2021 Lexus GX vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 retained its decade-old body shell with minor updates over the years, including the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights introduced in 2020. The Premium trim level came standard with silver 18-inch wheels, while 19-inch wheels were also available. Despite its aggressive and distinctive look, the interior felt outdated, with wood trim resembling molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Standard leather upholstery was a plus, but the overall interior did not meet modern luxury SUV standards.

The 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning its design with the new Nissan brand aesthetics. Available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum grades, the Armada featured a redesigned exterior with a new grille, fenders, bumpers, and LED lights. The Platinum trim level, tested in prototype form, showcased body-color over fenders, dark-painted roof rails, and an acoustic windshield. Depending on the trim, the Armada rode on 18-, 20-, or 22-inch wheels, with a full-size spare tire available on upper trims. The new Nissan logo was prominently displayed, and the Midnight Edition Package added dark accents for a sleek look.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX 460 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. However, its 5,130-pound weight impacted high-speed performance, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. Despite its traditional SUV driving experience, the GX excelled in off-road capability with a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and several driver aids. It had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2021 Nissan Armada featured a 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, weighing over 6,000 pounds, offered rear-wheel drive as standard and optional automatic four-wheel drive. It had a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, and up to 9.2 inches of ground clearance. The Armada's fuel economy was low, with RWD models getting 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. The SUV's handling improved with each revision, and it had a best-in-class towing capacity of 8,500 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position felt bus-like. The dashboard shape and boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was limited by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small center-console bins and cupholders. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, but the third row was best for children and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Nissan Armada offered practicality and functionality for families, with standard running boards and in-cabin handles for easy access. The broad dashboard featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, though some controls were hard to reach. First- and second-row occupants enjoyed comfortable seating, with power-adjustable front seats and optional second-row captain's chairs. The third row was less comfortable for adults but usable in a pinch. The Armada provided 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 95.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, the high load floor made loading and unloading challenging.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions, with a separate display for time and temperature. Analog controls were included for most functions, providing a straightforward interface.

The 2021 Nissan Armada boasted a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class, with navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available features included a wireless charging pad, 13-speaker Bose audio system, rearview camera mirror, and second-row entertainment system. The Armada Platinum trim came with all these features as standard.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard, but the GX lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models.

The 2021 Nissan Armada had not been fully rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it received a three-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking. Additional standard features were adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and rear door alert. Advanced driving assist technologies like ProPilot Assist were not available.