2022 Lincoln Navigator 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 new grille, front fenders, bumpers, and LED lights, giving it a modern look similar 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, which was tested, 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, all aluminum alloy. The SUV also sported Nissan's new logo prominently on its grille, rear, steering wheel, and wheel caps. However, the interior design choices, such as rouched material and abstract patterned hard plastic, made the Armada appear dated.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 20-inch design. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with Lincoln's star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced its elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were largely successful. Inside, it dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln's Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen was a significant upgrade, offering ample display space. The Navigator continued in standard and long-wheelbase styles with Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims. The Black Label trim, tested in the Central Park theme, featured a green interior with luxurious second-row captain's chairs.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. It offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with four-wheel drive available. Despite its 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 low, with RWD models achieving 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. The Armada excelled in towing, with a best-in-class capacity of 8,500 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered both RWD and 4WD options. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on configuration. The SUV's adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview, enhanced ride quality by preparing for road imperfections. The Navigator's fuel economy was better, with 4WD models achieving 18 mpg combined. The SUV handled various terrains with ease, thanks to its 9.7 inches of ground clearance and adaptive suspension.

The 2021 Nissan Armada offered practicality for families, with standard running boards and in-cabin handles for easy access. The interior featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, though some controls were hard to reach. The first and second rows provided comfort, with power-adjustable seats. The second-row captain's chairs reduced seating capacity to seven. The third row was less comfortable for adults. Cargo space was 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 95.4 cubic feet with seats folded. However, the high load floor made loading challenging. Small-item storage was limited, except for the deep center console storage bin.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator excelled in comfort, with 30-way power-adjustable front seats offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs also featured these amenities, enhancing passenger comfort. The third row provided ample space, thanks to the independent rear suspension. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 103.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more space, making it ideal for larger families.

The 2021 Nissan Armada featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class, with navigation, a six-speaker stereo, and wireless Apple CarPlay. A wireless charging pad, 13-speaker Bose audio system, and rearview camera mirror were available. The analog tachometer and speedometer were functional but lacked sophistication.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering dual data panels for navigation and music. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with voice recognition and over-the-air updates. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, now with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to streaming services. The 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2021 Nissan Armada came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked advanced driving assist technologies like ProPilot Assist. The NHTSA gave it a three-star rollover rating due to a 23.7-percent rollover risk.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, and Active Park Assist 2.0. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed hands-free driving on approved highways. The surround-view camera system was standard. ActiveGlide performed well but required driver attention, highlighting the need for human oversight.