2022 Nissan Armada vs 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of production, offered a nostalgic nod to its storied past with the Heritage Edition trim. This version was celebrated for its classic design elements, such as bronze BBS wheels and retro badges, particularly striking in Midnight Black. However, the standard model, which arrived for review, was less visually captivating. Its Magnetic Gray exterior and Terra leather interior, while plush, gave off a dated vibe reminiscent of older Toyota models. The exterior design, with its oversized headlights and chrome accents, lacked the character expected from a vehicle of its stature. Inside, the Land Cruiser mixed high-quality materials with outdated switchgear, offering a blend of luxury and nostalgia, complete with a CD player and a traditional hand-operated parking brake.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Armada presented a bold and commanding presence with its substantial dimensions and sculptural exterior details. Measuring nearly 209 inches in length, the Armada was a true full-size SUV, offering a sense of grandeur. Its design featured standard LED lighting, tasteful chrome accents, and a variety of wheel options, including 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels on the Platinum trim. The Armada's exterior was available in seven colors, each with a deep, rich finish. The vehicle's size and design elements, such as the large tailgate glass and prominent taillamps, contributed to its luxurious appearance, making it a standout choice for those seeking a visually impressive SUV.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, shared with the Toyota Tundra, was known for its quiet operation, even during acceleration. The Land Cruiser's fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 14.7 mpg during testing, slightly above the EPA's combined rating of 14 mpg. Power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission to a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case. The SUV's off-road prowess was enhanced by features like a Torsen limited-slip differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control. The Land Cruiser's suspension system, including the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), provided excellent off-road capability, while its on-road performance was characterized by a smooth, refined ride, albeit with some steering effort required during parking maneuvers. The Land Cruiser's towing capacity was rated at 8,100 pounds.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, offered both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options. The Armada's fuel economy was slightly better than the Land Cruiser's, with RWD models achieving 16 mpg combined and 4WD models at 15 mpg. Despite its weight, the Armada demonstrated impressive acceleration and braking capabilities, thanks to its 13.8-inch vented disc brakes and advanced brake systems. The SUV's four-wheel independent suspension, with double wishbone front and rear setups, provided a comfortable and controlled ride, even on rough roads. The Armada's towing capacity was slightly higher than the Land Cruiser's, at 8,500 pounds, making it a strong contender for those needing to tow heavy loads.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior, while luxurious, felt dated. The cabin featured premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The second-row bench seat offered ample space and comfort, with heated cushions and a four-zone climate control system. The third-row seat, though accommodating, lacked leg support for long journeys. Cargo space was limited to 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 82.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The split clamshell-style liftgate provided convenient access to the cargo area, with the lower tailgate serving as a practical seating area for outdoor activities.

The 2022 Nissan Armada excelled in interior space and versatility, accommodating seven to eight passengers comfortably. The first row featured power-adjustable bucket seats, while the second row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain's chairs with an optional center console. The third-row bench seat was spacious enough for three adults, with power folding and reclining options available. The Armada's interior materials ranged from durable cloth in base models to luxurious quilted leather in the Platinum trim. With a maximum cargo capacity of 95.4 cubic feet, the Armada provided ample space for transporting large items. The power liftgate, standard on higher trims, added convenience for loading and unloading cargo.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology suite felt outdated, with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that lacked modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system relied on Toyota's Entune technology, offering basic functionality with limited customization options. The voice-recognition system was basic, and the dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, while functional, was not up to modern standards. The 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system provided decent sound quality but fell short compared to high-end systems in other luxury SUVs.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Armada boasted a comprehensive technology package, centered around a 12.3-inch touchscreen with customizable split-screen functionality. Standard features included a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging, and NissanConnect telematics services. The Armada's audio system varied by trim, with a Bose-branded system available on higher trims, offering superior sound quality. The SUV also supported wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, enhancing connectivity and convenience for drivers and passengers alike.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a solid array of safety features, including 10 airbags and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Land Cruiser lacked more advanced systems like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and automated lane-keeping assistance. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, leaving some uncertainty about its overall safety performance.

The 2022 Nissan Armada provided a comprehensive suite of safety features, highlighted by the Nissan Safety Shield 360. This included high beam assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional systems like adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, and an intelligent rear-view mirror enhanced safety and convenience. The Armada's airbag system covered all three rows, and trailer sway control was standard on higher trims, making it a well-rounded choice for safety-conscious buyers.