2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its rugged origins, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Once a utilitarian vehicle, it had become a status symbol, offering a wide range of powertrains and personalization options. The base model started at $92,000, but with upgrades, the price could soar to $250,000. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a timeless design, with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield pillars and clean styling. Inside, it exuded luxury with its high-contrast Ivory-color interior, though the infotainment system was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning its design with Nissan's new signature look. Available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, the Armada's exterior featured a new grille, bumpers, and LED lights, giving it a modern yet robust appearance. The Platinum trim, which we tested, showcased the Armada's capability with features like body-color over fenders and dark-painted roof rails. Despite its updates, the Armada's interior felt dated, with design choices that detracted from its overall aesthetic. However, it offered practicality with a spacious cabin and a variety of seating configurations.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, ensuring its off-road prowess. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, though the vehicle's weight and tall center of gravity affected its handling on winding roads. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 20 mpg, but our test yielded 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was equipped with a 5.6-liter V8 engine, producing 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 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 less impressive, with an EPA-estimated 16 mpg combined for RWD models and 15 mpg for 4WD models. The Armada excelled in towing, with a best-in-class capacity of 8,500 pounds.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers still found entry challenging. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked support and adjustability. Storage space was limited, with a small refrigerated center console bin and a maximum cargo capacity of 59.8 cubic feet. The clamshell-style tailgate and suspension kneel function aided loading, but luggage space was restricted.

The 2021 Nissan Armada offered practicality with standard running boards and in-cabin handles for easy access. The spacious interior featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, though some controls were out of reach. Front seats were power-adjustable, and second-row captain's chairs were available, reducing seating capacity to seven. The third row was less comfortable for adults, but cargo space was ample, with up to 95.4 cubic feet available. However, the high load floor made loading challenging for shorter individuals.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while not entirely intuitive, offered numerous features and functions. Users were advised to set up preferences at home to avoid distractions while driving. The Range Rover also featured a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for assistance.

The 2021 Nissan Armada's tech refresh included a class-leading 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, standard navigation, and wireless Apple CarPlay. A wireless charging pad, Bose audio system, and rearview camera mirror were available, with the Platinum trim offering these as standard. The Armada's steering wheel allowed limited control of the infotainment system, but it lacked the sophistication of other SUVs.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.

The 2021 Nissan Armada featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional safety technologies included adaptive cruise control and a rear camera mirror. However, the Armada lacked advanced driving assist technologies like ProPilot Assist.