2022 Nissan Armada vs 2022 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, with dimensions that made it stand out on the road. Its design was both bold and elegant, featuring sculptural details and a tasteful amount of chrome. The Armada's exterior was complemented by standard LED lighting and a variety of wheel options, including 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels on the Platinum trim. The vehicle's size was not just for show; it provided ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families. The Armada's luxurious finish, with deep, rich paint and lustrous chrome, added to its appeal, making it a beautiful yet functional vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a more understated SUV, often compared to a minivan due to its practicality and design. It featured a light restyle for the 2022 model year, with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. The Traverse offered a range of appearance packages, such as the Redline Edition, which added blacked-out trim for a sportier look. The RS trim, in particular, showcased dark gray 20-inch wheels and black leather upholstery with contrast stitching. Despite its more modest appearance, the Traverse was praised for its styling restraint and practicality, making it a popular choice among families seeking a reliable and spacious vehicle.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a robust 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, providing ample power for both city and highway driving. The Armada's fuel consumption was rated at 17.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.9 on the highway. Despite its size and weight, the Armada offered a smooth and controlled ride, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and 22-inch wheels on the Platinum model. Its towing capacity of up to 3,855 kilograms made it a versatile choice for those needing to haul heavy loads.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, and it offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The V6 engine provided adequate power for everyday tasks, and the Traverse's fuel economy was rated at 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Traverse excelled on the highway, offering a comfortable ride, though it was noted for having more road and wind noise than some competitors. Its handling was predictable, and the suspension limited body roll, making it a reliable choice for family road trips.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport up to eight passengers in comfort, with spacious seating across three rows. The first row featured power-adjustable bucket seats, while the second row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain's chairs. The third row was roomy enough for three passengers and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 2,701 litres of space available when the second and third rows were folded flat. The vehicle also included numerous storage compartments and cupholders, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for up to seven passengers in the RS, Premier, and High Country trims, with captain's chairs in the second row. The Traverse's interior was designed for comfort, with power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The Smart Slide function in the second row made accessing the third row easier, and the Traverse's generous legroom and headroom ensured passenger comfort. Cargo space was abundant, with 651 litres available behind the third row and up to 2,781 litres with the seats folded flat. The Traverse also featured hidden storage compartments, adding to its practicality.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering a customizable split-screen option. Standard tech features included wireless device charging, NissanConnect telematics services, navigation, and a Bose audio system with 13 speakers. The Armada also supported wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity, along with multiple USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. The Platinum models featured a Family Entertainment System with dual 8-inch headrest monitors, providing entertainment options for passengers.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the LS model, with an 8-inch display available in higher trims. The system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Traverse's voice recognition system was praised for its accuracy, and the available digital rearview mirror improved visibility. The RS trim included a surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including the Nissan Safety Shield 360, which offered high beam assist, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional safety systems included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, and an available intelligent rear-view mirror. The Armada also featured multiple airbags and standard trailer sway control, ensuring safety for both passengers and cargo.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional features such as adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse's driving aids were generally accurate and user-friendly, though it lacked advanced systems like lane-centring assist. The IIHS rated the Traverse as Good in most categories, though it received lower scores for its headlights and seatbelt reminders.