2022 Nissan Armada vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, with its design rooted in its origins as the Pathfinder Armada. It shared its platform with the Nissan Titan and was closely related to the international Nissan Patrol. The Armada's second generation, produced in Japan, was a cousin to the Infiniti QX80. Its 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. The exterior featured sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and chrome accents, with wheel options ranging from 18 to 22 inches, adding to its luxurious appearance.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, meanwhile, continued its legacy as a full-size luxury SUV without significant updates since its 2018 redesign and 2022 refresh. The Navigator Reserve model, tested in triple-black, featured a Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The interior was upscale, with black leather and real wood trim, though some chrome plastic elements fell short of luxury expectations. The ambient lighting in the Reserve I package added character, but the overall ride quality was inconsistent, with the adaptive damping suspension not living up to its promise.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. It came with a seven-speed automatic transmission, offering both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) options. The Armada's fuel economy was modest, with RWD models achieving 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway/16 mpg combined, while 4WD versions were slightly lower. Despite its weight of 5,650 to 6,034 pounds, the Armada could tow up to 8,500 pounds and carried up to eight passengers. Its braking system, featuring 13.8-inch vented disc brakes and a four-wheel/four-channel/four-sensor anti-lock system, provided reliable stopping power. The Armada's suspension, with double wishbone front and rear, offered a comfortable ride even on rough roads.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg combined, though real-world testing averaged 15.6 mpg. The SUV offered five drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an optional Hill Climb mode. The adaptive damping suspension, with Road Preview, aimed to enhance ride quality but fell short, resulting in a truck-like ride over smaller bumps. The Excite mode improved handling but impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator's nearly three-ton weight challenged the brakes, especially on mountain roads.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport seven to eight passengers comfortably. It featured first-row bucket seats with power adjustments, a second-row 60/40-split bench or captain's chairs, and a third-row 60/40 split bench seat. The interior offered various seating materials, from cloth to quilted leather in the Platinum trim. The Armada provided ample storage, with 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 95.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. A power liftgate was standard on higher trims, aiding access to the tall rear.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, with power-deploying running boards and 30-way Perfect Position front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain's chairs offered a pass-through to the third row, accommodating taller passengers. Storage was generous, with various trays and covers to maintain a clean interior look. The Navigator L model provided more cargo space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 120.2 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured NissanConnect technology with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, offering a customizable split-screen option. Standard tech included a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging, navigation, and hands-free text messaging. The audio system varied by trim, with Bose audio in higher trims. All models had USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Platinum trim offered a Family Entertainment System with dual 8-inch monitors.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator boasted a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a dual-screen Lincoln Play infotainment system. The Sync 4 system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant excelled in voice recognition, while the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided exceptional sound. The Navigator also featured Phone As A Key technology, allowing digital key access.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like high beam assist, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional safety systems included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, and an intelligent rear-view mirror. The Armada had dual-stage front airbags, side impact airbags, and curtain airbags for all three rows. Trailer sway control was standard on higher trims, enhancing towing safety.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, including Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise. BlueCruise allowed hands-free driving on designated highways but required driver intervention in certain situations. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.