2022 Nissan Armada vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX carried forward the brand's signature design elements, offering a sharp and sculpted exterior that echoed the styling of its siblings, the smaller UX and larger RX. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models were available in base and Luxury trims, with the F Sport variant adding a sportier touch through features like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport models boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and a choice of interior color schemes, including a bold Circuit Red. The interior's material quality was top-notch, consistent with Lexus's reputation, though the design of the gauge cluster and center stack felt somewhat dated compared to more modern competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Armada was a behemoth of an SUV, exuding a commanding presence with its 208.9-inch length and 79.9-inch width. Its exterior was adorned with sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and a tasteful amount of chrome, giving it a luxurious appearance. The Armada's size was not just for show; it provided ample interior space for up to eight passengers, with options for captain's chairs in the second row. The Armada's interior was available in various trims, with the Platinum model offering quilted leather appointments that elevated its luxury status. The SUV's large dimensions also translated into significant cargo capacity, making it a practical choice for those needing to transport both people and goods.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, allowed the NX to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds. While not the sportiest option, the NX provided a smooth and comfortable ride, with F Sport models featuring Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note. The NX offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter capable of transferring up to 50% of torque to the rear axle. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, while AWD models saw a slight decrease in combined efficiency. The NX also featured an adaptive-suspension system and three drive modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences.

The 2022 Nissan Armada, on the other hand, was equipped with a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This powerful engine was paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. Despite its size and weight, the Armada delivered impressive performance, with strong acceleration and a smooth ride, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension. Fuel economy was less favorable, with RWD models achieving 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway, while 4WD models saw a slight decrease. The Armada's towing capacity was a notable 8,500 pounds, making it a capable choice for those needing to haul heavy loads.

The 2021 Lexus NX offered a well-appointed interior with comfortable seating for up to five passengers. The front seats provided ample room, while the second row accommodated two adults comfortably. However, the NX's cargo space was limited, with just 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Despite its compact size, the NX maintained a quiet cabin, with minimal road and wind noise intrusion. Features like a power liftgate and power-folding rear seats added convenience, though the overall storage capacity was among the smallest in its class.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Armada excelled in interior space and versatility. It could seat seven to eight passengers, with options for captain's chairs in the second row and a spacious third-row bench. The Armada's interior was available in various trims, with the Platinum model offering luxurious quilted leather seats. The SUV's size translated into significant cargo capacity, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a massive 95.4 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The Armada also featured a power liftgate, making it easy to access the cargo area, even for shorter individuals.

The 2021 Lexus NX came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 10.3-inch display available through the Navigation package. This package also included features like predictive traffic information and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the Lexus infotainment system was criticized for its lack of user-friendliness. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The NX also offered a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system on higher trims, enhancing the in-car audio experience.

The 2022 Nissan Armada boasted a 12.3-inch color touchscreen with NissanConnect technology, offering a customizable split-screen option for displaying various information. Standard tech features included a WiFi hotspot, wireless device charging, and navigation. The Armada's audio system varied by trim, with the SL and Platinum models featuring a Bose-branded system with 13 speakers. The SUV also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity, along with a "Family Entertainment System" on Platinum models, providing entertainment options for rear-seat passengers.

The 2021 Lexus NX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included features like lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The NX received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall safety rating from the latter. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided additional peace of mind with services like automatic collision notification and stolen-vehicle notification.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional safety features included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, and an available intelligent rear-view mirror. The Armada was equipped with multiple airbags and a trailer brake controller on higher trims. However, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of review.