2022 Nissan Armada vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. This model retained the brand's signature boxy profile and blunt front end, but introduced softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most eye-catching, while the R-Design offered a sportier look and the Momentum trim kept things simple. The XC90 was built on Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture, shared with other models in the "90" and "60" series, and its interior embodied "Swedish minimalism" with high-quality materials and thoughtful design. The use of matte-finish wood trim and the option for wool upholstery added a unique touch, although the Orrefors crystal shifter seemed slightly out of place in the otherwise restrained cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, designed to transport seven to eight people comfortably. Its exterior featured sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and tasteful chrome accents, including vents on the front fenders. The Armada's size was evident in its dimensions, with a length of 208.9 inches, a height of 75.8 inches, and a width of 79.9 inches. The vehicle's ground clearance ranged from 9.1 to 9.2 inches, and the step-in height was nearly two feet, necessitating the use of standard side-step rails for easier access. The Armada was available in seven colors, with 18-inch wheels standard on the S and SV models, 20-inch wheels on the SL trim, and 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels on the Platinum trim, which complemented the SUV's large frame.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. The T5 came with front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive optional, while the T6 and T8 had standard AWD. Despite the impressive 400 hp, the XC90's small engine struggled with acceleration, especially in all-electric mode, and required the gasoline engine's assistance at low speeds. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and maintained a quiet cabin. It had a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, except for the base FWD T5, which was rated at 4,000 pounds.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, was available in rear-wheel drive as standard, with four-wheel drive as an option. The Armada's fuel economy was rated at 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway/16 mpg combined for RWD models, and slightly lower for 4WD versions. Despite its weight of 5,650 to 6,034 pounds, the Armada could tow up to 8,500 pounds and carry up to eight passengers. The SUV's brakes, featuring 13.8-inch vented discs and advanced braking systems, provided reliable stopping power. The Armada's four-wheel independent suspension, with double wishbone front and rear, offered a smooth ride, even on rough roads. The 4WD Platinum model, with 22-inch wheels, handled well on various terrains, although off-roading was limited to gravel and dirt roads during testing.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. While headroom and legroom were average for the segment, the third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. An optional power moonroof and the XC90’s upright roof profile enhanced the interior's spacious feel. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Storage space was limited, with a shallow center console and minimal console storage. Cargo capacity was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. A hands-free power tailgate was standard.

The 2022 Nissan Armada's size allowed it to transport seven to eight people comfortably. The first row featured bucket seats with 10-way power adjustment for the driver and six-way for the passenger, both with power lumbar support. The second row offered a 60/40-split bench seat or optional captain's chairs, with a removable center console available on SL and Platinum trims. The third-row bench seat accommodated three passengers and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada's interior included nine cupholders, four bottle holders, and ample storage cubbies. Cargo space was 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.4 cubic feet with the second row down. A power liftgate was standard on SL and Platinum models, optional on the S trim.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen that allowed easy navigation through menus. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and head-up display were available. However, the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and only second-row USB-C ports were provided.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came with NissanConnect technology, featuring a 12.3-inch color touchscreen with a customizable split-screen option. Standard tech included a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless charging pad (except on S models), NissanConnect telematics services, navigation, hands-free text messaging, and a rear-view monitor. The SL and Platinum trims boasted a Bose audio system with 13 speakers, while the S and SV trims had fewer speakers. All models offered USB-A and USB-C ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The Platinum trim included a "Family Entertainment System" with dual 8-inch monitors and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top "Good" scores in crash tests and "Superior" front-crash prevention ratings. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered numerous standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid.

The 2022 Nissan Armada included a comprehensive list of standard safety features, such as the Nissan Safety Shield 360 with high beam assist, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear automatic braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional systems included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, and intelligent lane intervention. The Armada featured dual-stage front airbags, side impact airbags, and curtain airbags for all three rows. A trailer brake controller and trailer sway control were standard on higher trims. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for the 2022 Armada.