2022 Nissan Armada vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a striking vehicle, especially in its Black Onyx color. This model eradicated almost all chrome from the exterior, transforming the SUV into a sleek, dark presence on the road. However, it took less than a day for a layer of dust to make the Lexus look old and shabby. Despite its modern touches like the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, the GX's design felt dated, reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002. Inside, the cabin quality was impeccable, featuring smooth, refined materials and a quiet atmosphere, with only the faint roar of the V8 engine audible.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Armada was a massive and imposing vehicle, measuring 208.9 inches in length and 75.8 inches in height. Its sculptural exterior details, standard LED lighting, and tasteful chrome accents gave it a luxurious appearance. The Armada's size was both a blessing and a curse, offering ample interior space but making it challenging for shorter passengers to enter without using the standard side-step rails. Available in seven colors, the Armada's deep, rich paint and lustrous chrome were worthy of a luxury car, with wheel options ranging from 18 to 22 inches, the latter adding a touch of sparkle to the large SUV.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds. However, its 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds was leisurely, and its fuel economy was a disappointing 16 mpg in combined driving. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) helped improve ride stability and off-road capability, but the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the overall driving experience. The Off-Road Package, available only with the Luxury trim, added features like Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and skid plates for enhanced off-road performance.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came with 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, provided ample power for the hefty SUV, which could tow up to 8,500 pounds. The Armada's fuel economy was 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway/16 mpg combined for RWD models and slightly lower for 4WD versions. Despite its size and weight, the Armada offered a controlled and supple ride, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension. The 22-inch wheels on the Platinum model handled rutted roads well, making the Armada a pleasant cruiser even on rough terrain.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear outward visibility. Its tall, narrow, and short design made it easy to maneuver in various environments, though the slow steering required extra effort. The Black Line Special Edition featured comfortable seats with NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. However, the rear seat access was tricky due to narrow door openings, and the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. The side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading and unloading.

The 2022 Nissan Armada excelled in interior space, comfortably seating seven to eight passengers. The first row featured bucket seats with power adjustments, while the second row offered a fold-flat bench or optional captain's chairs. The third-row bench seat was roomy enough for three passengers and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada's cargo capacity was impressive, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 95.4 cubic feet with the second row down. A power liftgate, standard on SL and Platinum models, made loading and unloading more convenient.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 boasted a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant upgrade from previous models. This system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The GX also featured a CD player, a Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services with a WiFi hotspot. However, the placement of the stereo controls below the off-roading controls was awkward, and the shallow, smooth knobs were difficult to use. The dual-screen view on the infotainment display and excellent voice recognition technology were notable highlights. For 2022, Lexus made Intuitive Parking Assist standard, with optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came with standard NissanConnect technology, featuring a 12.3-inch color touchscreen with a customizable split-screen option. Standard tech features included a WiFi hotspot, wireless device charging pad (except on S models), NissanConnect telematics services, navigation, hands-free text messaging, and satellite radio capability. The audio system varied by trim, with the base S model having a basic setup and the SL and Platinum models boasting a Bose-branded system with 13 speakers. All models included USB-A and USB-C ports, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. The Platinum model also featured a "Family Entertainment System" with dual 8-inch headrest monitors and wireless headphones.

The 2022 Lexus GX, despite its age, came with standard Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services with automatic collision notification and emergency calling. However, the GX lacked more advanced safety technologies found in its competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems. There were no crash-test ratings available for the GX.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured an extensive list of standard safety and driver-assistance features. The Nissan Safety Shield 360 included high beam assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear automatic braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. Other active safety systems included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, intelligent lane intervention, and rear-door alert. The Armada also offered an intelligent rear-view mirror and a trailer brake controller on higher trims. Like the GX, the Armada had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.