2022 Nissan Armada vs 2022 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, with its roots tracing back to the Pathfinder Armada of 2004. It shared its lineage with the Nissan Titan pickup and the internationally sold Nissan Patrol SUV. The Armada's production moved to Japan in 2017, aligning it closely with the Infiniti QX80 luxury SUV. Its dimensions were substantial, measuring 208.9 inches in length, 75.8 inches in height, and 79.9 inches in width, with a ground clearance of 9.1-9.2 inches. The exterior design was marked by sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and tasteful chrome accents, including sharp vents on the front fenders. The Armada was available in seven colors, with wheel options ranging from 18-inch to 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels, which complemented its large frame.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, while often compared to a minivan, offered a more SUV-like appeal with its conventional rear doors. It was priced starting at $33,700, with the High Country trim reaching $53,400. The Traverse received a light restyle for 2022, featuring new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. It was available in various trims, including the RS, which featured blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels. The Traverse was praised for its styling restraint, with crisp lines and tasteful details. Inside, the RS trim boasted black leather upholstery with contrast stitching and gloss black trim, though hard plastic surfaces were prevalent. The interior layout was simple and logical, with user-friendly controls for stereo and climate functions.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. It came with a seven-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive as standard and four-wheel drive as an option. The Armada's fuel economy was rated at 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway for RWD models and slightly lower for 4WD versions. Despite its hefty weight of up to 6,034 pounds, the Armada could tow up to 8,500 pounds and comfortably seat eight passengers. Its braking system included 13.8-inch vented disc brakes with hydraulic brake assist and electronic brake force distribution. The suspension system, featuring a four-wheel independent setup with stabilizer bars and Hitachi shock absorbers, provided a smooth and controlled ride, even on rough roads.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, with various driving modes for different conditions. The Traverse's fuel economy for AWD models was rated at 20 mpg combined, with our test vehicle achieving 20.9 mpg. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, absorbing smaller road imperfections well. On highways, it provided a comfortable ride, though road and wind noise were noticeable. The Traverse's handling was predictable, with limited body roll and a flat cornering attitude, though the RS trim's tires were not particularly engaging.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport seven to eight passengers in comfort, with spacious seating arrangements. The first row featured power-adjustable bucket seats, while the second row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain's chairs. The third-row bench seat could accommodate three passengers and offered power folding and reclining functions. The Armada provided ample cargo space, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 95.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. A power liftgate was standard on higher trims, aiding access to the tall rear opening.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, in RS, Premier, or High Country trims, featured captain's chairs in the second row, reducing seating capacity to seven. The RS trim included power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function and wide rear doors facilitated access to the third row. The Traverse offered generous legroom and headroom, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support. Cargo space was abundant, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 98.2 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Traverse also featured hidden storage compartments and a power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came with standard NissanConnect technology, featuring a 12.3-inch color touchscreen with customizable split-screen options. It included a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging, navigation, and hands-free text messaging. The audio system varied by trim, with Bose audio available on higher trims. All models offered USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Platinum trim included a Family Entertainment System with dual headrest monitors and wireless headphones.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim. It supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services with a WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch system included navigation and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. A Bose premium sound system was standard on RS trim and above. The Traverse's infotainment system featured excellent voice recognition, and a digital rearview mirror was available for improved visibility.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included features like high beam assist, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional safety systems included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, and an intelligent rear-view mirror. The Armada featured airbags for all three rows and trailer sway control on higher trims. However, safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with Chevy Safety Assist as standard, offering forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse's driving aids were generally accurate and user-friendly. While IIHS had not fully rated the Traverse, it received top ratings in most collision tests, except for an "Acceptable" rating in a new side-impact test. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of writing.