2021 Nissan Armada vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's design evolution, showcasing a blend of elegance and modernity that surpassed its predecessors. The SUV's exterior featured classic Volvo elements like the silver vertical bars on the grille, now enhanced with a blacked-out honeycomb treatment on the R-Design trim. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and curving LED taillights were distinctive, while the subtle arching shoulder crease added a sense of width and stability. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious experience with options like matte wood trim, wool fabric seats, and leather upholstery. The seats were praised for their comfort and support, with power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage features. The interior's craftsmanship was evident in details like the Swedish flag tag and the twist-action ignition knob, emphasizing simplicity and quality.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning its design with Nissan's new signature look. The SUV's exterior updates included a new grille, fenders, bumpers, and LED lighting, giving it a modern appearance while retaining its traditional robust styling. The Armada's body-color over fenders, dark-painted roof rails, and acoustic windshield were standard features, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Inside, the Armada offered spaciousness typical of a full-size SUV, with comfortable seating for first and second-row occupants. However, the interior design choices, such as rouched material on the door panels and abstract patterned hard plastic inlays, detracted from its overall appeal. Despite these drawbacks, the Armada provided practicality and functionality for families, with features like a power liftgate and power-folding third-row seats.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which was deemed insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing adequate power for highway driving. The Polestar tune further enhanced the T6's output to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's performance was not without flaws, as the engine lagged in Comfort mode and lacked linear acceleration. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but its added weight and limited electric range diminished its appeal.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was equipped with a robust 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 both rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive. Despite its size and 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 subpar, with RWD models achieving 14 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The Armada excelled in towing capacity, boasting a best-in-class 8,500-pound maximum when properly equipped. While its handling improved over previous models, the Armada's turning radius and maneuverability remained typical of a large SUV.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's interior was designed with practicality and comfort in mind. The Sensus infotainment system, though initially slow, improved in responsiveness and offered a well-organized interface. The XC90 accommodated seven passengers, with an integrated booster cushion available for young children. The first and second rows provided ample legroom and comfort, while the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was generous, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. The XC90's sightlines from the driver's seat were also commendable.

The 2021 Nissan Armada offered a spacious interior, with standard running boards and in-cabin handles for easy access. The new 12.3-inch touchscreen was a standout feature, though its placement made some controls difficult to reach. The Armada's first and second-row seats were comfortable, with power-adjustable options for the front seats. The second-row captain's chairs, available on higher trims, enhanced comfort but reduced seating capacity to seven. The third row was less accommodating for adults, and cargo space, while adequate, was limited by a high load floor. The Armada's small-item storage was lacking, though the center console storage bin provided ample space.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system that combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The system was praised for its accuracy and effectiveness in traffic. The XC90's Bowers & Wilkins stereo system was a highlight, offering exceptional sound quality with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power. The portrait-oriented touchscreen facilitated navigation, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors.

The 2021 Nissan Armada featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class, with responsive controls and clear camera views. Standard tech included navigation, a six-speaker stereo, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and wireless Apple CarPlay. Available upgrades included a wireless charging pad, a 13-speaker Bose audio system, and a rearview camera mirror. The Armada's analog gauges and functional steering wheel provided basic control over the driver information screen and infotainment system.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and innovative systems like whiplash protection.

The 2021 Nissan Armada had not been fully rated by the IIHS and NHTSA, but it received a three-star rollover rating. Standard safety features included Nissan Safety Shield 360, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. While the lane departure warning system was overly sensitive, the automatic high beams were slow to activate. Advanced driving assist technologies were not available on the Armada.