The NOMAD is a six wheeled rover exploration vehicle in Mass Effect: Andromeda. It is also the main mode of transportation that Ryder uses when exploring planet surfaces.
Unlike the Mako in the original Mass Effect trilogy, the NOMAD has no offensive weaponry, the vehicle is designed for planetary exploration instead of all out combat. The vehicle will also be equipped with a boost function so gamers will be able to navigate over planetary terrain faster. You can however still run over enemies with the NOMAD if you so choose.
Compared to the Mako the NOMAD is faster, stronger and more maneuverable. This is due in part to the team who helped develop the NOMAD for Mass Effect: Andromeda. BioWare enlisted the help of the Need For Speed developers when creating the NOMAD in order to get the best driving experience possible in Mass Effect: Andromeda.
In Mass Effect: Andromeda players will also be able to fully customise the NOMAD with new parts, vehicle upgrades and custom paint work. This means the NOMAD can be unique to the player and gives another level of customisation to the game.