Text by Tom Appel
2026 Nissan Armada PRO-4X 4WD
Specs
Class: Large SUV
Country of Manufacture: Japan
Color: Deep Ocean Blue Pearl
Miles driven: 217
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | A |
| Power and Performance | B |
| Fit and Finish | A |
| Fuel Economy | B- |
| Value | B+ |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | A |
| Tall Guy | A |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 425 horsepower 3.5-liter |
| Engine Type | Turbocharged V6 |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels | 4WD |
Observed fuel economy: 16.3 mpg
Driving mix: 65% city, 35% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 15/18/16 (mpg city/highway/combined)
Fuel type: Premium gas
Base price: $74,300 (not including $2245 (destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: 18-inch Black Axis Wheels ($1356), Captain’s Chairs Package ($750), PRO-4X Premium Package ($2780),
Price as tested: $81,431
Audio-System Brand
Klipsch
Audio-System Quality
Poor Fair Good Very-Good Excellent
Pros and Cons
The great: Roomy, powerful, plenty of power
The good: Quiet and well-appointed cabin, promise of off-road adventure
The not so good: Some jitterness over rough surfaces, requires premium-grade gasoline
Review
Is it true wanderlust, or just the fear of sudden, unexpected wanderlust? My question pertains to the increasing popularity of crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks equipped with off-road ready equipment and trim levels.
I understand the instinct to over prepare. I have a 300-watt stereo receiver in my office, though I haven’t turned the volume up above a whisper in 20 years. But, if Mick Jagger ever accepts my invitation to party at my place, I am all set.
I suspect many truck buyers think like I do. Though they have no serious plans to leave the pavement and crush some rocks, they’d like to own a vehicle capable of such activity, you know…just in case.
Off-Road Ready
But whatever your real need for trail-pounding capability, we’re happy to report the 2026 Nissan Armada is ready to the gravel, whether or not you actually ever do so.
Armada Trim Levels
For 2026, Nissan’s big, body-on-frame, SUV is offered in six trim levels, each of which boasts its own appeal. One, the PRO-4X, answers the call of the wild, and should you hear that call, we suggest taking a PRO-4X for a test drive. You can read all about all of the Armada trim levels here. Note that a new sporty NISMO trim has been added to the lineup for 2026; we will discuss that model at a later date.
Engines
All Armada’s are powered by the same 3.5-liter turbocharged V6. The punchy powerplant is rated at 425 horsepower in most trim levels, and a robust 460 horsepower in the new, sporty, NISMO trim, which caps the Armada lineup in terms of price. A 9-speed automatic is the only transmission offered.
And while the PRO-4X offers up the same horsepower as other Armadas, it does boast a number of chassis upgrades designed to make the big Nissan read to tackle the terrain just off the pavement.
PRO-4X Special Equipment
For 2026, the PRO-4X boast the following unique bits:
Suspension
- Electronic Air Suspension: Height-adjustable for better ground clearance on trails or lowered for highway stability and efficiency. (The adjustable suspension can raise ride height from just under 10 inches to almost 12)
- Electronic locking rear differential: Improves traction in low-grip situations
- Underbody skid plates: Protects the undercarriage from rocks and debris
All-terrain tires
- Specific wheels: 20-inch black-painted alloy wheels
Drivetrain
- Transfer case: 2-speed with full-time 4WD and available low-range gearing
- Hill-descent control
Exterior (functional)
- Front bumper: Designed for improved approach angle
- Front tow hooks
Exterior (trim)
- Fender flares
- Black roof rails
- Rear LED light bar
- Red trim accents
- PRO-4X badges
Interior styling
- Quilted seat inserts
- Red trim accents
Thanks to its unique bumpers, Armada boasts improved approach and departure angles, handy for traversing rocks and quick rises.
Test Car
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of a 2026 Armada PRO-4X in Deep Ocean Blue Pearl. With options and including destination fee, our test car came to $81,431.
Having recently driven a 2025 Armada Platinum, we’d like to compare and contrast the two trim levels, and examine what compromises in comfort and refinement a shopper makes by option for the PRO-4X instead of the more luxury-oriented Platinum. You can read our review of the Armada Platinum here.
Room and Comfort
In terms of passenger comfort, the PRO-4X asks little of owners. While the Platinum cabin is fitted with more obviously premium trim elements, the 4X’s sporty interior does not want for premium quality materials.
Room and comfort remain a constant, which is to say six adults will find long trips a pleasant experience in any Armada trim level. Really, the only metric by which the PRO-4X is even mildly compromised by its off-road hardware is quietness, and not by much.
Our testers noted a high-frequency vibration—really more heard than felt—at some highway speeds. The effect is likely due to the PRO-4X’s off-road tires, and does not rise to the level of an annoyance, just a reminder of the trim level’s capability.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy does drop a bit, which is to be expected given the off-road oriented tires, blocky trim elements, and the weight of added equipment. Still, the numbers aren’t bad. Our test 2025 Armada Platinum returned 17.1 mpg in routine driving, while our PRO-4X seen here returned 16.3.
Value
Unless you actually expect to make the jump off pavement, we suggest looking at another Armada trim level. That said, the PRO-4X is not much compromised by its extensive suite of added off-road hardware, and looks ruggedly handsome in a way other Armadas do not.
And while it might seem silly to be ready for something that may never happen, I still have my stereo ready for when Mick Jagger decides to accept my invitation to drop by.
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2026 Nissan Armada PRO-4X Pictures
(Click below for enlarged images)
