2022 Nissan Armada vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, with its design rooted in its origins as the Pathfinder Armada. Initially produced in Mississippi alongside the Nissan Titan, the Armada later moved production to Japan, sharing its lineage with the Infiniti QX80. This SUV was undeniably big, measuring 208.9 inches in length, 75.8 inches in height, and 79.9 inches in width. Its substantial size was complemented by sculptural exterior details, standard LED lighting, and a tasteful amount of chrome. The Armada's design was further enhanced by its large taillamps and a convex glass tailgate. Available in seven colors, the Armada's finish was luxurious, with deep paint and lustrous chrome. Wheel options ranged from 18-inch on the base models to 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels on the Platinum trim, which perfectly suited its grand stature.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator, meanwhile, underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end received a restyle, featuring an Audi-esque grille that some felt lacked the elegance of previous models. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were largely successful, with the interior continuing to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation theme for instrumentation and infotainment displays added a celestial touch, enhancing the overall ambiance. The Navigator was available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with trim levels including Standard, Reserve, and Black Label. The Black Label trim, in particular, offered a luxurious experience with its Central Park theme, featuring a green interior and premium seating options.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by 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 (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) options. The Armada's fuel economy was rated at 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for RWD models, with 4WD versions slightly lower. Despite its hefty weight of up to 6,034 pounds, the Armada could tow up to 8,500 pounds and comfortably seat up to eight passengers. Its braking system, featuring 13.8-inch vented disc brakes and advanced electronic controls, ensured reliable stopping power. The Armada's suspension system provided a smooth ride, even on rough roads, making it a capable cruiser.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered both RWD and 4WD configurations. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the setup. Its adaptive-damping suspension, featuring Road Preview technology, enhanced ride quality by adjusting to road conditions in real-time. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg combined for 4WD models, and during testing, it achieved 18.6 mpg. The SUV's performance was further bolstered by a new electronic brake booster, improving brake feel and response. The Navigator handled various driving conditions with ease, from highways to snowy and muddy terrains, thanks to its advanced traction and suspension systems.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to accommodate seven to eight passengers comfortably, with spacious seating across three rows. 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 was roomy enough for three passengers and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada's interior was well-appointed, with options ranging from cloth to quilted leather seats, depending on the trim level. Storage was abundant, with up to 95.4 cubic feet of cargo space available when the second and third rows were folded down. The Armada also featured a power liftgate on higher trims, adding convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator excelled in interior comfort, with 30-way power-adjustable front seats that were heated, ventilated, and massaging. The second-row captain's chairs offered similar features, enhancing passenger comfort. The third row provided ample space and support, making it a viable option for adult passengers. The Navigator's cargo capacity was generous, with up to 103.3 cubic feet of space available in the standard model and 120.2 cubic feet in the long-wheelbase version. The Navigator's interior was thoughtfully designed, with plenty of storage options and a focus on passenger comfort and convenience.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came equipped with NissanConnect technology, featuring a 12.3-inch color touchscreen with a customizable split-screen option. Standard tech features included a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging, navigation, and a rear-view monitor. The Armada's audio system varied by trim, with higher trims offering a Bose-branded system with 13 speakers. Connectivity options included USB ports, Bluetooth, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Platinum trim added a Family Entertainment System with dual headrest monitors and wireless headphones, catering to tech-savvy families.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. This system supported both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a user-friendly interface and voice recognition capabilities. The Navigator's interior featured physical controls for volume and climate functions, ensuring ease of use. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also boasted a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering an exceptional listening experience.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Nissan Safety Shield 360, which offered high beam assist, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Additional safety systems included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, and an available intelligent rear-view mirror. The Armada featured multiple airbags and a trailer brake controller on higher trims. However, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for this model.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, such as Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, and Active Park Assist 2.0. The SUV also featured ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology for approved highways. A surround-view camera system was standard, enhancing visibility and safety. While ActiveGlide performed well in testing, it required driver attention and intervention when necessary. These systems represented steps toward fully autonomous driving, emphasizing the importance of responsible driving.