2022 Nissan Armada vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar yet refreshed appearance, with subtle updates to its decade-old styling theme. The new model year introduced a redesigned grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching across the taillights. The Touring trim debuted a new 19-inch wheel design, enhancing the Odyssey's modern look by minimizing brightwork. The interior of the Odyssey, particularly in the Touring trim, featured upscale touches like perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and tri-colour floor mats, which contributed to a more luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, with dimensions that emphasized its size and presence. The exterior boasted sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and tasteful chrome accents, including sharp-looking vents on the front fenders. The Armada's tailgate featured a large expanse of convex glass and big taillamps, adding to its bold design. Available in five colours, the Armada's deep, rich paint and lustrous chrome were reminiscent of a luxury vehicle. Standard features on the Armada SL in Canada included LED fog lights, roof rails, a power moonroof, and 20-inch alloy wheels, while the Platinum trim came with 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels, perfectly complementing the SUV's large frame.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. This combination provided smooth and effortless power, aided by variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency. The Odyssey's fuel consumption was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with an observed average of 10.8 L/100 km during testing. However, the lack of all-wheel drive put the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy Canadian conditions. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, although the brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and expertly managed body motions, though the brakes could benefit from an upgrade.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured a robust 5.6-litre V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. Despite its hefty weight of over 2,700 kilograms, the Armada offered impressive towing capacity of up to 3,855 kilograms. Fuel consumption was rated at 17.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 12.9 on the highway, and 15.4 combined. The Armada's brakes, with 13.8-inch vented discs and advanced braking systems, provided reliable stopping power. The SUV's four-wheel independent suspension delivered a comfortable ride, even on rough roads, and the 22-inch wheels on the Platinum model added to its cruising capability.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a well-designed interior with legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The driver's seat featured 12-way power adjustment and was comfortable, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,452 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,984 litres with the second row removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Nissan Armada's spacious interior was designed to transport seven to eight passengers in comfort. The first row featured power-adjustable bucket seats, while the second row offered a choice between a 60/40-split bench or captain's chairs. The third-row bench seat was roomy and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada's cargo capacity was substantial, with 467 litres behind the third row, 1,413 litres with the third row folded, and 2,701 litres with the second row down. A power liftgate was standard in Canada, enhancing convenience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and more. Higher trims added navigation, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Touring trim featured an 11-speaker premium audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, and streaming apps, though it was not a touchscreen.

The 2022 Nissan Armada boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with split-screen functionality. Standard features included wireless device charging, NissanConnect telematics, navigation, and a Bose audio system with 13 speakers. The Armada supported wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, with multiple USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. The Platinum model offered a "Family Entertainment System" with dual 8-inch headrest monitors and HDMI input, catering to tech-savvy families.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured Honda Sensing as standard, with enhancements like low-speed follow capability, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey was expected to maintain its impressive safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with top scores in most crash tests. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems could be smoother in operation.

The 2022 Nissan Armada included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as Nissan Safety Shield 360, adaptive cruise control, and intelligent lane intervention. The Armada was equipped with multiple airbags and trailer safety systems. While safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available, the Armada's extensive safety equipment provided peace of mind.