2022 Lexus GX vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning its exterior with Nissan's new signature design. Despite these updates, the Armada retained its traditional robust and athletic styling. The SUV featured a redesigned grille, front fenders, bumpers, and LED lights, giving it a modern look akin to the Nissan Kicks, Rogue, and Pathfinder. The Armada was available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with the Midnight Edition Package exclusive to the SL. The Platinum trim, 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 aluminum alloy wheels. The new Nissan logo was prominently displayed on the grille, rear, steering wheel, and wheel caps. Despite these updates, the Armada's interior remained somewhat dated, with design choices that detracted from its overall aesthetic.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, evaluated in Black Onyx, featured a design that eliminated almost all chrome, creating a sleek, dark appearance. However, the GX's design felt dated, reminiscent of the first-generation 2002 GX 470. The interior, while crafted with care and featuring high-quality materials, also retained an old-school feel. The GX was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with the Black Line Special Edition based on the Premium trim. Despite its age, the GX offered a quiet cabin and a smooth ride, thanks to its standard V8 engine. The Black Line Special Edition included NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. However, the narrow rear door openings and challenging third-row access were notable drawbacks.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was powered by 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 offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with an optional automatic four-wheel drive. Despite its weight, the Armada was a capable off-roader, featuring a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, and Hitachi twin-tube shock absorbers. It had a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, best in its class. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with RWD models achieving 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway, and 4WD models slightly lower. The Armada's handling improved with each revision, though its turning radius and parking maneuverability remained typical for its size.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, was equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system. The GX's 0-60 mph time was 7.8 seconds, and it had a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. Its fuel economy was estimated at 16 mpg combined, with a slightly better real-world result of 16.8 mpg. The GX featured a Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System, enhancing its off-road capabilities and stability. Despite its age, the GX offered a refined ride, though its steering and brake pedal were less appealing.

The 2021 Nissan Armada offered practicality and functionality, with standard running boards and in-cabin handles for easy access. The interior featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, though some controls were distant from the driver. The first and second rows provided comfortable seating, with power-adjustable front seats and optional second-row captain's chairs. The third row was less comfortable for adults, and cargo space was limited, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 95.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. The high load floor and limited small-item storage were notable drawbacks.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position and clear visibility, with comfortable seats and physical controls. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim. However, the rear door openings were narrow, and the third-row seat was challenging to access and uncomfortable for adults. Cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. The side-swinging tailgate added to the loading challenges.

The 2021 Nissan Armada featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class, with standard navigation, a six-speaker stereo, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and wireless Apple CarPlay. Optional features included a wireless charging pad, a 13-speaker Bose audio system, and a rearview camera mirror. The analog gauges and functional steering wheel provided limited control over the infotainment system.

The 2022 Lexus GX introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation, with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed, and the available 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was not included in the test vehicle. The GX also offered a dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition technology.

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

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings, but it featured Lexus Safety System+, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems.