The 2025 Armada Had to Earn its PRO-4X Badge

The cabin of the 2025 Armada PRO-4X is that of a luxurious and comfortable three-row full-size SUV. Your eyes are drawn to the elegant presentation of the driver information, center infotainment screens, and the attractive center console below. The perforated diamond-quilt pattern of the leather seating surfaces captures your attention, as does the way the diamond pattern is repeated on other storage surfaces. It may be hard to envision the off-road capability of the Armada PRO-4X, but Dick Smith Nissan of St. Andrews wants you to know that Nissan engineers have spent considerable time developing and testing the new, redesigned Armada to ensure that it is worthy of the PRO-4X name.  

The PRO-4X trim first appeared on the 2008 Nissan full-size Titan pickup truck, designating the model line’s most off-road-focused trim. Subsequently, the name was applied to the Frontier, which shares the Xterra SUV platform. Common among PRO-4X upgrades are locking differentials, skid plates, and all-terrain tires on rugged wheels.  

But that is just the start for the Armada PRO-4X. The Armada’s off-road credentials start with it being sold as the Nissan Patrol elsewhere in the world, particularly in countries that could charitably be described as lacking in infrastructure. Some of the PRO-4X features come directly from Nissan’s experience with several design generations of the Patrol. 

“PRO-4X is about true capability,” said Brent Hagan, senior manager of Product Planning and regional product manager for the 2025 Armada. “It’s about providing actual features that help you get to the backcountry.” The quote illustrates the Armada PRO-4X’s purpose. It is designed to simply get you wherever you need to go. 

The differences in the PRO-4X from the other model line trims include a locking rear differential, all-terrain tires, and a metal underbody skid plate. It also features the Armada’s Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension, which can lower the Armada (to reduce air resistance on the highway) or raise the body by 2.1 inches above the standard ride height, providing a ground clearance of 9.6 inches. Further off-road technology includes the “Invisible Hood,” allowing drivers to effectively see “through” the engine bay courtesy of an image displayed on the 12.3-inch infotainment screen, helping them spot obstacles and precisely position the front wheels to avoid them. 

Before coming to the market, the Armada PRO-4X spent considerable time at Nissan’s Arizona Test Center, where it was tested on rough trails and endured specific tests for water fording, frame twisting, and suspension articulation.  

“The vehicle is moving side to side, but it’s not abrupt — it’s comfortable. That demonstrates good body control,” explained Armada Marketability engineer Ryan Regehr while navigating through the frame twist course. During development, the Armada PRO-4X was on this course countless times. Changes would be made, and the vehicle would be sent out to test again. As extensive as Nissan’s Arizona test center is, it wasn’t the only location the Armada PRO-4X was tested. 

“We did mud testing in Michigan, sand testing in California, snow testing in Alaska and high-elevation testing in Colorado – just to name a few,” Regehr said. 

Overall, years of testing have made the Armada worthy and an exemplary example of the PRO-4X name.  

“The teams have poured their heart and soul into this vehicle,” Hagan said. “It truly is an off-roader built by enthusiasts for enthusiasts.” 

If you have a favorite rural spot to which you like to take your family or want to find one, the Armada PRO-4X is an ideal vehicle for you. Of course, it also comfortably handles all your other SUV and daily driver needs.  

Be sure to visit Dick Smith Nissan of St. Andrews to take a look at the entire Armada model line and test driver your favorite. It is the best Armada yet, a true flagship of the entire Nissan SUV model line.