2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning its exterior design with Nissan's new signature look. Despite these updates, the Armada retained its traditional robust and athletic body styling. The SUV featured a redesigned grille, front fenders, bumpers, and LED lights, giving it a modern appearance akin to the Nissan Kicks, Rogue, and Pathfinder. The Armada was available in SL and Platinum trims, 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 due to certain design choices, such as rouched materials and abstract patterned hard plastic inlays.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer shared its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, resulting in a similar traditional SUV styling with a tall hood and broad shoulders. However, the Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a black roof, model-specific hood, and a forward-leaning grille with laser-etched knurling. It featured a new body-on-frame architecture with independent suspension and weight-saving materials like an aluminum hood. The interior boasted high-end materials and convenience features, including 24-way power front seats with memory and massage functions, heated seats, and Nappa leather upholstery. The Grand Wagoneer also had unique interior elements like high-placed seat controls and a dashboard inscription.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was powered by a 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. It featured a 7-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. Despite its hefty weight of over 2,700 kilograms, the Armada was a capable off-roader with a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, and 23.4 cm of ground clearance. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with an estimated 17.5 L/100 km in the city and 15.4 combined. The Armada excelled in towing, with a best-in-class capacity of 3,856 kilograms.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came with a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing it to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in about six seconds. The Grand Wagoneer featured standard 4WD with the Quadra-Drive II system, offering five drive modes and a height-adjustable Quadra-Lift air suspension. With a maximum ground clearance of 25.4 cm, it could handle various terrains and ford up to 60 cm of water. Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best driven at a leisurely pace due to its size and handling characteristics.

The 2021 Nissan Armada offered practicality with its spacious interior, though accessing it required a step up. It featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, power-adjustable front seats, and optional second-row captain’s chairs. The third row was less comfortable for adults, and cargo space was limited compared to competitors, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 2,692 litres with all seats folded. The high load floor made loading challenging, and small-item storage was limited, except for a deep centre console bin.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer provided seating for seven or eight, with ample third-row headroom and second-row legroom. It offered 775 litres of cargo space with all seats in place and 2,667 litres with all rear seats folded. The Grand Wagoneer had a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its weight. It featured a standard sunroof, four-zone climate control, and large storage bins. Forward visibility was somewhat limited, but the standard 360-degree camera system helped mitigate this issue.

The 2021 Nissan Armada featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class, with navigation, a 13-speaker Bose stereo, and wireless Apple CarPlay. It also offered a rearview camera mirror and a rear-seat entertainment system on the Platinum trim. The steering wheel, though functional, lacked the sophistication of other SUVs.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and had a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The Grand Wagoneer also featured a second screen for seat massagers and an optional front passenger touchscreen. The Uconnect 5 system offered OTA updates, though the screen response was occasionally slow.

The 2021 Nissan Armada had not been fully rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but it received a three-star rollover rating. It came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. Additional safety features included adaptive cruise control and a rear camera mirror.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA. It included standard safety features like a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included intersection collision assist and night vision. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with lane centring, with a hands-free version planned for future release.