2022 Nissan Armada vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Nissan Armada, long and imposing at 208.9 inches, stood out with its size and powerful presence. Its sculptural exterior details were enhanced by standard LED lighting and strategic uses of chrome—especially noticeable with the sharp-looking vents on the front fenders. The Armada's tailgate featured a large expanse of convex glass and prominent taillamps, lending a modern luxury aesthetic. The seven available colors and lustrous chrome finishes were particularly appealing, further accentuated by wheel options ranging from 18-inch on the S and SV models to 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels on the Platinum. These larger wheels filled the wheel arches perfectly and added a touch of sparkle.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner also traced its roots back to the rugged SUV era of the 1980s, maintaining much of its original design ethos. Unlike many modern SUVs, the 4Runner retained its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper, which all contributed to its functional and adventurous look. Inside, the 4Runner's design did show signs of age with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s. The various trims like the SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited each showcased unique elements—from the rugged enhancements of the Trail Special Edition with its Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket to the more road-oriented touches of the TRD Sport with 20-inch alloy wheels and synthetic leather upholstery.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came equipped with a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering an impressive 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This powerful engine, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, was available in either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. The Armada's RWD models achieved an EPA rating of 14 mpg city, 19 mph highway, and 16 mpg combined, while the 4WD versions managed 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined. Despite its significant weight, the Armada could tow up to 8,500 pounds and offered a smooth ride thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension system with Hitachi shock absorbers.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, less powerful than the Armada's V8, was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and offered either RWD or available 4WD with low range. Though the ride could feel harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, the 4Runner's suspension shone when navigating off-road terrain. It absorbed rocks, bumps, and other obstacles with ease, thanks to features like the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Crawl Control available on the TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, sufficient for most off-road adventures.

The 2022 Nissan Armada's sheer size translated into generous interior space, capable of comfortably seating up to eight passengers. The first row consisted of two bucket seats with power lumbar adjustment, while the second row offered a fold-flat 60/40-split bench seat or optional captain's chairs. The third-row 60/40 split bench provided enough room for three passengers, featuring optional power folding and reclining functions. Depending on seating configurations, the Armada provided ample cargo space, ranging from 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row to a massive 95.4 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down. Storage options were further enhanced by a standard or optional power liftgate, making access more convenient.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner, while not as spacious as the Armada, still offered considerable cargo capacity—providing up to 89.7 cubic feet for the two-row model and 88.8 cubic feet for the three-row version. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row 4Runner offered 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The optional third-row seat, available on select trims, reduced the cargo space behind it to just 9 cubic feet. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but made up for it with an automatic rear window, useful for quick access.

The 2022 Nissan Armada boasted a comprehensive suite of standard tech features centered around the NissanConnect system with a 12.3-inch color touchscreen. The wide-screen format allowed for a customizable split-screen interface, making navigation and other functions user-friendly. Standard features included a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging pad (except on S models), navigation, hands-free text messaging, and satellite radio capability. Higher trims like the SL and Platinum came with a 13-speaker Bose-branded audio system and a Family Entertainment System with dual 8-inch headrest monitors, ensuring passengers stayed entertained.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner's technology revolved around its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, and Satellite Radio. While the system was straightforward and benefited from tactile controls ideal for use with gloves, it lacked some of the advanced features found in more modern competitors. Optional upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system. The 4Runner's tech might not have been cutting-edge, but it covered the basics adequately and was designed to be user-friendly, especially in rugged conditions.

The 2022 Nissan Armada incorporated a robust suite of safety features, headlined by the Nissan Safety Shield 360. This included high beam assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear automatic braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional active safety systems like adaptive cruise control with full-speed range, intelligent forward collision warning, and intelligent lane intervention further enhanced safety. With dual-stage front airbags, front-seat-mounted side impact airbags, and roof-mounted curtain airbags, the Armada offered comprehensive crash protection. It also included standard or optional trailer sway control and a trailer brake controller, making it a safe choice for towing.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with the Toyota Safety Sense suite as standard, covering forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Optional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view parking camera system were available. The 4Runner was evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, earning four out of five stars for frontal and side-impact testing and three stars for rollover testing. While it might not have had the latest safety innovations, it still provided a solid safety foundation with its suite of driver-assistance features.