Assist 2.1 full safety suite, as well as integrated front and rear dash
cams.
Tahoe: As we’ve covered a few times now, this Z71 can’t match the swanky Armada spec-for-spec, and that means giving up features like ventilated seats, a kicking sound system, and other goodies. The XL-sized infotainment screen is easy to use and, unlike Chevy’s EVs, still has Apple CarPlay—which is a cinch to set up. One slight hitch: the screen is so big, and canted slightly towards the driver, that passengers can’t see that the volume knob is, well, a volume knob.
Chevy’s head-up display is also one of the best: while others almost totally disappear with polarized glasses, we find this one is still quite legible.
The Tahoe’s big ace up its sleeve is the wide range of towing and hitching assists. A boat ramp assist and navigation based on trailer size ensures even novices can feel confident behind the wheel. We’d say SuperCruise is another advantage—and it is over Nissan’s similar system—except that the Z71 trim isn’t compatible with GM’s excellent hands-free highway assist.
Value Dollars and Sense:
Armada: The Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve is a relative value in this segment. The starting price in the United States is $79,000 (all prices including destination charges). In Canada, it starts at $107,093 CAD. With the handful of options added to our tester, the final price comes out to $84,900 in the United States, and $108,393 CAD in
Canada.
Tahoe: The Tahoe starts at a reasonable $61,000-ish in America, but this well-optioned Z71 balloons that price up to $84,025 including destination. In Canada, a rental-spec Tahoe LS 2WD kicks off the lineup at $79,099 CAD, while our tester rings up at $107,034 CAD.
Final Thoughts:
Both Mike and I agree: while the Tahoe is the easier vehicle to drive, it’s the Armada we’d rather be in.
The Nissan Armada has certainly crept up in price, but here in swanky Platinum Reserve form, it feels justified. The mighty Nissan is no longer a discount choice rife with compromise: it is a well-formed full-size SUV with good road manners, lots of creature comforts, and one of the best sound systems in the mainstream scene. Unless you need to tow regularly—where the Tahoe still has an edge—the Nissan is the better choice for the significant amount of coin these two list for, and the winner of our comparison.
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Kyle began his automotive obsession before he even started school, courtesy of a remote control Porsche and various LEGO sets. He later studied advertising and graphic design at Humber College, which led him to writing about cars (both real and digital). He is now a proud member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), where he was the Journalist of the Year runner-up for 2021.
More by Kyle Patrick
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1. The Wagoneer does not have a turbo V-6, it is a straight 6. You could leave out the "V" and your story would be more accurate.
2. As premium fuel cost is significantly more than regular I doubt there will savings in fuel costs with the Nissan.