We recently spent time evaluating two of the newest Nissan Pro-4X models on the trails of Arizona’s The Rolls OHV area. Although distinctly different in design and purpose, both vehicles shared a key feature: Nissan’s rugged off-road package. This system brings a collection of trail-centric enhancements designed to boost capability off the paved road. After testing the 2025 Frontier and 2025 Armada, we walked away with some clear impressions. Read on for a closer look at each vehicle and highlights of how each performed on the trail.

2025 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X and 2025 Nissan Armada Pro-4X

What Is The Pro-4X Package?

The Pro-4X package is Nissan’s current top-tier off-road trim. It debuted on the 2008 Nissan Titan and later became available on other models, including the Frontier, Xterra, and Titan XD. The Pro-4X package content varies by model but generally includes upgraded shocks, an electronic locking rear differential, and more aggressive tires. It is comparable to off-road packages offered by other manufacturers such as Chevy’s Z71, GMC’s AT4, Ford’s Tremor, and Toyota’s TRD Off-Road.

Rocky, Twisting Trails With Hill Climbs And Descents

The Nissan crew put together a route in The Rolls OHV area that was sprinkled with challenging sections—more delightfully unruly than we expected. Located about an hour from Phoenix, the area spans over 24,000 acres and includes approximately 150 miles of motorized routes, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The terrain includes twisty, undulating trails and the route we drove featured several rocky hill climbs, some of which included sharp turns. Additionally, there were numerous rock-strewn hill descents. The terrain tested each vehicle’s tire traction and durability, as well as the functionality of each four-wheel-drive system. The variety of terrain also offered opportunities to evaluate everything from driver-seat sightlines and visibility to the ease of toggling between transfer case settings.

About The 2025 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

Nissan introduced the all-new, third-generation Frontier for 2022 and gave it a “rugged” refresh for 2025. The update included increased tow ratings, a new front fascia, and new wheels for the Pro-4X model. This body-on-frame truck is powered by a naturally aspirated, 310-horsepower, direct-injection V6 engine paired with a nine-speed JATCO automatic transmission. Power is routed through an aluminum-case, chain-driven, two-speed Magna transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range ratio. According to Nissan, this setup gives the Frontier a maximum crawl ratio of 54.4:1.

The truck features an independent front suspension with what Nissan describes as an “in-house” manufactured centersection incorporating a 7.1-inch ring gear. At the rear, it uses a Dana solid axle with an 8.9-inch ring gear and a GKN electronic locking differential. The Pro-4X rides on Bilstein monotube shocks, which Nissan told us are off-the-shelf units but specifically tuned for the Frontier Pro-4X.

Frontier Pro-4X On The Trail

The first thing we noticed about the 2025 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X was its outstanding ride quality on the trail. It was impressively smooth, and the suspension did an excellent job of absorbing even the sharpest, pointiest rocks. This gave the truck a planted, predictable feel—even with the 265/70R17 (31.6-inch diameter) Hankook Dynapro AT2 tires still at street pressure.

The location of the transfer case shift knob—just to the right of the steering wheel and to the left of the HVAC controls—made toggling between 4-Hi and 4-Lo easy. In fact, after just a couple of toggles, muscle memory kicked in, and we no longer had to take our eyes off the trail to switch between the settings.

The rear differential locker and hill descent control buttons are positioned low on the driver’s left, next to the hood release lever. We found this location to be inconvenient. To improve ease of use we’d like to seem them positioned near the transfer case shift knob. This would package all of the four-wheel-drive-related switchgear in one area.

Frontier Synopsis

Overall, the Frontier was a breeze to drive on the Arizona trails. Visibility from the driver’s seat was very good, and the seat bolsters helped hold us securely—even on the roughest terrain. Throttle response in both 4-Hi and 4-Lo was well-tuned, allowing smooth inputs even when crawling uphill over a barrage of rocks. Hill descent control also performed well, effectively reining in the midsize truck on steep, rock-laden downhills. With a respectable approach angle of 32.3 degrees and 9.8 inches of ground clearance, the front fascia and underbody skid plating remained intact at the end of the day, though they were sporting a few scratches from particularly large and pointy rocks.

The Frontier Pro-4X we tested had a base MSRP of $41,770. Optional equipment included the Pro Convenience Package, Pro Premium Package, premium paint, and two-tone beadlock-style wheels. These options brought the truck’s final MSRP to $50,245, including the destination charge.

About The Nissan Armada Pro-4X

The Armada is all-new for the 2025 model year, and it’s essentially a Nissan Patrol in a slightly different suit. Also, for the first time, the nameplate receives Pro-4X equipment. This body-on-frame SUV is powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 that produces 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a JATCO nine-speed automatic transmission featuring a 5.43:1 First gear ratio. A BorgWarner transfer case splits power between the front and rear axles.

The Armada features independent front and rear suspension systems, each with an “in-house” manufactured centersection. The front has a 7.1-inch-diameter ring gear, while the rear features a 9.4-inch-diameter ring gear and a GKN electronic locking differential. The Armada’s Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension allows the SUV to be raised up to 2.1 inches above its standard height.

Armada Pro-4X On The Trail

We’ll begin by saying that the Armada Pro-4X carried us over every trail and crawled up and down every rock-laden hill we pointed it at—on 275/60R20 (33-inch diameter) Yokohama Geolandar A/T tires at street pressure. While we basked in opulent luxury. That alone is impressive.

We’re fans of the convenience and functionality of an air-adjustable-height suspension, and the Armada’s system delivered. It can be raised up to 2.1 inches above normal ride height, improving the SUV’s approach angle from 30 degrees to 33 degrees. The increased height also bumps the departure angle from 22 degrees to 24.5 degrees, and the breakover angle from 21.5 degrees to 25.5 degrees. This translates to less bumping and grinding off-road—and a reduced chance of getting hung up on underbody components. In fact, we drove the Armada over several obstacles with protruding, sharp rocks. Thanks to a combination of careful tire placement and increased ride height, the SUV sustained no damage aside from a few scratches on the metal underbody skid plating.

However, like most air suspension-equipped 4x4s, the Armada’s ride became noticeably stiffer when set to its highest suspension mode. We found it challenging to maintain smooth, consistent throttle inputs while climbing bumpy, rocky hills due to the firmer ride produced by the aired-up suspension.

Of Buttons, Bells, And Whistles

We appreciated that Nissan grouped the hill descent control, transfer case, and rear electronic differential locker buttons together. However, their low placement on the center console required us to look down and reach over to push the switches. Maybe it was just us, but we didn’t notice any tactile differences between the Auto, 4-Hi, 4-Lo, and rear locker buttons when running our fingers over them without looking. Interestingly, some of the transmission selector buttons located just below did have features that made them easy to distinguish by touch.

Finally, as much as we love to gripe about some of the bells and whistles on modern 4x4s, we need to give credit to Nissan’s 3D Enhanced Intelligent Around View system, which includes Invisible Hood View. We relied on this feature when cresting hills where forward visibility was blocked by the hood. It allowed us to see what lay directly in front of the vehicle in real time. It’s a genuinely useful tool that we used often.

Armada Synopsis

Overall, the Armada does a great job combining two very different tasks. It’s mega luxurious but also surefooted and capable off-road. It’s definitely a player in its segment.

The Armada Pro-4X Intelligent 4WD PT2 we tested had a base MSRP of $73,740. The as tested MSRP was $80,445 and reflected the addition of the Pro-4X Premium Package, Two-Tone Premium Paint, Pro-4X Carpeted Floor Mats, Mud Guards, and destination fee.

The Bottom Line

Our conclusion after a day on the trail with the 2025 Frontier Pro-4X and the 2025 Armada Pro-4X is that Nissan has created two very compelling machines in their segments for those who need above average off-road capability. It’s our opinion that you can’t go wrong with either one.