2021 Nissan Armada vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy stood out with its distinctive grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, and unique 20-inch alloy wheels. It featured upgraded interior detailing and a simulated suede headliner, making it appear more luxurious than its price suggested. The standard LED headlights added a modern touch, and the overall design was polarizing, drawing mixed reactions. Inside, the Palisade's cabin was a standout in its class, with quilted Nappa leather and a suede headliner, offering a premium feel at a competitive price.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning its design with Nissan's new signature look. The SUV featured a new grille, front fenders, and LED lighting, giving it a modern appearance while retaining its traditional robust styling. The Armada's body-on-frame construction and athletic design were complemented by body-colour over fenders and dark-painted roof rails. Despite these updates, the interior felt dated, with some design choices detracting from its overall aesthetic. The Armada's new logo was prominently displayed, adding a touch of modernity to its classic design.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, Snow, and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade achieved a fuel efficiency of 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. Its firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive, though not particularly sporty. The Palisade's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2021 Nissan Armada featured 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. It came standard with automatic four-wheel drive and was capable off-road, thanks to its skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, and 23.4 centimetres of ground clearance. The Armada's fuel efficiency was less impressive, with estimates of 17.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 15.4 combined. It had a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,856 kilograms, with standard trailer sway control and a trailer brake controller.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and accessible interior, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats and heated and ventilated second-row captain's chairs. The third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class, and the Palisade provided ample in-cabin storage. Cargo space measured 509 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,447 litres with the second and third rows folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, though it could be disabled if desired.

The 2021 Nissan Armada, as a full-size SUV, provided ample space but required a step up to enter. The front seats were 10-way power-adjustable, with power lumbar support. The Platinum trim offered second-row captain's chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. Cargo space was 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 2,692 litres with all seats folded. The high load floor made loading challenging for shorter individuals, and small-item storage was limited, though the centre console storage bin was spacious.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems, with an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen display. The 8-inch system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the larger screen required a wired connection. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and Blue Link connected services. Additional features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Nissan Armada boasted a class-leading 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering navigation, a 13-speaker Bose stereo, and wireless Apple CarPlay. Standard features included a WiFi hotspot, keyless entry, and a wireless charging pad. The Platinum trim added a rearview camera mirror and rear-seat entertainment system. The Armada's steering wheel provided limited control of the infotainment system, and the analog gauges were functional but lacked sophistication.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping systems. It included a rear occupant alert system and active blind-spot monitoring. The Highway Driving Assist provided smooth adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Nissan Armada came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional safety features included adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. However, the Armada lacked advanced driving assist technologies like ProPilot Assist. The NHTSA gave it a three-star rollover rating due to its 23.7-percent rollover risk.