2022 Nissan Armada vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, maintaining its traditional styling while introducing more character. The XC90 retained Volvo's signature boxy profile and blunt front end, but with softer lines, increased chrome, and distinctive LED headlights featuring "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most eye-catching, while the R-Design offered a sportier look with 20-inch wheels. The XC90's interior embraced "Swedish minimalism," featuring high-quality materials like matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery, creating a refined yet understated cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, with dimensions of 5,305 mm in length, 1,925 mm in height, and 2,030 mm in width. Its exterior boasted sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and tasteful chrome accents, including sharp vents on the front fenders. The Armada's tailgate featured a large expanse of convex glass and prominent taillamps. Available in five colours, the Armada's deep, rich paint and lustrous chrome gave it a luxury car finish. The SL trim in Canada came with standard features like LED fog lights, roof rails, a power moonroof, and 20-inch alloy wheels, while the Platinum trim sported 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels, adding a touch of sparkle to this large SUV.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centred around a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. All models in Canada came with standard all-wheel drive. Despite the impressive power figures, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 engines. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin. It had a towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms, suitable for moderate loads.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a robust 5.6-litre V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, provided ample power for the hefty SUV, which could weigh over 2,700 kilograms. The Armada's fuel consumption was rated at 17.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 12.9 on the highway, and 15.4 combined. It boasted a towing capacity of up to 3,855 kilograms, making it a strong contender for those needing to haul heavy loads. The Armada's four-wheel independent suspension delivered a comfortable ride, even on rough roads, and its braking system effectively managed the SUV's substantial mass.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom being average for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. An optional power sunroof and standard four-zone climate control enhanced the interior's spacious feel. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but storage space was limited. Cargo capacity was 317 litres with all seats in place, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport seven to eight people comfortably. The first row featured bucket seats with power adjustments, while the second row offered a fold-flat bench or captain's chairs. The third row was spacious, with power folding and reclining options. The Armada's interior included dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and quilted leather in the Platinum trim. It provided ample storage, with 467 litres of space behind the third row, 1,413 litres with the third row folded, and 2,701 litres with both rear rows down. A power liftgate was standard in Canada.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. It included two front USB-A ports and two rear USB-C ports. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and head-up display were available. The touchscreen was user-friendly, but the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering a split-screen option. Standard features included wireless device charging, NissanConnect telematics, navigation, and a Bose audio system with 13 speakers. It also had USB-A and USB-C ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The Platinum trim featured a "Family Entertainment System" with dual 8-inch monitors and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Nissan Armada included a robust set of safety features, such as Nissan Safety Shield 360, adaptive cruise control, and an intelligent rear-view mirror. It had dual-stage front airbags, side impact airbags, and curtain airbags for all three rows. A trailer brake controller and trailer sway control were standard in Canada. The Armada had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.