2021 Nissan Armada vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX carried over Lexus's familial design, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added sportier elements like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and optional Circuit Red interior color schemes. The interior's material fit and finish were excellent, though the design of the gauge cluster and center stack appeared dated compared to newer competitors.

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 highest Platinum trim was tested. The redesigned exterior featured a new grille, front fenders, bumpers, and LED headlights and taillights, giving it a modern yet traditionally beefy appearance. Standard features included body-color over fenders, dark-painted roof rails, and LED lighting. Depending on the trim, the Armada rode on 18-, 20-, or 22-inch wheels. The new Nissan logo was prominently displayed on the grille, rear, steering wheel, and wheel caps. Despite the updates, the Armada retained some dated design elements, particularly in the rear.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds. The F Sport variant featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50 percent of torque to the rear axle. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD variant had similar numbers but a combined 24 mpg. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph. The adaptive-suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable driving experience, though the steering was somewhat numb.

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 and automatic four-wheel drive as an option. Despite its weight of over 6,000 pounds, the Armada was a capable off-roader with a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, and Hitachi twin-tube shock absorbers. Fuel economy was 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined for RWD models, and 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined for 4WD models. The Armada had a best-in-class towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. The SUV's handling had improved over the years, making highway driving more manageable, though maneuvering in tight spaces remained challenging.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. The NX had 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. These numbers were among the smallest in its class. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2021 Nissan Armada, as a full-size SUV, offered ample space and practicality. The interior featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, though some controls were hard to reach. The front seats were power-adjustable, with power lumbar support. The second row could be configured with captain's chairs, reducing seating capacity from eight to seven. The third row was less comfortable for adults. Cargo space was 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 95.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The high load floor made loading and unloading challenging. Small-item storage was limited, though the center console storage bin was spacious.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hot spot. The Lexus Premium Audio system had eight speakers, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system. The Lexus Enform Remote app allowed remote control of various functions, and a 10-year subscription to Lexus Enform Services Connect was included.

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

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2021 Nissan Armada had not been fully rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, though it received a three-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included Nissan Safety Shield 360, which offered automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking. Additional standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear door alert. Optional features included a rear camera mirror and a surround-view camera system. The Armada did not offer advanced driving assist technologies like Nissan ProPilot Assist.