2021 Nissan Armada vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design was unmistakably BMW, from the iconic kidney grille to its body shape, ensuring it stood out as a luxury SUV. However, this familiarity also meant it could blend in with other BMW models in a crowded parking lot. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The M Sport styling added a sporty flair with body-colour matched trims and larger wheel options. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, featuring a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, though it was criticized for its abundance of black plastic. The M Sport models offered unique interior styling, enhancing the sporty feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning it with Nissan's new signature design. The Armada's exterior updates included a new grille, fenders, bumpers, and LED lights, giving it a modern yet robust appearance. Despite these changes, it retained its traditional athletic body styling. The Armada was available in SL and Platinum trims, with the latter offering captain's chairs. The SUV's design changes were most noticeable from the A-pillar forward, while the rear maintained its characteristic underbite. The interior, though updated with improved tech features, felt dated due to certain design choices. The Armada's seating materials varied by trim, with quilted leather in the Platinum, but the overall aesthetic was somewhat diminished by outdated elements.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base model, X5 xDrive40i, featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered up to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid achieved 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, offering up to 50 kilometres of all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling were criticized for not meeting BMW's usual standards, with dynamics likened to a Lincoln. The X5's fuel efficiency varied, with the hybrid model rated at 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres when using both electricity and gas.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was equipped with a 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel. Paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission, the Armada offered automatic four-wheel drive as standard. Despite its size and weight, the Armada was a capable off-roader, featuring a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, and 23.4 centimetres of ground clearance. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with a combined rating of 15.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The Armada's handling had improved over the years, but its large turning radius and lack of a forward-facing camera were noted drawbacks. The SUV excelled in towing, with a best-in-class capacity of 3,856 kilograms.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though longer journeys revealed the front seats' hardness. The rear seats were spacious, and an optional third row was available. The X5's climate controls were user-friendly, and the split liftgate with power functionality made loading cargo easy. However, the doors' limited opening angle made accessing the second row challenging. The X5 xDrive45e offered slightly less cargo space due to its battery, but this was negligible for most buyers.

The 2021 Nissan Armada, as a full-size SUV, offered ample space and practicality. Standard running boards and in-cabin handles facilitated entry and exit. The dashboard was broad, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that was somewhat distant for the driver. The front seats were power-adjustable, and the Platinum trim offered second-row captain's chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. The third row was less comfortable for adults but functional in a pinch. Cargo space was 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 2,692 litres with the second and third rows folded. The high load floor was a limitation for loading, and small-item storage was limited, with the centre console storage bin being a notable exception.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a robust set of standard features, including a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system had some quirks, such as Apple CarPlay taking over music operations unexpectedly. Additional features included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and a panoramic sunroof. Buyers could upgrade to a head-up display, a premium audio system, and more. The iDrive system required some acclimatization but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2021 Nissan Armada's tech was enhanced with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class. Standard features included navigation, a 13-speaker Bose stereo, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The Platinum trim offered a rearview camera mirror and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Armada's steering wheel, though functional, lacked the sophistication of competitors. The infotainment system was responsive, and the camera system provided clear views.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to seven recalls.

The 2021 Nissan Armada had not been fully rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it received a three-star rollover rating due to its 23.7-percent rollover risk. The Armada came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The lane departure system was overly sensitive, while the automatic high beams were slow to activate. Additional safety features included adaptive cruise control and a rear camera mirror.