2022 Nissan Armada vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

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. Sharing a production facility with the Titan in Canton, Mississippi, the Armada dropped the Pathfinder part of its name after its first year. Production moved to Japan with the second-generation Armada in 2017, with engines made in Decherd, Tennessee. This generation of the Armada was a cousin to 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. Depending on the trim, the minimum ground clearance ranged from 9.1 to 9.2 inches, and the step-in height was nearly two feet. Despite its size, the Armada's exterior was beautifully finished with sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and a tasteful amount of chrome. The vehicle was available in seven colors, with wheel sizes ranging from 18 inches on the S and SV models to 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels on the Platinum trim.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured proper proportions, handsomely chiseled styling, and just the right amount of SUV detailing to convey a rugged sense of purpose. The Rogue lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trim levels, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. The SV, SL, and Platinum trims offered optional Premium packages, while the new Midnight Edition package was exclusive to the SV trim.

Our test vehicle arrived in Platinum trim with the Premium option package, AWD, two-tone paint, and various other upgrades, inflating the MSRP to $43,100. This price overlapped with the most affordable version of the Infiniti QX50, Nissan’s luxury brand compact crossover. However, the Platinum trim offered a long list of upscale upgrades, including soft, supple, diamond-pattern leather seats and high-quality materials throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came equipped with a naturally aspirated 5.6-liter V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) was standard, with four-wheel drive (4WD) available, both paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. RWD models earned an EPA rating of 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway/16 mpg combined, while 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 when properly equipped.

The Armada's performance was robust, with no difficulty in accelerating from a stoplight or merging onto the freeway. The standard 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 provided reliable stopping power. The four-wheel independent suspension with double wishbone front and rear, stabilizer bars, and twin-tube Hitachi shock absorbers delivered a controlled ride, even on rutted roads.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with variable compression design, replacing the previous 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This VC-Turbo engine produced 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 pound-feet of torque from 2,800 to 4,000 rpm. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and paddle shifters, the engine powered the Rogue’s front wheels, with optional AWD available. The Rogue offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with AWD versions adding Off-Road and Snow modes.

The new VC-Turbo powertrain provided responsive performance in urban and suburban driving situations, though it lacked passing power on the highway. The engine's character included an unusual note and some vibration through the accelerator pedal, which might be off-putting to some drivers. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 31 mpg combined, but our test vehicle averaged 28.9 mpg. The Rogue's suspension design and various ride quality enhancements ensured a smooth ride, though the steering felt lifeless.

The 2022 Nissan Armada's size supported its purpose of transporting seven to eight people 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 passenger. The second row offered a fold-flat 60/40-split bench seat or available captain's chairs, with a removable center console for 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 cargo capacity was impressive, with 16.5 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats, 49.9 cubic feet with the third row folded flat, and 95.4 cubic feet with the second row down. A power liftgate was standard on SL and Platinum models, making it easier to access the cargo area.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a replacement for the traditional family car, comfortably fitting four people with the option to carry a fifth person. Our Platinum test vehicle featured a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and premium semi-aniline leather upholstery with diamond-stitched inserts. Both front seats were heated and featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity seat designs, though ventilated front seats were not available.

The Rogue's rear doors opened to a nearly 90-degree angle, making it easier to load and unload passengers. The rear seat offered climate controls, air conditioning vents, USB charging ports, side window shades, and heated outboard seats. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, with a low-mounted bottom cushion and diamond-shaped pleats that felt uncomfortable.

The Rogue's cargo space was plentiful, with up to 36.5 cubic feet behind the back seat and 74.1 cubic feet with the back seats folded down. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for six different cargo area configurations, and underfloor storage areas provided additional space.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured standard 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 the base S trim level including a four-speaker system, the SV adding two more speakers, and the SL and Platinum models featuring a Bose-branded audio system with 13 speakers, a subwoofer, and a digital amplifier. All models came with USB-A and USB-C ports, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and redundant steering wheel audio controls. Platinum models also included a "Family Entertainment System" with dual 8-inch headrest monitors, wireless headphones, and HDMI input.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older version of Nissan’s infotainment system, with a standard 8-inch or available 9-inch touchscreen display. Our test vehicle had the larger 9-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, NissanConnect services with a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system with a door-to-door function via a smartphone app. It also featured a wireless smartphone charging pad and a Bose premium audio system. Alexa Built-in was new for 2023 and standard in the Rogue Platinum.

The test vehicle also had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display (HUD), both of which worked well. However, the voice recognition technology struggled with accuracy, making it difficult to find specific destinations.

The 2022 Nissan Armada included a comprehensive list of standard passive and active safety and driver-assistance features. The Nissan Safety Shield 360 package included 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 featured 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 trims. The IIHS and NHTSA had not released safety ratings for the 2022 Nissan Armada.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Rogues equipped with NissanConnect services included a short complimentary subscription to automatic collision notification, emergency assistance calling, and safe teen driver technology.

Higher trim levels offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for the 2022 calendar year, though it received Marginal and Acceptable scores in updated small overlap frontal-impact and side-impact tests, respectively. The NHTSA awarded the 2023 Rogue a five-star overall rating, with four stars each for the driver and front passenger in a frontal-impact collision.