2022 Nissan Armada vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis's first SUV, was a fresh design that managed to balance innovation with the brand's emerging signature style. It featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh and the Genesis flying "G" badge. The SUV's design was further accentuated by the "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array and large aluminum-alloy wheels, available in 19-inch, 20-inch, or 22-inch sizes. The interior was a testament to luxury, with a sleek dashboard, minimalistic controls, and high-quality materials like real wood, metal, and leather. The GV80's cabin was both spacious and technologically advanced, offering a 14.5-inch high-definition display and a sophisticated centre console.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Armada was a testament to size and presence, with its origins tracing back to the Pathfinder Armada of 2004. The Armada was a large SUV, measuring 5,305 mm in length, and boasted a robust exterior with sculptural details and chrome accents. It featured standard LED lighting and a large tailgate with convex glass. The Armada's interior was designed for comfort and practicality, offering seating for up to eight passengers. The SUV came with standard features like LED fog lights, roof rails, and a power moonroof, with 20-inch alloy wheels on the SL trim and 22-inch diamond-cut wheels on the Platinum trim. The Armada's design was both functional and luxurious, with deep paint finishes and chrome detailing.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The GV80 featured a 2,955 mm wheelbase and independent multi-link suspension, with the 3.5T models offering electronically controlled suspension with road preview. The 2.5T engine provided sufficient power for most driving situations, while the 3.5T engine offered a smoother and more powerful experience, enhanced by active noise cancellation. Fuel consumption for the 2.5T was rated at 11.3 L/100 km city, 9.5 highway, and 10.5 combined, while the 3.5T was rated at 12.9 L/100 km city, 10.4 highway, and 11.8 combined.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Armada's fuel consumption was rated at 17.5 L/100 km city, 12.9 highway, and 15.4 combined. Despite its size and weight, the Armada offered impressive acceleration and braking capabilities, with standard 13.8-inch vented disc brakes and a four-wheel independent suspension. The SUV's ride was smooth and controlled, even on rough roads, thanks to its double wishbone suspension and Hitachi shock absorbers.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The centre console and stack were designed with a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller, offering both tactile and audible feedback. The GV80's second row was spacious and comfortable, with available power seats and window shades. A third row was standard on 3.5T models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The GV80's interior was a blend of luxury and practicality, with features like a sunroof and three-row climate control.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport up to eight passengers in comfort. The first row featured power-adjustable bucket seats, while the second row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain's chairs. The third row was spacious and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada's interior was equipped with dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and ample storage options, including nine cupholders and four bottle holders. The SUV's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 2,701 litres of space available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered cloud connectivity, over-the-air updates, and user-configurable displays. The GV80 also featured a digital key function for Android users, Genesis Connected Services, and a head-up display on select models. The audio system ranged from a standard nine-speaker setup to a 21-speaker Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with split-screen functionality. Standard tech features included wireless device charging, NissanConnect telematics, navigation, and a Bose audio system with 13 speakers. The Armada also offered multiple USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay. Platinum models included a "Family Entertainment System" with dual monitors and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came with 10 airbags, electronic stability control, and a suite of driver assistance features like blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with machine learning. The GV80 also offered advanced parking assist features.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included features like high beam assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional safety systems included adaptive cruise control, intelligent lane intervention, and an available intelligent rear-view mirror. The Armada featured multiple airbags and standard trailer sway control. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for the 2022 model.