2022 Nissan Armada vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a departure from its predecessors, which closely resembled the Ford Expedition. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, the Navigator distinguished itself with unique design features, including a distinct turn signal stalk. Its elegance and understated style were evident despite its massive size, with rectilinear shapes defining its grille, windows, and lighting. The Pristine White model, with its monochromatic package and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its modern and muted interior, offering seven colour palettes and a sophisticated layout. The materials were of high quality, and the Perfect Position seats provided unparalleled comfort with 30 adjustable settings.

The 2022 Nissan Armada, on the other hand, was a large and imposing vehicle, reflecting its purpose of transporting up to eight people comfortably. Its exterior featured sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and tasteful chrome accents. The Armada's size was complemented by its luxurious finish, with deep paint and lustrous chrome. In Canada, the Armada SL came with standard features like LED fog lights, roof rails, and 20-inch alloy wheels, while the Platinum trim boasted 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels. The Armada's interior was spacious, with comfortable seating and ample headroom and legroom across all three rows. The Platinum grade offered quilted leather appointments, enhancing its luxury appeal.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a remarkable twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada, provided a responsive and powerful driving experience. Despite its size, the Navigator felt sprightly, with a towing capacity of 3,765 kilograms. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The Navigator's adaptive dampers offered a decent ride, though not as refined as some competitors. Its steering and brakes lacked the precision found in the Cadillac Escalade, but the Navigator's overall refinement and power were commendable.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured a naturally aspirated 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. In Canada, it came with standard 4WD and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The Armada's fuel consumption was higher, with ratings of 17.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 15.4 combined. Despite its weight, the Armada accelerated confidently, aided by its robust braking system. Its four-wheel independent suspension provided a controlled and comfortable ride, even on rough roads. The Armada's off-road capabilities were supported by its ground clearance and torque, though it was primarily tested on gravel and dirt roads.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, accommodating up to seven passengers comfortably. Its boxy shape contributed to its generous cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, though it lacked some advanced features found in competitors. The front seats were highly adjustable and provided excellent visibility, though parking the large vehicle could be challenging.

The 2022 Nissan Armada excelled in interior space, with seating for seven to eight people. 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, with power folding and reclining options. The Armada's dual-zone climate control and heated seats added to its comfort, with the Platinum grade offering luxurious quilted leather. The Armada's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 2,701 litres of space available when the second and third rows were folded.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology included a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which felt outdated compared to newer models. While it offered Bluetooth and SiriusXM, it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Revel Ultima audio system was decent, and the software was intuitive, though it lacked advanced features like onboard apps and wireless updates. The Navigator did offer wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku streaming.

The 2022 Nissan Armada boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with NissanConnect technology. Its wide-screen format allowed for customizable split-screen options, enhancing usability. The Armada's standard tech features included wireless device charging, navigation, and a Bose audio system with 13 speakers. It also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity, along with a Family Entertainment System in the Platinum models.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included inflatable rear seat belts and adaptive cruise control, though the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including the Nissan Safety Shield 360. This included high beam assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and intelligent lane intervention were standard in Canada. The Armada also offered an intelligent rear-view mirror and a range of airbags for passenger protection. However, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for this model.