2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a combination that had defined the brand since its inception. Originating from the rugged Series I off-roader, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 capabilities, appealing to affluent British landowners. By 2012, the current-generation Range Rover had been introduced, offering a variety of trims such as HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof, while options ranged from heated rear seats to a 19-speaker Meridian audio system.

The 2021 Nissan Armada, a close relative of the Nissan Patrol, underwent a significant facelift, aligning its design with Nissan's new signature look. Available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, the Armada featured a redesigned exterior with a new grille, LED headlights, and modernized bumpers, maintaining its traditional robust styling. The SUV offered body-color over fenders, dark-painted roof rails, and a variety of wheel sizes, with the Midnight Edition Package adding dark accents. Despite its updates, the Armada's interior remained somewhat dated, with a mix of modern tech and older design elements, such as rouched door panels and abstract patterned inlays.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while the SV Autobiography Dynamic boasted a 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque V8. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, providing a blend of power and efficiency. The Range Rover's electronic air suspension and automatic load leveling ensured a comfortable ride, while its Terrain Response System offered various drive modes for different conditions.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was equipped with a 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The Armada offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with four-wheel drive available. Despite its weight, the Armada was a capable off-roader, featuring a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, and Hitachi twin-tube shock absorbers. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with RWD models achieving 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway, while 4WD models managed 13 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. The Armada's towing capacity was a standout feature, with a best-in-class 8,500-pound maximum when properly equipped.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, with standard seating for five or four with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The SWB version provided 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model offered 77.5 cubic feet. The Range Rover featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece configuration, making loading easier. The center-console compartment was convenient, and both front and rear doors had decently sized cargo compartments and cupholders.

The 2021 Nissan Armada, as a full-size SUV, required a step up to enter, aided by standard running boards and in-cabin handles. The interior was spacious, with a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, though some controls were a stretch to reach. Front seats were power-adjustable, and second-row captain’s chairs were available, reducing seating capacity from eight to seven. The third row was less comfortable for adults, but the Armada offered 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind it, expanding to 95.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The high load floor made loading challenging, and small-item storage was limited, though the center console storage bin was spacious.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, with two touchscreens managing navigation, phone, stereo, and climate controls. The system had a learning curve, with integrated dials changing functions based on the menu. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display were also available.

The 2021 Nissan Armada boasted a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class, with navigation, a six-speaker stereo, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. A wireless charging pad, 13-speaker Bose audio system, and rearview camera mirror were available, with the Platinum trim including these as standard. The Armada's steering wheel allowed limited control of the driver information screen and infotainment system.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features like low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Range Rover's safety features were comprehensive, though some competitors offered more standard equipment.

The 2021 Nissan Armada had not been fully rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it received a three-star rollover rating. Standard safety features included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and a rear camera mirror were available, though advanced driving assist technologies were not offered.