2022 Nissan Armada vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new addition to the Jeep lineup, distinct from the existing five-passenger Grand Cherokee. This model was an extended-length version of the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and increased cargo volume. Despite the potential for confusion, Jeep's decision to release it as a 2021 model didn't deter its appeal. The Grand Cherokee L's styling, reminiscent of the more expensive Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, was a significant selling point. Its design, characterized by Jeep's signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements, was universally praised across all trim levels.

The Grand Cherokee L was available in various trims, including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235, plus a $1,695 destination charge. The test vehicle, a Summit trim with 4WD, metallic paint, and several luxury packages, had a sticker price of $64,770. While some interior materials didn't quite match the high price tag, the Summit's quilted and perforated leather, real wood trim, and advanced technology represented a significant improvement over the older model.

The 2022 Nissan Armada, originally launched as the Pathfinder Armada in 2004, shared its platform with the Nissan Titan pickup and the international Nissan Patrol SUV. By 2017, production moved to Japan, and the Armada became a cousin to the Infiniti QX80 luxury SUV. The Armada's imposing size, measuring 208.9 inches in length, 75.8 inches in height, and 79.9 inches in width, was a defining feature. Its ground clearance ranged from 9.1 to 9.2 inches, and the step-in height was nearly two feet, necessitating the use of standard side-step rails for easier entry and exit.

Despite its size, the Armada's exterior design was elegant, featuring sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and tasteful chrome accents. The tailgate, with its large convex glass and prominent taillamps, added to its visual appeal. The Armada was available in seven colors, with deep, rich paint and lustrous chrome finishes. Wheel options included 18-inch wheels for the S and SV models, 20-inch wheels for the SL trim, and 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels for the Platinum trim, which complemented the SUV's large frame.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Buyers could choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and three different 4WD systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims and 4WD, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. This upgrade added $3,295 to the price.

The test vehicle, equipped with the V6 engine and 4WD, offered brisk acceleration but was loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was generally well-behaved, though it sometimes resisted downshifts in Auto mode to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L Summit 4WD averaged 17.8 mpg during testing, below expectations. The Sport driving mode held revs too high, while the Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension provided better ride control. Off-road capabilities included Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock modes, with the Quadra-Drive II 4WD system featuring an electronic locking differential and a low-range transfer case setting.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured a naturally aspirated 5.6-liter V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. RWD was standard, with 4WD available. RWD models had an EPA rating of 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway/16 mpg combined, while 4WD models achieved 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway/15 mpg combined. Despite its weight of 5,650 to 6,034 pounds, the Armada could carry up to eight passengers and tow up to 8,500 pounds.

The Armada's performance was impressive, with strong acceleration and effective braking from the standard 13.8-inch vented disc brakes. The four-wheel independent suspension, featuring double wishbone front and rear with stabilizer bars and twin-tube Hitachi shock absorbers, provided a controlled and comfortable ride. The test vehicle, a 4WD Platinum model with 22-inch wheels, handled rutted roads well, making it a pleasant cruiser. While off-roading was limited to gravel and dirt roads, the Armada's ground clearance, radiator skid plate, and ample torque made it capable of more challenging terrain.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a comfortable and well-equipped interior, especially in the Summit trim. It featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system with air vents in all three rows. However, the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades for added convenience. The third row was surprisingly comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows offering a great view.

Storage space was somewhat limited for front-seat occupants, but second-row passengers enjoyed a storage console between the captain's chairs. Cargo space behind the third-row seat measured 17.2 cubic feet, with a useful storage bin underneath the load floor. Folding the third-row seat down increased cargo capacity to 46.9 cubic feet, and the maximum volume behind the front seats was 84.6 cubic feet.

The 2022 Nissan Armada's size allowed it to transport seven to eight people comfortably. The first row featured two bucket seats with 10-way power adjustment for the driver and six-way power adjustment for the front passenger, both with power lumbar adjustment. The second row offered a fold-flat 60/40-split bench seat or optional captain's chairs with a removable center console. The third-row 60/40 split bench seat was roomy enough for three passengers and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions.

Base S models had cloth seats, while SV models featured upgraded "Prima-Tex" cloth. SL models had leather-trimmed seats, and the Platinum trim boasted quilted leather appointments. The Armada also had nine cupholders, four bottle holders, and storage cubbies throughout the cabin. Cargo space behind the third-row seats was 16.5 cubic feet, expanding to 49.9 cubic feet with the third row folded flat and 95.4 cubic feet with the second row down. A power liftgate was standard on SL and Platinum models, making it easier to access the cargo area.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response times and an improved user experience. Two touchscreen sizes were available: 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch with navigation. The test vehicle had the larger screen, which integrated well with the center air vents and climate controls. Highlights included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The natural voice-recognition system worked well, though some search results were unexpected.

The optional 19-speaker McIntosh high-end audio system provided excellent sound quality, especially for bass-heavy music. Other available features included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came standard with NissanConnect technology, featuring a 12.3-inch color touchscreen in a horizontal orientation. The wide-screen format allowed for a customizable split-screen option. Standard tech features included a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging pad (except on S models), NissanConnect telematics services, navigation, hands-free text messaging, a rear-view monitor, satellite radio capability, and a proximity key with push-button start.

The audio system varied by trim level, with the base S trim having a four-speaker system, the SV adding two more speakers, and the SL and Platinum models featuring a Bose-branded system with 13 speakers, a subwoofer, and a digital amplifier. All models had two USB-A and two USB-C ports, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and redundant steering wheel audio controls. Platinum models also included a "Family Entertainment System" with dual 8-inch headrest monitors, wireless headphones, and HDMI input.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance. While the system worked well, the steering assist felt artificial, and lane changes were more abrupt than expected. For the 2022 model year, Active Driving Assist was set to become a hands-free system. The Grand Cherokee L also featured Intersection Collision Assist, which could detect threats from either side at intersections and apply the brakes if necessary. Other available safety features included Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist.

Crash-test ratings for the Grand Cherokee L were unavailable at the time of the review, but improvements were expected over the older model.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came with a comprehensive list of standard safety and driver-assistance features, including the Nissan Safety Shield 360. This package included high beam assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear automatic braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. Other active safety systems included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, intelligent lane intervention, and rear-door alert. An available intelligent rear-view mirror provided a high-resolution camera view on an LCD monitor.

The Armada also had dual-stage front supplemental airbags, front-seat-mounted side impact airbags, and roof-mounted curtain airbags for all three rows. A trailer brake controller was standard on SV, SL, and Platinum models, while trailer sway control was standard on the SL and Platinum trims. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for the 2022 Armada.