2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning its exterior design with the new signature look of the Nissan brand. 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 optional captain’s chairs. 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 hard plastic inlays.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV styling cues. It featured a macho front end and re-engineered door hinges to conceal the slider channel, giving it a more assertive profile. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering clever storage solutions and comfortable seating across all rows. The Sienna's third-row bench could easily store away, and the second-row seats provided ample flexibility for accessing the third row. The Sienna's design focused on practicality and comfort, making it a versatile family vehicle.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was equipped with a robust 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 hefty weight of over 2,700 kilograms. The Armada's fuel efficiency was less impressive, with estimates of 17.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.9 on the highway. It boasted a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,856 kilograms, supported by features like a seven-pin trailer harness plug and trailer sway control.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. It offered FWD as standard, with AWD available on most trims. The Sienna's hybrid system, paired with an electronically controlled CVT, provided smooth power delivery and impressive fuel efficiency, with estimates of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city for FWD models. The Sienna's handling was enhanced by the TNGA platform, offering a comfortable and stable ride.

The 2021 Nissan Armada offered practicality with its spacious interior, though accessing it required a bit of a hop due to its full-size SUV stature. The dashboard was broad, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that was somewhat distant from the driver. The Armada's seating was comfortable in the first and second rows, with power-adjustable front seats and optional captain’s chairs in the second row. However, the third row was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 2,692 litres with the second and third rows folded. The high load floor posed challenges for loading and unloading.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in versatility, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second row added flexibility for cargo loading, with measurements of 949 litres behind the third row and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's power-operated sliding doors and liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, enhanced convenience. The interior featured ample storage cubbies and cupholders, catering to family needs.

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. It offered a rearview camera mirror and a seatback entertainment system on the Platinum trim. The Armada's tech suite included a WiFi hotspot, USB ports, and NissanConnect Services, though the steering wheel controls were less sophisticated.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it provided a range of telematics services and Bluetooth streaming. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna's digital rearview mirror and Smart Key System added to its tech appeal.

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

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with adaptive cruise control, lane centring, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also included 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. Its safety features were comprehensive, catering to family needs.