2022 Nissan Armada vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2022 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's evolution from conservative styling to a more modern and upscale design. Historically, Buick's designs were characterized by softer lines and functional interiors, catering to an older demographic focused on comfort. However, the Enclave marked a shift towards a more SUV-centric lineup, reflecting broader market trends. The 2022 model, part of a mid-cycle refresh, featured several exterior enhancements, including a new grille and updated fascias, headlamps, and taillamps. The Avenir trim stood out with its unique styling elements and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave boasted a restyled center console, upgraded materials, and available comfort features like heated, cooled, and massaging seats, particularly in the Avenir trim, which offered a near-luxury experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, emphasizing its size and presence. Originally introduced as the Pathfinder Armada, it evolved into a standalone model with production moving to Japan. The Armada's exterior was marked by sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and tasteful chrome accents. Its size was complemented by a range of wheel options, with the 22-inch wheels on the Platinum trim adding a touch of luxury. The Armada's design was both functional and stylish, with a focus on providing a comfortable and spacious environment for up to eight passengers. The interior offered a range of seating configurations and materials, from cloth to quilted leather, catering to different preferences and needs.

The 2022 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available across all trims. The Enclave's towing capacity reached up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Known for its quiet and smooth ride, the Enclave excelled in providing a premium driving experience, enhanced by the optional Avenir Technology package, which included a premium ride suspension and real-time chassis damping. Despite its size, the Enclave offered responsive acceleration and a surprisingly engaging driving experience, with the nine-speed transmission performing seamlessly.

The 2022 Nissan Armada, on the other hand, was equipped with a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive available. The Armada's towing capacity was impressive, reaching up to 8,500 pounds. While its fuel economy was modest, the Armada's performance was characterized by strong acceleration and a smooth ride, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension. The Armada's braking system was effective, and its off-road capabilities were supported by features like a radiator skid plate and ample ground clearance.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with easy ingress and egress and excellent visibility. Standard features included power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, and higher trims added massage functions and heated second-row seats. The Enclave's cabin was roomy, accommodating six adults comfortably, with versatile second-row captain's chairs. The restyled center console featured push-button transmission gears, and the Enclave provided ample cargo space, with up to 97.4 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport up to eight passengers in comfort, with power-adjustable front seats and a choice of second-row configurations. The interior materials ranged from durable cloth to luxurious quilted leather, with the Platinum trim offering the highest level of refinement. The Armada's size translated into generous cargo space, with up to 95.4 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. The Armada also featured numerous storage options and a power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and higher trims added navigation. The system supported up to 10 paired devices and included a WiFi hotspot. The Premium and Avenir trims offered a 10-speaker Bose audio system, and the Enclave came with a range of standard and available safety features, including adaptive cruise control and a head-up display.

The 2022 Nissan Armada boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen with NissanConnect technology, offering a customizable split-screen option. Standard features included a WiFi hotspot, wireless charging, and a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies. The Armada's audio system varied by trim, with the SL and Platinum models featuring a Bose system with 13 speakers. The Platinum trim also included a Family Entertainment System with dual headrest monitors.

The 2022 Buick Enclave came standard with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package, which included a range of safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-change alert, and rear cross-traffic warning. Additional features were available on higher trims, including adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera. The Enclave received high safety ratings from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was equipped with the Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional safety systems included adaptive cruise control and an intelligent rear-view mirror. The Armada also featured a range of airbags and trailer safety features, although it had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.