2022 Volvo XC40 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 captain’s chairs as an option. The Armada's exterior was enhanced with body-colour over fenders, dark-painted roof rails, and a power sliding sunroof, among other features. However, the interior, despite tech upgrades, felt dated due to design choices like rouched material on the door panels and abstract patterned hard plastic inlays.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge maintained a design closely resembling its gasoline counterpart, with subtle differences like a solid panel in the grille and trim-specific alloy wheels. The XC40 was a well-assembled vehicle with a quality exterior appearance, featuring Volvo's signature Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights. Inside, the XC40 embraced Scandinavian design sensibilities, offering an airy and roomy cabin despite its compact size. The harmonious dash elements and premium feel positioned the XC40 Recharge as a genuine luxury SUV, reflecting Volvo's steady move into the premium automotive category.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was powered by a 5.6-litre V8 engine paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. It featured automatic four-wheel drive and was capable off-road, 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 Volvo XC40 Recharge, on the other hand, was equipped with a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack powering two electric motors, producing 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. It could accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The Recharge featured regenerative braking and a one-pedal drive option, enhancing its efficiency. With a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge, it offered a fuel efficiency rating of 2.8 Le/100 km combined. The XC40 Recharge's lower centre of gravity improved handling, making it feel solid and stable.

The 2021 Nissan Armada offered practicality and functionality, with standard running boards and in-cabin handles for easy access. It featured a broad dashboard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, though some controls were out of reach. The Platinum trim offered second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. Cargo space was 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 2,692 litres with seats folded. However, the high load floor made loading challenging for petite individuals.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, with clever storage solutions like a front trunk for extra storage. The cabin featured ample cubbies and nooks, USB power ports, and comfortable front seats. The rear seats were suitable for outboard passengers but tight for a middle passenger. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the second row folded and had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

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

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was loaded with tech, including Pilot Assist, a heat pump for climate control, and a 9.3-inch touchscreen with Android Automotive. It supported over-the-air updates and featured Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Apple CarPlay. However, the range reporting system, which showed a percentage of charge rather than kilometres remaining, could induce range anxiety.

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 automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked advanced driving assist technologies like ProPilot Assist.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. It featured extensive safety equipment, including collision warning, blind-spot information, and a high-strength protective cage for the battery. The XC40 Recharge also introduced a new sensor platform and Volvo’s Connected Safety system, enhancing its active safety features.