2022 Nissan Armada vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Nissan Armada was historically derived from the Pathfinder Armada, dating back to 2004. It shared its roots with the Nissan Titan full-size pickup truck and the globally sold Nissan Patrol SUV. Initially manufactured in Canton, Mississippi, the Armada moved its production to Japan for the second generation in 2017, retaining U.S.-made engines from Decherd, Tennessee. This generation was closely related to the Infiniti QX80 luxury SUV.

The Armada was undeniably big and bold. Measuring 208.9 inches in length, 75.8 inches in height, and 79.9 inches in width, it commanded attention. With a ground clearance of 9.1-9.2 inches and a step-in height of 22.3-22.8 inches, nearly reaching two feet, shorter passengers had to rely on standard side-step rails for easy access. Despite its imposing size, the Armada flaunted sculptural details that made it visually appealing. Its exterior features included standard LED lighting, chrome accents, and sharp-looking vents on the front fenders. The tailgate showcased a large expanse of convex glass and prominent taillights. Available in seven colors, it boasted deep, rich paint and lustrous chrome, giving it a luxurious finish. Wheel options varied by trim, with 18-inch wheels on the S and SV, 20-inch on the SL, and 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels on the Platinum.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna worked hard to overcome the stereotypical minivan look. For many, minivans evoked memories of childhood road trips with crumb-filled carpets and outdated road maps. The arrival of 1990’s SUVs gradually relegated minivans to a less fashionable status. Yet, the minivan remained a smart choice for families, thanks to larger cargo capacities, easier access, and innovative interior features.

Toyota's effort to revamp the Sienna's appearance was evident. Its front-end resembled a Japanese bullet train, and although most trims sported 18-inch wheels, the front-wheel-drive (FWD) XSE and Platinum models showcased 20-inch wheels. The Sienna offered various trims including the base LE, XLE, sporty XSE, upper-class Limited, and top-tier Platinum. The 2023 model also introduced a 25th Anniversary Special Edition trim, positioned just below the Limited trim.

The XLE trim was expected to attract value-conscious shoppers with its standard LED fog lights, power-sliding doors, and power liftgate—features particularly beneficial for families with small children. Inside, the Platinum trim impressed with high-quality brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents on the center console. Depending on the trim, the Sienna could accommodate seven or eight passengers, with the LE and XLE trims offering the larger capacity. Notably, the middle-row bench in the eight-seater could support three car seats with LATCH anchors.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came equipped with a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, a slightly improved version of what had been powering the Armada (and Titan) from the beginning. This powerful engine delivered 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) was standard, while four-wheel drive (4WD) was optional, both paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The RWD models achieved an EPA rating of 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway/16 mpg combined, and the 4WD versions slightly less at 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway/15 mpg combined. Despite the relatively modest fuel economy numbers, the Armada's substantial weight between 5,650 and 6,034 pounds allowed it to comfortably carry up to eight passengers and tow up to 8,500 pounds when properly equipped. Though Nissan did not publish 0-60-mph times, the Armada's impressive acceleration and robust braking system with 13.8-inch vented disc brakes and an anti-lock system ensured confident handling.

Its four-wheel independent suspension, featuring double wishbones front and rear with stabilizer bars and twin-tube Hitachi shock absorbers, provided a controlled ride. Even on rough roads, the 4WD Platinum model's 22-inch wheels offered a pleasant cruising experience, capable of tackling gravel and dirt paths though primarily tested on paved surfaces.

In comparison, the 2023 Toyota Sienna exclusively used a hybrid powertrain, first introduced with the fourth-generation model in 2020. It combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two front-mounted electric motors, and a third rear-mounted motor for the AWD trims. The combined system output was 245 horsepower, noticeably less than some competitors.

While the Sienna's powertrain struggled slightly with its size and weight, the chassis and steering offered commendable performance. Its light steering and nimble platform made it surprisingly easy to drive around town and cruise on the highway, maintaining a fun driving experience for a minivan. Toyota provided several driving modes—EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport. However, Normal mode was the most practical, as Eco mode excessively extended the CVT’s simulated gears, while Sport mode failed to significantly alter the driving experience.

The 2022 Nissan Armada’s vast interior catered to its purpose of transporting seven to eight passengers comfortably. The front row featured two bucket seats with 10-way power adjustments for the driver and six-way adjustments for the passenger, both with power lumbar support. The second row offered a 60/40-split bench seat or optional captain's chairs, with a removable center console for SL and Platinum trims. The third row’s 60/40 split bench seat could accommodate three passengers, and included power folding and reclining features.

The base S models had cloth seats, while the SV introduced a more durable “Prima-Tex” fabric. Leather-trimmed seats in the SL and quilted leather in the Platinum trim added luxury and comfort. The second row’s one-touch fold and flip mechanism eased access to the rear seats, even for adults. Additionally, the Armada provided ample cupholders, bottle holders, and storage cubbies.

For cargo, the Armada offered 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 49.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 95.4 cubic feet with both rear rows flat. The power liftgate standard on SL and Platinum trims and optional on the base model added convenience, especially for shorter users.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna’s interior storage was also impressive, with smart solutions like a large open cubby below the center console, a long dash shelf, and numerous cupholders ensuring every passenger had ample space for personal items. At over 200 inches long with a 120.5-inch wheelbase, the Sienna’s platform maximized interior space, offering 33.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row, and 75.2 cubic feet with it folded. Total cargo space was 101 cubic feet, respectable but slightly less than some competitors due to the non-removable second-row seats.

Despite this, the second-row captain’s chairs, available with extending ottomans, were highly functional, and the sliding mechanism allowed easy third-row access. With genuine legroom even in the third row, the Sienna provided exceptional comfort for all occupants.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured NissanConnect technology with a 12.3-inch color touchscreen in landscape orientation. This setup allowed customizable split-screen options. Standard tech features included a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless charging pad (excluding the S trim), navigation, hands-free texting, rear-view monitor, satellite radio capability, and a proximity key with push-button start.

Audio systems varied, with four speakers in the S trim, six in the SV, and a Bose system with 13 speakers, a subwoofer, and a digital amplifier in the SL and Platinum trims. While all models included USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration (wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto), the Platinum added a Family Entertainment System with dual 8-inch monitors and HDMI input.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, while lacking the latest tech seen in other models like the Tundra and Sequoia, still included essential features like SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The older infotainment interface had some clunky elements, such as requiring wired connections for smartphone integrations and lacking dedicated access buttons for Android Auto.

However, the 9-inch touchscreen, while smaller than some competitors, was functional and didn’t look out of place. The 12-speaker JBL audio system in higher trims provided good sound quality, though the interface could feel outdated compared to newer systems.

The 2022 Nissan Armada prioritized safety with standard features under the Nissan Safety Shield 360. This included high beam assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear automatic braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, lane intervention, and a rear-door alert. The intelligent rear-view mirror was available, using a high-res camera for an unobstructed rear view. The Armada also had dual-stage front airbags, side impact airbags, and curtain airbags for all three rows.

Standard on SV, SL, and Platinum trims were a trailer brake controller and sway control to assist towing. However, the IIHS and NHTSA had not released specific safety ratings for this model.

In comparison, the 2023 Toyota Sienna offered advanced safety tech as standard. This included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. These features were crucial for family vehicles. It received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and was expected to match the 2022 model's IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation.