Reaching Your Ice Fishing Spot in the 2026 Nissan Armada PRO-4X

Winter in Saskatchewan means frozen lakes, crisp air, and long days on the ice. For anglers heading to remote fishing shacks across the province, getting there safely is half the challenge. The 2026 Nissan Armada PRO-4X is engineered to handle exactly this scenario—delivering the ground clearance, traction control, and capability needed to access frozen lakes and backcountry trails with confidence.

From hauling gear to Last Mountain Lake to navigating snow-covered access roads near Emma Lake, the PRO-4X trim brings purpose-built features that turn challenging winter conditions into routine drives. Here's how this full-size SUV handles the unique demands of ice fishing season in Saskatchewan.

Ground Clearance and Approach Angles Built for Lake Access

The PRO-4X sits higher than standard Armada trims, with a minimum ground clearance of 9.9 inches. When equipped with Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension, the vehicle can be raised further to tackle deeper snow, uneven terrain, or rutted trails leading to lake access points.

Approach angle is equally important when navigating steep banks or plowed berms at lake entrances. The PRO-4X's off-road-specific front bumper increases the approach angle to 30 degrees (33 degrees when raised), allowing the front end to clear obstacles without scraping. The departure angle reaches 22 degrees (25.5 degrees raised), and the breakover angle sits at 21.5 degrees (24.5 degrees raised)—all designed to prevent high-centring on uneven surfaces.

Key Clearance Specs:

• Minimum ground clearance: 9.9 inches
• Approach angle: 30 degrees (33 degrees raised)
• Departure angle: 22 degrees (25.5 degrees raised)
• Breakover angle: 21.5 degrees (24.5 degrees raised)

Electronic Locking Differential for Traction on Ice and Snow

Traction is non-negotiable when driving on frozen lakes or snow-packed trails. The PRO-4X includes an electronic locking rear differential—a feature exclusive to this trim. When activated, the differential locks both rear wheels together, forcing them to rotate at the same speed. This eliminates wheel spin on slippery surfaces and ensures power is distributed evenly, even if one wheel loses grip.

For ice fishing access, this means predictable handling when crossing windswept lake surfaces, navigating icy boat launches, or climbing snow-covered hills. The locking differential works in tandem with the PRO-4X's 275/60R20 all-terrain tires, which provide additional bite in loose or frozen conditions.

Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension for Variable Terrain

The Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension system allows drivers to adjust ride height based on conditions. Access mode lowers the vehicle for easier entry and exit—useful when loading gear or helping passengers step into the cabin in bulky winter clothing. Once on the trail, raising the suspension provides extra clearance for deep snow or uneven ice ridges.

The system also optimizes ride quality over varied surfaces. On paved highways leading to fishing destinations, the suspension maintains a smooth, controlled ride. Off-road, it adapts to absorb impacts from frozen ruts or uneven terrain without compromising stability.

Hauling Gear and Equipment

Ice fishing requires substantial equipment: augers, shelters, heaters, tackle boxes, and sometimes sleds or portable shacks. The Armada PRO-4X offers 578 L of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,594 L with the third row folded. With both rear rows down, cargo capacity reaches 2,751 L—enough room for multiple anglers' gear plus safety equipment.

The PRO-4X also includes a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 lbs, allowing you to pull enclosed trailers, ice fishing shacks on skids, or utility trailers loaded with equipment. The integrated trailer brake controller and Trailer Sway Control system help maintain stability when towing across frozen surfaces or in crosswinds.

Power and Performance in Cold Conditions

Under the hood, the PRO-4X is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 425 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission featuring paddle shifters for manual control when needed.

In winter driving, low-end torque matters. The PRO-4X delivers peak torque at 3,600 rpm, providing strong pulling power at lower speeds—ideal for navigating slow, technical sections of trail or maintaining momentum through deep snow. The engine runs on regular unleaded fuel, though premium is recommended for optimal performance.

Visibility and Safety Features for Winter Driving

Visibility is critical when navigating unfamiliar trails or driving across open ice. The PRO-4X comes standard with Nissan's Invisible Hood View, Front Wide View, and 3D Intelligent Around View Monitor camera systems. These technologies provide multiple perspectives around the vehicle, helping drivers spot obstacles hidden by snow or ice.

Standard safety features include Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, and Lane Departure Warning. Hill Start Assist prevents rollback when starting on inclines, while Hill Descent Control maintains a controlled speed when descending steep or slippery slopes.

Interior Comfort for Long Drives

Reaching remote fishing locations often means hours on the road. The PRO-4X seats up to eight passengers across three rows, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel to combat Saskatchewan's winter cold. The cabin is equipped with a 12-speaker Klipsch premium audio system, ensuring clear sound even over road noise or wind.

ProPILOT Assist 1.1 is standard, providing adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance on highways. This reduces driver fatigue during long stretches on Highway 2, Highway 3, or other major routes leading to northern fishing destinations.

Unique PRO-4X Styling and Protection

The PRO-4X is visually distinct from other Armada trims. Fender flares, 20-inch painted wheels, and Lava Red accents set it apart at trailheads or lake access points. Underbody metal skid plates protect critical components—oil pan, transfer case, and fuel tank—from impacts with ice chunks, rocks, or frozen debris.

Lava Red-painted tow hooks are mounted at the front, providing recovery points if the vehicle becomes stuck. Black-painted roof rails offer additional cargo-carrying capacity for roof-mounted storage boxes or fishing rod holders.

Comparing the PRO-4X to Other Armada Trims

The PRO-4X is the only trim combining the locking differential, all-terrain tires, and increased approach angle—making it the most capable choice for off-pavement driving.

Is the PRO-4X Right for Your Ice Fishing Needs?

The 2026 Nissan Armada PRO-4X is built for drivers who need more than a highway cruiser. If your fishing season involves remote lakes, unplowed trails, or frozen access roads, the PRO-4X's combination of clearance, traction control, and hauling capacity addresses those demands directly.

For anglers in Prince Albert and across Saskatchewan, the PRO-4X offers the capability to reach locations other vehicles can't—without sacrificing comfort or safety on the drive there.

Experience the Armada PRO-4X at Evergreen Nissan

The 2026 Nissan Armada PRO-4X is designed for Saskatchewan winters. Our team at Evergreen Nissan in Prince Albert can walk you through the PRO-4X's off-road features, demonstrate the locking differential and air suspension systems, and help you configure the right setup for your ice fishing adventures. Visit us to see how the PRO-4X handles the conditions you'll actually face on frozen lakes and backcountry trails.