2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Nissan Armada

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. However, the interior remained somewhat dated, with a mix of modern and older design elements. The leather seating was complemented by less appealing design choices, such as rouched materials and abstract patterned hard plastics, which detracted from the overall aesthetic.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia for a rugged appearance. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line over the rear wheel arch, creating a somewhat disjointed look. The interior was unconventional but less jarring, with an asymmetrical dash and metallic styling elements. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned high for reduced distraction, and the Bronze Edition featured unique design elements like bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric upholstery. Despite some material quality concerns, the Highlander Hybrid's interior was functional and spacious.

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. Paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission, it offered automatic four-wheel drive. 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 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 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It employed a continuously variable transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with an electric motor powering the rear axle. The Highlander Hybrid reached 100 kilometres per hour in just over eight seconds. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick initial response, but the engine's hum became a drone under heavy acceleration. The ride quality was soft, with a suspension that smoothed over bumps, and the cabin remained quiet on the highway, making it a comfortable family vehicle.

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 12.3-inch touchscreen, but the dashboard's width made some controls difficult to reach. The first and second-row seats provided comfort, with power-adjustable front seats and optional captain's chairs in the second row. However, the third-row seating was less comfortable for adults. Cargo space was limited, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a high load floor that made loading challenging. Small-item storage was also limited, except for a deep centre console storage bin.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned, with plenty of adjustments for drivers. Storage options included a deep tray under the infotainment screen, a small shelf, and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs for versatility. The third row was less accommodating, with limited headroom and legroom, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded. The Highlander Hybrid offered a hands-free power liftgate on higher trims.

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 system was responsive, with clear camera views. Additional features included a WiFi hotspot, keyless entry, and a wireless charging pad. The Platinum trim offered a rearview camera mirror and rear-seat entertainment system. The steering wheel provided limited control of the infotainment system, and the analog tachometer and speedometer were functional but not visually appealing.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on top trims. The system was quick to respond, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless charging pad on higher trims. Limited and Platinum trims included navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The larger touchscreen had a glossy surface that could reflect light, and the climate control had separate buttons and knobs for ease of use.

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. Standard safety features included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. Additional features included adaptive cruise control and a rear camera mirror. However, advanced driving assist technologies like ProPilot Assist were not available.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. A surround view camera system and head-up display were available on the Platinum trim. The safety systems generally worked well but could benefit from fine-tuning, with some abrupt stops and resistance in the steering wheel.