STANFIELD, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Along a dusty two-lane highway in the Sonoran Desert sits Nissan’s Arizona Testing Center (ATC). Here, Nissan engineers put vehicles through extensive tests to help them withstand what Mother Nature has planned, from blistering heat to corrosive salt exposure, humidity and countless other conditions.

Down the road, deep in the rugged terrain north of Phoenix, lies an off-road trail filled with huge gullies, steep inclines and loose, rocky surfaces, where Nissan engineers tackle some of the country’s most challenging landscapes.

Together, these two proving grounds have made an ideal combination to confirm the all-new 2025 Nissan Armada PRO-4X is worthy of becoming the first PRO-4X grade in nameplate history.

What’s in a name?

PRO-4X was first offered on the Nissan Titan for the 2008 model year. About a year later, it was introduced on Xterra and Frontier. PRO-4X trims distinguish themselves with serious off-road hardware, including features like locking differentials, skid plates, and rugged wheels and tires.

“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.”

And the 2025 Armada PRO-4X does just that.

All Armada PRO-4X models feature substantial upgrades compared to the already impressive Armada SV, including an electronic locking rear differential, Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension¹, a redesigned front fascia with an enhanced approach angle, unique 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires and a metal underbody skid plate.

“It’s a truly confident, capable vehicle – but it looks the part as well,” said Brandon Sanders, who works on Armada’s Product Planning team. “It really stands apart from other SUVs you see on the road.”

And to help drivers tackle the trail, the PRO-4X is loaded with advanced camera technologies like Invisible Hood View², which allows drivers to virtually see “through” the engine bay on Armada’s 12.3-inch infotainment display, helping drivers precisely position the front wheels and better avoid obstacles.

Tested for toughness again… and again

Engineers combine lessons learned on the trail with rigorous testing at ATC to verify the Armada PRO-4X can handle extreme and real-world scenarios.

Among the most important assessments at ATC are the frame twist, steep grade climb and water fording. While Nissan engineers observe how the vehicle reacts, equipment precisely monitors its performance. For example, in the frame twist test, engineers evaluate a vehicle’s stability during significant suspension articulation.

“The vehicle is moving side to side, but it’s not abrupt -- it’s comfortable. That demonstrates good body control,” explained Ryan Regehr, an Armada Marketability engineer, while navigating through the frame twist course.

If there is an opportunity for enhancements – however small – engineers adjust and run the test again. In some cases, that means working with teams in Japan or Michigan to develop a new part. The process takes time, but it’s well worthwhile to ensure the PRO-4X meets the high expectations of its name.

“Our team has been working on the Armada PRO-4X for many years,” Regehr said. “I was very proud to work on the previous-generation Armada. But this new generation really takes Armada to the next level.”

Meanwhile, the team uses the off-road course to assess how the vehicle reacts to real-world conditions. In one especially steep section, for instance, the engineers tested to ensure the Intelligent 4WD³ system works as intended. While the driver monitored how it felt behind the wheel, other engineers were outside the vehicle observing how the system transferred power to different wheels to steadily move the Armada PRO-4X up the rocky terrain.

Hagan has been on this trail countless times. For the last few years, he has been part of the team validating Armada’s performance in extremely challenging off-road conditions.

“From the camera views to the off-road PRO-4X equipment, Armada makes life easier – but it also provides drivers all the durability and the comfort that they’ve come to expect,” Hagan said.

The verdict is in

While the Arizona testing is a crucial piece of the puzzle, it is one of many.

Engineering teams around the world played a part in bringing the first Armada PRO-4X to fruition, sharing a common goal of creating a vehicle that is precisely designed for the most adventurous individuals.

“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.

Those tests are in addition to what was done in Japan, where Armada and its sibling, the Nissan Patrol, were designed.

And after years of extensive off-road testing, Hagan and his counterparts can say without question: The Armada PRO-4X is worthy of its badge.

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

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¹ Available feature. Lowering and raising action for Access mode can only be performed when vehicle is at a complete stop and parked. Please see Owner’s Manual for full details and information before using.

² Available feature. Invisible Hood View cannot eliminate blind spots and does not warn of moving objects. Driver should always check surroundings before driving. See Owner’s Manual for safety information.

³ Intelligent 4WD cannot prevent collisions or provide enhanced traction in all conditions. Always monitor traffic and weather conditions.