2022 Nissan Armada vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Nissan Armada, initially known as the Pathfinder Armada, was closely related to the Nissan Titan full-size pickup truck and the internationally sold Nissan Patrol SUV. After its first year, the Armada dropped the Pathfinder part of its name and moved production to Japan for its second generation in 2017. This generation shared a lineage with the Infiniti QX80 luxury SUV. The Armada was undeniably large, measuring 208.9 inches in length, 75.8 inches in height, and 79.9 inches in width. Its ground clearance ranged from 9.1 to 9.2 inches, and the step-in height was nearly two feet, making the standard side-step rails essential for easier access.

The Armada's exterior was both imposing and elegant, featuring sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and a tasteful amount of chrome. The tailgate had a large expanse of convex glass and big taillamps, adding to its luxurious appearance. Available in seven colors, the Armada boasted deep, rich paint and lustrous chrome. Wheel sizes varied by trim, with 18-inch wheels on the S and SV models, 20-inch on the SL trim, and 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels on the Platinum, which perfectly complemented the SUV's large frame.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered standard and Type S versions, each with various trim packages. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, plus a destination charge of $1,195. The Type S Advance trim, with its Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid interior, had an MSRP of $74,995. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, featuring subtle design cues like chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights, and 21-inch wheels. The Type S also had quad exhaust outlets and a rear diffuser panel.

Inside, the MDX Type S featured perforated Milano leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. However, some design choices, like the body tapering at the doors and gloss black plastic on the dashboard, detracted from its overall appeal. The electronic transmission switchgear also proved confusing for some users. Despite these issues, the MDX Type S remained an attractive luxury SUV.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came equipped with 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, offered both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) options. 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 carry up to eight passengers and tow up to 8,500 pounds.

The Armada's performance was robust, with no difficulty in accelerating from a stoplight or merging onto the freeway. Its braking system, featuring 13.8-inch vented disc brakes with hydraulic brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, provided reliable stopping power. The four-wheel independent suspension, with double wishbone front and rear setups and twin-tube Hitachi shock absorbers, delivered a smooth and controlled ride. The 4WD Platinum model, with 22-inch wheels, handled rutted roads well, making it a pleasant cruiser.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), offered impressive performance. The SH-AWD system could direct up to 70 percent of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering and acceleration. The MDX Type S also featured an Integrated Dynamics System with various driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance.

Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was often indecisive, and the ride lacked compliance. The engine's power increase over the standard V6 was not substantial, and fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 16.9 mpg in combined driving. The Electro-Servo brake system, inspired by the NSX, failed to provide consistent brake pedal feel, making it challenging to drive with confidence. The MDX Type S also suffered from excessive tire squeal and body roll, detracting from its performance-oriented mission.

The 2022 Nissan Armada's size made it ideal for transporting seven to eight people comfortably. The first row featured two bucket seats with 10-way power adjustment for the driver and six-way power adjustment for the front passenger. The second row offered a 60/40-split bench seat or optional captain's chairs, with a removable center console available on SL and Platinum trims. The third-row 60/40 split bench seat could accommodate three passengers and offered power folding and reclining functions.

The Armada's interior materials varied by trim, with cloth seats on the base S model, upgraded Prima-Tex cloth on the SV, leather-trimmed seats on the SL, and quilted leather on the Platinum. The second row's one-touch fold and flip feature made accessing the rear seats easy. The Armada also provided ample storage, with nine cupholders, four bottle holders, and numerous storage cubbies. Cargo space was generous, 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 rear rows down. A power liftgate was standard on SL and Platinum models.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats, with the option to remove the center section of the second-row seat for easier access to the third row. The Type S Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. However, the seats were firm and didn't hold occupants in place as well as expected. The second-row seat was comfortable and supportive, with heating for the outboard positions in the Advance trim.

The MDX's third row was best suited for children, as it was challenging for adults to access and offered limited legroom. The interior design prioritized style over storage, with a small bin under the front center armrest and limited storage space due to the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. The cargo area provided 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The Type S Advance trim included a hands-free liftgate with a Walk Away Close function.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured NissanConnect technology with a 12.3-inch color touchscreen, offering a customizable split-screen option. Standard tech features included a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging pad (except on 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 a basic four-speaker setup on the S trim, a six-speaker system on the SV, and a Bose-branded audio system with 13 speakers on the SL and Platinum models. All models included USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.

The 2023 Acura MDX's Digital Precision Cockpit included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. The TTI design limited storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-In, SiriusXM satellite radio, a native navigation system, and AcuraLink connected services with a complimentary three-year subscription. The top-tier Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided excellent sound quality. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display (HUD) with various driving information.

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. Additional safety systems included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, intelligent lane intervention, and rear-door alert. The Armada also featured dual-stage front supplemental airbags, front-seat-mounted side impact airbags, and roof-mounted curtain airbags. Trailer brake controller and trailer sway control were available on higher trims. The Armada had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2023 Acura MDX came with Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four-star ratings for driver and front passenger protection in frontal-impact tests.