2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning its exterior design with the new signature look of the Nissan brand. Despite these updates, the Armada retained its traditional beefy and athletic body styling, featuring a new grille, front fenders, bumpers, and LED lights. The SUV was available in SL and Platinum trims in Canada, with the Platinum offering captain’s chairs as an option. The Armada's exterior updates included body-colour over fenders, dark-painted roof rails, and a power sliding sunroof, among other features. However, the interior remained somewhat dated, with modern tech upgrades contrasting with older design elements like rouched door panels and abstract patterned hard plastic inlays.

The 2022 BMW X3 presented a slightly more aggressive exterior design, with a larger kidney grille and new adaptive full LED headlights. The rear featured new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The X3 was available in nine finishes, with new metallic colours introduced. Standard 19-inch gray aluminum-alloy wheels were paired with all-season run-flat tires, and an optional aerodynamically optimized wheel was available. The interior of the X3 was clean and efficient, offering a variety of inserts and adjustable seating options. The cabin featured a standard 10.25-inch infotainment system, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available. The X3's interior was well-appointed, with ambient lighting and a panoramic moonroof standard on the M40i trim.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was equipped with a 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque when using premium fuel. Paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission, the Armada offered automatic four-wheel drive as standard. Despite its weight of over 2,700 kilograms, the Armada was a capable off-roader with a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, and 23.4 centimetres of ground clearance. However, its fuel efficiency was on the lower end, with an estimated 17.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city. The Armada excelled in towing, with a best-in-class capacity of 3,856 kilograms.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The xDrive30i variant was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds. The M40i variant offered a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, delivering 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The M40i's 0-100 km/h time was 4.5 seconds. The X3's performance was enhanced by a flap-controlled sports exhaust system, sport brakes, and an adaptive suspension. The mild-hybrid system provided an additional 11 horsepower during acceleration but did not improve fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Nissan Armada offered practicality and functionality for families, with standard running boards and in-cabin handles for easy access. The interior featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, though some controls were distant from the driver. The Platinum trim offered second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. The third row was less comfortable for adults, and cargo space was limited by a high load floor. The Armada provided 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,692 litres with the second and third rows folded. Small-item storage was limited, with a deep centre console storage bin as an exception.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided comfort and practicality, with seating for five and ample cargo space. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, and the power tailgate was standard. The SensaTec seats were comfortable, with the Vernasca leather offering additional softness. The X3's sport seats were supportive, though the thigh-support cushion control handle could be intrusive for some drivers. The redesigned centre console improved ergonomics, with a standard 10.25-inch infotainment system and optional 12.3-inch touchscreen. The X3's interior featured push-button and rocker-style controls for climate and audio functions, with a matte finish for a smudge-free appearance.

The 2021 Nissan Armada featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class, with standard navigation, a 13-speaker Bose stereo, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The Armada also offered a rearview camera mirror and a seatback rear-seat entertainment system on the Platinum trim. The steering wheel provided limited control of the infotainment system, and the analog tachometer and speedometer were standard.

The 2022 BMW X3 came with BMW Live Cockpit Plus and iDrive 7 telematics, featuring a 5.1-inch instrument panel and 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The system included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a range of connected digital features. An optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches. The X3 offered a 12-speaker HiFi sound system, with a Harman Kardon surround sound system available on the M40i. Additional tech options included a package for xDrive30i models with comfort access keyless entry and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Nissan Armada had not been fully rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it received a three-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. The Armada came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. Additional standard safety features included adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. However, the Armada lacked advanced driving assist technologies like Nissan ProPilot Assist.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It featured adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning as standard. The X3 also offered active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning. Optional safety features included parking assistance plus, traffic jam assistance, and active lane-keep assist.