2022 Nissan Armada vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its rugged origins, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Initially designed as a utilitarian vehicle, it quickly moved upscale, especially with the introduction of a four-door version. By 2021, the Range Rover was a luxury SUV with a starting price of $92,000, which could soar to $250,000 with various upgrades and personalization options. 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 Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance, although its infotainment system was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Armada was a large SUV designed to transport seven to eight people comfortably. It shared its roots with the Nissan Titan and the international Nissan Patrol, and its size was evident in its dimensions. The Armada's exterior featured sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and a tasteful amount of chrome. It was available in various trims, with the Platinum model offering 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels. The Armada's interior was spacious, with options for captain's chairs in the second row and a third-row bench seat. It offered a range of seating materials, from cloth to quilted leather, and provided ample storage space for passengers and cargo.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrain options, including turbodiesel V6, supercharged V8, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid choices. The HSE Westminster special edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It came with a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. The Range Rover excelled in off-road capabilities, thanks to its Terrain Response 2 traction control system. On the road, it provided a smooth and quiet ride, with an adaptive air suspension that filtered road harshness. However, its steering was relatively slow, and the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity affected its handling on winding roads. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, but the test vehicle averaged 18.5 mpg.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a naturally aspirated 5.6-liter V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. It came with a seven-speed automatic transmission and offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with four-wheel drive available. The Armada's fuel economy was rated at 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined for RWD models, with slightly lower figures for 4WD versions. Despite its weight, the Armada provided strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension. The SUV's brakes were effective, and its 22-inch wheels on the Platinum model handled rough roads well. While the Armada was not tested extensively off-road, its ground clearance and torque made it capable of handling challenging terrain.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier entry and exit. The front seats were decadently comfortable, wrapped in quality leather upholstery. However, the second row lacked comfort, with limited thigh support and a slouched seating position. The Range Rover offered quad-zone climate control and a Meridian sound system, but storage space was limited. The cargo area provided 25 cubic feet of space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A button in the cargo area activated the suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport seven to eight passengers comfortably. The first row featured power-adjustable bucket seats, while the second row offered a fold-flat bench or captain's chairs. The third-row bench seat was spacious, with power folding and reclining options. The Armada's interior materials ranged from cloth to quilted leather, with ample storage space and cupholders throughout the cabin. It offered 16.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 95.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. A power liftgate was standard on higher trims, making loading and unloading more convenient.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, requiring users to familiarize themselves with its functions. The system's two 10-inch touchscreens could be distracting while driving, and the head-up display was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Range Rover offered a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came with standard NissanConnect technology, featuring a 12.3-inch color touchscreen with a split-screen option. It included a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging, navigation, and hands-free text messaging. The audio system varied by trim, with Bose audio available on higher trims. The Armada offered multiple USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. The Platinum model included a Family Entertainment System with dual 8-inch headrest monitors and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. 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, but the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, with high beam assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. It also offered adaptive cruise control, intelligent lane intervention, and an intelligent rear-view mirror. The Armada included multiple airbags and trailer sway control on higher trims. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available for the 2022 model.