2022 Nissan Armada vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles, embodying a blend of American-made luxury and modern SUV appeal. It was the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, offering a spacious and stylish design that harkened back to the brand's glory days. The Enclave's Avenir trim added a touch of elegance with its unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist yet upscale interior with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. Despite its size, the Enclave maintained a simple and user-friendly interior, marred only by a somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Armada was a bold and imposing SUV, reflecting its roots as a full-size vehicle closely related to the Nissan Titan and Patrol. Its substantial dimensions and sculptural exterior details, including LED lighting and chrome accents, gave it a commanding presence. The Armada's interior was designed for comfort and versatility, accommodating up to eight passengers with options for captain's chairs or bench seating in the second row. The Platinum trim offered quilted leather seats, enhancing its luxury appeal. The Armada's size also translated into impressive cargo capacity, making it a practical choice for families needing ample space for both passengers and luggage.

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Enclave's acceleration was robust, aided by the low torque peak, and it handled like a smaller SUV despite its size. The premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, part of the Avenir Technology Package, provided a smooth and comfortable ride across various driving conditions. The Enclave achieved an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available. The Armada's towing capacity reached 8,500 pounds, making it a strong contender for those needing to haul heavy loads. Despite its weight, the Armada offered impressive acceleration and braking performance, thanks to its robust engine and advanced braking system. The four-wheel independent suspension provided a controlled and comfortable ride, even on rough roads. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with RWD models rated at 16 mpg combined and 4WD models at 15 mpg combined.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for six or seven passengers. Its interior was designed for comfort and quietness, featuring Buick's QuietTuning technology, Active Noise Cancellation, and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim included power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats with massage functions, as well as a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was notably roomy, and the vehicle provided ample cargo space, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport seven to eight people comfortably, with a spacious interior featuring power-adjustable front seats and options for captain's chairs or a bench seat in the second row. The Platinum trim offered luxurious quilted leather seats. The Armada's size allowed for significant cargo capacity, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 95.4 cubic feet with the second row down. The Armada also included numerous storage compartments and cupholders throughout the cabin, enhancing its practicality for families.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, it lacked advanced features like smart home digital assistant integration and high-end audio components. The Avenir trim offered a premium sound system, navigation, and a surround-view camera system. A unique feature was the rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what's behind the vehicle.

The 2022 Nissan Armada boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen with NissanConnect technology, offering a customizable split-screen option. Standard tech features included a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging, navigation, and a rear-view monitor. The SL and Platinum trims featured a Bose audio system with 13 speakers. The Armada also provided multiple USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The Platinum trim included a Family Entertainment System with dual headrest monitors and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trim levels. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was available only on the Avenir trim with an additional package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, featuring high beam assist, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional safety systems included adaptive cruise control and intelligent lane intervention. The Armada also offered an intelligent rear-view mirror and a comprehensive airbag system. While safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available, the Armada's extensive safety features provided peace of mind for drivers.