Compare the2025 Ford Expedition MaxVS 2025 Nissan Armada

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Ford Expedition Max achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Nissan Armada has not been tested.

The Expedition Max has standard Post-Impact Braking, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Armada doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The Ford Expedition Max’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Nissan Armada does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

Both the Expedition Max and Armada have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Expedition Max has Cross Traffic Braking (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Armada’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Expedition Max and the Armada have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available all wheel drive.

There are almost 3 times as many Ford dealers as there are Nissan dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Expedition Max’s warranty.

The Expedition Max has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The Armada doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

The Expedition Max’s optional 3.5 turbo V6 produces 15 more horsepower (440 vs. 425) than the Armada’s 3.5 turbo V6.

On the EPA test cycle the Expedition Max gets better mileage than the Armada:

The Expedition Max has 4.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the Armada (27.8 vs. 23.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Expedition Max has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Armada doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Ford Expedition Max higher (6 out of 10) than the Nissan Armada (5). This means the Expedition Max produces up to 6.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Armada every 15,000 miles.

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Ford Expedition Max, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a nine-speed automatic is available for the Armada.

For better traction, the Expedition Max Platinum Ultimate’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Armada (285/40R24 vs. 275/60R20).

The Expedition Max Platinum Ultimate’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Armada Platinum Reserve’s 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Expedition Max Platinum Ultimate has standard 24-inch wheels. The Armada’s largest wheels are only 22-inches.

The Expedition Max has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the Armada; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

The Expedition Max’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The Armada doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Expedition Max’s wheelbase is 10.4 inches longer than on the Armada (131.5 inches vs. 121.1 inches).

The Expedition Max Platinum 4x4 handles at .78 G’s, while the Armada PRO-4X pulls only .77 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For greater off-road capability the Expedition Max has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Armada SV (9.7 vs. 9.6 inches), allowing the Expedition Max to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

For excellent aerodynamics, the Expedition Max has standard flush composite headlights. The Armada has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The front grille of the Expedition Max uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Armada doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Expedition Max has 10.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Armada (172 vs. 161.1).

The Expedition Max has .2 inches more front headroom, .1 inches more front legroom, 2.4 inches more front hip room, .7 inches more front shoulder room, 1.9 inches more rear legroom, 2.4 inches more rear hip room, 1.1 inches more rear shoulder room, 1.2 inches more third row headroom, 3.6 inches more third row legroom and 1.1 inches more third row shoulder room than the Armada.

The Expedition Max’s cargo area provides more volume than the Armada.

The Expedition Max’s rear cargo window opens separately from the rest of the tailgate door to allow quicker loading of small packages. The Armada’s rear cargo window doesn’t open.

Maximum trailer towing in the Nissan Armada is limited to 8500 pounds. The Expedition Max 4x4 offers up to a 9000 lbs. towing capacity.

The Expedition Max 4x4 can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Expedition Max can be unhitched and driven around locally. The Armada can’t be towed flat on the ground.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Expedition Max’s available exterior PIN entry system. The Armada doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Expedition Max has a standard rear wiper. The Armada doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

The Expedition Max’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Nissan only offers heated mirrors on the Armada Platinum/PRO-4X.

The Ford Expedition outsold the Nissan Armada by over five to one during 2024.