2022 Nissan Armada vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a full-size SUV that exuded a commanding presence with its substantial dimensions and bold design. It measured 208.9 inches in length, 75.8 inches in height, and 79.9 inches in width, making it a behemoth on the road. The Armada's exterior was adorned with sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and a tasteful amount of chrome, including sharp-looking vents on the front fenders. The vehicle's tailgate featured a large expanse of convex glass and big taillamps, adding to its luxurious appeal. The Armada was available in seven colors, with deep, rich paint and lustrous chrome that rivaled luxury cars. Wheel options ranged from 18-inch on the S and SV models to 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels on the Platinum trim, which perfectly complemented the SUV's large frame.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 was a midsize SUV that radiated sophistication and grace. Its exterior styling was marked by quad-lamp headlights and a bold grille, giving it a stately appearance. The GV80 measured just over 16 feet in length, with 19-inch wheels as standard, while the Prestige trim boasted 22-inch alloy wheels. The quad lamp design was mirrored in the rear with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust. The hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy design, contributing to its elegant look, especially in the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the GV80 continued the dark green theme with quilted leather seats, a split dash with thin horizontal air vents, and a center console featuring three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch, setting it apart from other luxury manufacturers.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This naturally aspirated engine was paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, available in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. The RWD models achieved an EPA rating of 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined, while the 4WD versions slightly reduced these figures to 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 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 when properly equipped. The SUV's four-wheel independent suspension, featuring double wishbone front and rear with stabilizer bars and twin-tube Hitachi shock absorbers, provided a smooth and controlled ride, even on rutted roads.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a turbo 3.5-liter V6, both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The smaller engine produced 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while the larger V6 delivered 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Although the GV80 was not particularly quick, taking around five and a half seconds to reach 60 mph, it excelled in highway driving. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, ensured a smooth and quiet ride. The GV80's power delivery and shifts were seamless, making it an ideal choice for long commutes.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport seven to eight passengers in comfort and style. The first row featured two comfortable bucket seats with 10-way power adjustment for the driver and six-way power adjustment for the front-seat passenger, both with power lumbar support. The second row offered a fold-flat 60/40-split bench seat or optional captain's chairs with a removable center console. The third-row 60/40 split bench seat was spacious enough for three passengers and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada's interior boasted nine cupholders, four bottle holders, and ample storage cubbies. With 16.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.4 cubic feet with the second row down, the Armada was a versatile cargo carrier.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 prioritized luxury and comfort with its heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and ventilated front and rear seats. The Ergo Motion driver's seat featured seven pockets that inflated and deflated to reduce fatigue. Nappa leather seats added a touch of opulence. While a third row was available, its limited legroom made it suitable only for children. The GV80's interior was equipped with Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, a digital key, tri-zone climate control, and an optional 21-speaker stereo system. The panoramic glass roof and suede headliner enhanced the cabin's ambiance. The GV80 offered 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. Its towing capacity was 6,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured NissanConnect technology with a 12.3-inch color touchscreen in a horizontal orientation, allowing for customizable split-screen options. Standard tech features included a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging pad, NissanConnect telematics services, navigation, hands-free text messaging, and a rear-view monitor. The audio system varied by trim, with the base S trim offering four speakers, the SV adding two more, and the SL and Platinum models boasting a Bose-branded system with 13 speakers, a subwoofer, and a digital amplifier. All models came with USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial provided a tactile interface, albeit with a learning curve. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though neither was wireless. The GV80 included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. A standout feature was the remote smart parking assist, allowing the vehicle to maneuver in and out of parking spaces without the driver inside.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 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 was equipped with dual-stage front supplemental airbags, front-seat-mounted side impact airbags, and roof-mounted curtain airbags. Trailer brake control and sway control were standard on higher trims. However, the Armada had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was packed with advanced driver aids, such as forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A unique feature was the video feed of the car's blind spot displayed in the digital gauge cluster. The GV80 also offered Highway Drive Assist, which used cameras, radar, and navigation to provide a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid. The NHTSA awarded the GV80 a full five-star safety rating, while the IIHS rated it Good for crashworthiness and Superior for front crash prevention.