2021 Nissan Armada vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

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 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 new Nissan logo. However, the interior remained somewhat dated, with modern tech features contrasting with older design elements like rouched materials and abstract patterned plastics.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia continued its second generation into its 14th year without a major redesign, maintaining a mature and classic design. The Sequoia's exterior featured a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight lines, giving it a substantial presence. Inside, the Sequoia's design felt dated compared to modern SUVs, with a smaller 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information screen. However, the interior was well-built, with high-quality materials and tight seams. The Sequoia's Nightshade Special Edition model, based on the Limited trim, showcased Toyota's efforts to keep the SUV relevant.

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, the Armada offered automatic four-wheel drive and a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,856 kilograms. 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 higher side, with a combined rating of 15.4 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia featured a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a lockable Torsen limited-slip centre differential. The Sequoia had a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms and a payload capacity of 608 kilograms. Despite its weight of around 2,721.5 kilograms, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with a 12.5-metre turning circle and excellent sightlines. Its fuel consumption ratings were 16.4 litres per 100 kilometres combined.

The 2021 Nissan Armada offered practicality and functionality, with standard running boards and in-cabin handles for easy access. The interior featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, and optional second-row captain’s chairs in the Platinum trim. The Armada's cargo space was 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 2,692 litres with the second and third rows folded. However, the high load floor made loading and unloading challenging for petite individuals. Small-item storage was limited, but the centre console storage bin was spacious.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, with roomy seating across all three rows and three-zone climate control. The SUV featured a standard power moonroof, heated front seats, and optional heated rear seats in the Platinum trim. The Sequoia's cargo compartment offered 535 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 3,401 litres with both rows folded. The interior provided ample storage, including a large centre console and door pockets, while rear passengers had access to cup holders and power outlets.

The 2021 Nissan Armada boasted a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class, with features like navigation, a 13-speaker Bose stereo, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The SUV also offered a rearview camera mirror and a seatback rear-seat entertainment system in the Platinum trim. The Armada's steering wheel allowed limited control of the infotainment system, but it lacked the sophistication of other SUVs.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information screen. However, it offered standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Platinum and TRD Pro trims added navigation and a 14-speaker JBL audio system. While the Sequoia's exterior lighting was fully LED, its powertrain technology lagged behind competitors, lacking modern features like turbocharging or electrification.

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

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia also lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. However, it featured Toyota Safety Sense P, which included pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Sequoia also offered a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Toyota's STAR safety system, which included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes.