Sometimes, it takes a very large vehicle to tackle the toughest and most demanding tasks. This is what makes full-size SUVs so popular. They have the seating capacity, cargo room, and sheer versatility to handle just about anything you can throw at them (or in them). The Ford Expedition and Nissan Armada compete in this XL-size segment, and they’re both fully redesigned for 2025.
Let’s explore the highlights of the Ford Expedition and Nissan Armada to see how they compare.
2025 Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition is a great full-size SUV that gets even better with its 2025 redesign. It still gets the basics right, like a vast interior, a brawny turbo V6 engine, and a smooth ride. However, it now comes with the new Ford Split Gate (more on that shortly), a rugged Tremor trim, and wider availability of the BlueCruise hands-free driving system. There is also an extended-length version called the Expedition MAX. As its name implies, it’s bigger and provides a notable boost in cargo capacity behind the rearmost seats. Pricing starts at $63,995.
Ford Expedition Highlights
Bigger interior: We know lots of drivers use full-size SUVs as family vehicles. The Ford Expedition is one of the roomiest and most family-friendly SUVs in its class, with more cargo space and third-row legroom than the Nissan Armada. If you regularly have passengers in the third row, they’ll appreciate the space in the Ford. Unlike the Armada, it’s also available in two lengths.
BlueCruise: BlueCruise isn’t the only hands-free highway driving system, but it’s one of our favorites. It was previously restricted to the top Platinum trim, but it’s now standard on the King Ranch and Platinum Ultimate models and optional on every other trim. This system allows for hands-off-the-wheel, eyes-on-the-road driving on over 130,000 miles of North American highways.
Ford Split Gate: The new Ford Split Gate adds to the Expedition’s versatility. It prevents things from rolling out of the cargo hold when you open the hatch, and the Cargo Tailgate Manager that can turn into a seat or a table makes this Ford the ultimate tailgating SUV.
Read our Ford Expedition Expert Review or see 2025 Ford Expedition models for sale near you.
2025 Nissan Armada
Like the Expedition, the Nissan Armada is fully redesigned for 2025. This is a significant update with a new turbo V6 under the hood, a thoroughly new design inside and out, and the introduction of the rugged and stylish PRO-4X trim to the Armada lineup. On the technology front, new options include hands-free highway driving, a Klipsch premium audio system, and a clever Biometric Cooling feature that keeps your passengers comfortable. Pricing starts at $58,530.
Nissan Armada Highlights
Variety: Like the Ford Expedition, the Nissan Armada has its own off-road and luxury trims, bringing variety to its lineup. The rugged Armada PRO-4X has standard 4-wheel drive (4WD), an electronic locking rear differential, and an adaptive electronic air suspension system. Meanwhile, the fancy Platinum Reserve model has an upscale appearance with 22-inch wheels, quilted leather seats, and a Klipsch 12-speaker audio system.
ProPILOT 2.1: The Nissan Armada has an optional hands-free highway driving system comparable to Ford’s BlueCruise system. In our experience, BlueCruise has smoother operation and more highway coverage. That said, Nissan’s ProPILOT 2.1 system is still a nice feature to have for relaxed highway driving.
More affordable: One of the big selling points of the Nissan Armada is that it’s one of the most affordable full-size SUVs in its class. The base price of the Armada is considerably lower than the Expedition’s. Similarly, the Armada PRO-4X is much cheaper than the Expedition Tremor, and the Armada Platinum Reserve is more affordable luxury than the Expedition King Ranch or Platinum Ultimate.
Read our Nissan Armada Expert Review or see 2025 Nissan Armada models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Ford Expedition and Nissan Armada pack a serious punch if you need to routinely travel with lots of people and plenty of stuff. Whether you’re tossing luggage in the cargo bay or using their prodigious towing capacities, these two full-size SUVs won’t wilt. Yet they’re also equally accommodating and provide smooth and relaxing driving manners. We love that they both offer a hands-free highway driving option.
Pricing
New 2025 Ford Expedition Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (08817)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$63,995 |
$60,507 |
|||
$76,425 |
$72,962 |
|||
$83,025 |
$78,973 |
|||
$85,650 |
$81,692 |
New 2025 Nissan Armada Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (08817)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$58,530 |
$55,182 |
|||
$64,980 |
$61,620 |
|||
$71,940 |
$67,976 |
|||
$75,750 |
$71,417 |
|||
$79,000 |
$75,539 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Ford Expedition vehicles and New 2025 Nissan Armada vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Ford Expedition | 2025 Nissan Armada | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 | Turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 400 hp @ 5,200 rpm | 425 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 480 lb-ft @ 3,300 rpm | 516 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 16 city/24 highway/TBD combined | 16 city/20 highway/18 combined |
| Also Available | 440 hp/510 lb-ft High-Output engine, 4WD | 4WD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 122.5 inches | 121.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 209.9 inches | 209.7 inches |
| Width | 81.5 inches | 83.3 inches |
| Height | 78.1 inches | 76.5 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 41.0 feet | TBD |
| Headroom, Front | 41.8 inches | 40.8 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 40.0 inches | 37.8 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 37.4 inches | 36.2 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 43.9 inches | 43.8 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 41.1 inches | 39.2 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 36.5 inches | 32.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 64.9 inches | 64.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 64.8 inches | 63.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 64.2 inches | 63.1 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 22.9/69.9/108.5 cubic feet | 20.4/56.3/97.1 cubic feet |
Conclusion
The Nissan Armada makes a strong case as a value option in full-size SUVs, given its reasonable price tag and impressive list of standard features. However, if you have the extra room in your budget, the Ford Expedition is just plain better in many ways. It has more interior space, it’s available in two lengths, and BlueCruise is a better hands-free system than ProPILOT 2.1. We also love the new Ford Split Gate that adds convenience to everyday cargo hauling while making the Expedition the ultimate tailgater. For these reasons and more, the Ford Expedition regularly tops the charts as our favorite full-size SUV.
