2021 Nissan Armada vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning its exterior with Nissan's new signature design. Despite these updates, the Armada retained its traditional robust and athletic styling. The SUV featured a redesigned grille, front fenders, bumpers, and LED lights, giving it a modern look akin to the Nissan Kicks, Rogue, and Pathfinder. The Armada's body-on-frame construction was enhanced with body-colour over fenders, dark-painted roof rails, and an acoustic windshield. It offered a choice of 20- or 22-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and a new logo was prominently displayed. However, the interior, despite tech upgrades, felt dated with design choices that seemed past their prime.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sportier and more svelte design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its low and wide stance, combined with a highback tail and lip spoiler, gave it a dynamic appearance. The EV6's design featured voluptuous curves for style and stability, with headlights tracing a V-shaped pattern. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and a mix of suede and leather seats. Ambient lighting and futuristic design elements added to its appeal. The EV6's industrial design, with features like retractable door handles and a hidden charge port, made it a standout in the electric vehicle market.

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, making it a capable off-roader despite its weight of over 2,700 kilograms. The Armada's fuel efficiency was less impressive, with an estimated 17.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city. It offered a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,856 kilograms. The SUV's handling improved over previous models, but its turning radius and parking maneuverability remained challenging.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly in the GT-Line e-AWD variant, offered a powerful performance with 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, thanks to its 77.4 kWh battery. The EV6's dual-motor setup provided seamless torque distribution, enhancing its driving dynamics. However, its driving range was affected by cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of Kia's estimated range. The EV6 excelled in charging capabilities, accepting up to 240 kW, though real-world charging times varied. Despite its performance prowess, the EV6's energy consumption in cold conditions was a drawback.

The 2021 Nissan Armada offered practicality with its spacious interior, though accessing it required a step up. The SUV featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, but its placement made some controls less accessible. The Platinum trim offered second-row captain's chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. Cargo space was limited, 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 the centre console bin.

The 2022 Kia EV6 provided generous legroom and headroom, thanks to its low floor. The rear seats reclined and offered optional heated cushions, creating an open and airy space. However, its cargo capacity was limited, with 690 litres behind the seats and 1,322 litres when folded. The high load floor and low roof height further restricted cargo space. The EV6's towing capacity was 1,043 kilograms, and it featured an onboard power generator for added utility.

The 2021 Nissan Armada featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering navigation, a 13-speaker Bose stereo, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The rearview camera mirror and rear-seat entertainment system were available on the Platinum trim. The Armada's tech suite included a WiFi hotspot, USB ports, and NissanConnect Services. However, the steering wheel controls were limited, and the overall tech experience felt less sophisticated compared to competitors.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with connectivity options like wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots, and the 360-degree cameras provided clear visuals. The head-up display used augmented reality for navigation, and the GT-Line Package 2 included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo. The EV6's tech was impressive without being overwhelming, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Nissan Armada had not been fully rated by safety organizations, but it received a three-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. It came equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. Additional safety technologies included adaptive cruise control and a rear camera mirror. However, advanced driving assist technologies like ProPilot Assist were not available.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published safety ratings but offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard equipment included forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims added blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 360 cameras. The EV6's safety tech was impressive, providing peace of mind for drivers.