2022 Nissan Armada vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, originally introduced as the Pathfinder Armada in 2004. Sharing its roots with the Nissan Titan full-size pickup and the international Nissan Patrol SUV, the Armada was initially produced in Canton, Mississippi, before moving to Japan in 2017. This second-generation model was closely related to the Infiniti QX80 luxury SUV. The Armada's 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 and a step-in height of nearly two feet. Its exterior featured sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and a tasteful amount of chrome, including sharp-looking vents on the front fenders. The Armada was available in seven colors, with wheel sizes ranging from 18 to 22 inches, the latter adding a touch of sparkle to its already impressive presence.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, was a minivan that embraced its role as a family hauler while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. Toyota had a long history with minivans, starting with the original Van in 1984, followed by the mid-engined Previa in 1990, and the first Sienna in 1998. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, continued to offer practicality and versatility. Its design included a macho front end, re-engineered door hinges, and a buried slider channel for a cleaner look. The Sienna's interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, with an uncluttered front cabin and ample storage throughout. It offered comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, with available second-row captain's chairs and a spacious third-row bench that could be easily stowed away. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a naturally aspirated 5.6-liter V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, was available in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. The RWD models had an EPA rating of 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway/16 mpg combined, while the 4WD versions achieved 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway/15 mpg combined. Despite its hefty weight of 5,650 to 6,034 pounds, the Armada could tow up to 8,500 pounds and carry up to eight passengers. Its performance was robust, with strong acceleration and a smooth ride, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and 22-inch wheels on the Platinum model. The Armada's braking system included 13.8-inch vented disc brakes with hydraulic brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, and a four-wheel/four-channel/four-sensor anti-lock system.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, in contrast, featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, the Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The AWD system added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, providing 54 hp and 89 pound-feet of torque. The Sienna's fuel economy was a standout feature, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city/36 mpg highway/36 mpg combined, and AWD models getting 35 mpg city/35 mpg highway/35 mpg combined. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride, thanks to its Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform and independent rear trailing arm suspension. The 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack was tucked under the front seats, and the pack came with a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport seven to eight people in comfort and style. The first row featured two comfortable bucket seats with power adjustments, while the second row offered a fold-flat 60/40-split bench seat or available captain's chairs. The third-row 60/40 split bench seat was roomy enough for three passengers and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada's interior materials ranged from cloth seats in the base S model to quilted leather in the Platinum trim. The Armada also provided ample storage, with nine cupholders, four bottle holders, and various storage cubbies. Its cargo capacity was impressive, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. A power liftgate was standard on SL and Platinum models.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was equally versatile, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second row added flexibility for loading luggage and freight, with cargo measurements of 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity. The standard 60/40-split third-row bench stored away easily, and each row had storage cubby space and cupholders. Both side sliding doors and the rear tailgate were power-operated, with foot-motion triggers for added 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 pad (on all but S models), NissanConnect telematics services, navigation, hands-free text messaging, a rear-view monitor, satellite radio capability, and a proximity key with push-button start. The audio system varied by trim, with the base S model having a four-speaker system, the SV adding two more speakers, and the SL and Platinum models boasting a Bose-branded system with 13 speakers, a subwoofer, and a digital amplifier. 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 Toyota Sienna offered a wealth of standard and available technology features. A 9-inch touchscreen was standard across all trims, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect telematics services, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered Qi wireless phone charging and a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt AC outlet. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup in the LE to a 12-speaker JBL system in higher trims. An available rear-seat entertainment system featured an 11.6-inch 1080p display. The Sienna also had a color multi-information display in the instrument panel and an optional 10-inch color head-up display in the Platinum trim. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror.

The 2022 Nissan Armada included a comprehensive list of standard safety features, such as the Nissan Safety Shield 360, which offered 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 had dual-stage front supplemental airbags, front-seat-mounted side impact airbags, and roof-mounted curtain airbags. A trailer brake controller was standard on SV, SL, and Platinum models, while trailer sway control was standard on the SL and Platinum. The IIHS and NHTSA had not released safety ratings for the 2022 Nissan Armada.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also featured the Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and electronic brake-force distribution. It had 10 airbags and several LATCH child-seat connectors. A rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire mounted in the cargo space for safety and convenience.