2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning its exterior design with Nissan's new signature style. Despite these updates, the Armada retained its traditional robust and athletic body styling. The SUV featured a redesigned grille, front fenders, bumpers, and LED lighting, giving it a modern appearance akin to the Nissan Kicks, Rogue, and Pathfinder. The Armada was available in SL and Platinum trims in Canada, with the latter offering captain’s chairs as an option. The SUV's exterior was enhanced with body-colour over fenders, dark-painted roof rails, and an acoustic windshield, among other features. However, the interior, despite tech upgrades, appeared dated, with design choices that detracted from its overall aesthetic.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, introduced as a longer version of the standard Grand Cherokee, offered a third row of seats and more legroom. Its design was elegant and unmistakably Jeep, with a modernized lighting system and improved paint finish. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was luxurious, featuring dual high-resolution screens, real wood, and Palermo leather seating. The vehicle's design and tactile quality were reminiscent of a Mercedes, offering a premium feel. The Grand Cherokee L's spacious interior accommodated adults comfortably in all rows, and its panoramic roof and ample USB ports enhanced the travel experience. However, the air vents were noted to be insufficient in directing airflow effectively.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was powered by a 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel. It featured a 7-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. 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 less impressive, with a combined rating of 15.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The Armada excelled in towing, with a best-in-class capacity of 3,856 kilograms.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, was found lacking for the vehicle's size, while the V8 offered a more robust 357 hp and 390 lb-ft. The V6's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 14.1 combined. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension providing adjustable ride heights. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its driving modes and air springs, although it was recommended to equip all-terrain tires for rougher trails. The Grand Cherokee L had a towing capacity of 3,265 kilograms.

The 2021 Nissan Armada, as Nissan’s flagship SUV, offered practicality and functionality for families. It featured a spacious interior with a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, although some controls were out of easy reach. The front seats were power-adjustable, and the second row offered optional captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. The third row was less comfortable for adults, and the cargo space was below average for the segment, with 2,692 litres available with the second and third rows folded. The high load floor made loading challenging for shorter individuals, and small-item storage was limited.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek interface. The vehicle offered ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs standard in the second row. The panoramic roof and large windows enhanced the cabin's openness, although the air vents were noted to be inadequate. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was equipped with numerous USB ports and a wireless phone charging bin, providing convenience for passengers.

The 2021 Nissan Armada's tech upgrades included a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, navigation, a 13-speaker Bose stereo, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The Platinum trim offered a rearview camera mirror and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Armada's steering wheel, while functional, lacked the sophistication found in other SUVs.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered advanced features on upper trims, such as massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the ability to connect two phones simultaneously. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, with additional options available on higher trims.

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

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.