2022 Nissan Armada vs 2022 Jeep Wrangler

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, with dimensions that emphasized its substantial presence on the road. It measured 5,305 millimetres in length, 1,925 mm in height, and 2,030 mm in width, making it a formidable vehicle. The Armada's design was characterized by sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and tasteful chrome accents, including sharp-looking vents on the front fenders. The tailgate featured a large expanse of convex glass and big taillamps, adding to its luxurious appearance. Available in five colours, the Armada boasted deep, rich paint and lustrous chrome, giving it a finish worthy of a luxury car. In Canada, the Armada SL came with standard features like LED fog lights, roof rails, a power moonroof, and 20-inch alloy wheels, while the Platinum trim was equipped with 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels that filled the wheel arches perfectly.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a rugged and adventurous look, with a choice between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door body style. The Wrangler's design was all about off-road capability, with options for a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a gasoline-powered V6, a turbodiesel V6, a gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Wrangler's exterior was characterized by its iconic boxy shape, removable roof and doors, and a variety of trim levels, including Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon. Special editions like the Willys and Willys Sport, Sahara High Altitude, and Wrangler Rubicon 392 added unique touches to the lineup. The Wrangler's design was all about embracing the elements, with features like the Sunrider Fliptop and a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade, making it a true off-road enthusiast's dream.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a robust 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering an impressive 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This naturally aspirated engine had been a staple in the Armada lineup, providing ample power for its size. In Canada, the Armada came standard with four-wheel drive (4WD) and a seven-speed automatic transmission. Despite its size and weight, the Armada offered a smooth and controlled ride, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension with double wishbone front and rear, stabilizer bars, and twin-tube Hitachi shock absorbers. The Armada's towing capacity of up to 3,855 kilograms (8,500 pounds) made it a capable choice for those needing to haul heavy loads. However, its fuel consumption ratings of 17.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.9 on the highway were on the higher side.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler's eight-speed automatic transmission and optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system made it well-suited for challenging terrains and adverse weather conditions. While the Wrangler's fuel economy was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, real-world testing showed an average of 14.0 L/100 km. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with its open-top design and off-road capabilities, but it came with trade-offs like a noisy cabin, vague steering, and a rough ride. Despite these quirks, the Wrangler's off-road prowess and adventurous spirit made it a favourite among enthusiasts.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to accommodate up to eight passengers comfortably, with spacious seating in all three rows. The first row featured two comfortable bucket seats with power adjustments, while the second row offered a choice between a 60/40-split bench seat or captain's chairs with a removable centre console. The third-row bench seat was roomy enough for three passengers and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada's interior boasted dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and available ventilated seats in the Platinum grade. With a maximum cargo capacity of 2,701 litres when the second and third rows were folded, the Armada was a versatile choice for transporting both passengers and cargo.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was more utilitarian, with a focus on durability and functionality. The Wrangler's seats were comfortable, and the cloth upholstery was designed to withstand rugged use. The driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard, requiring some acclimation. Visibility was a mixed bag, with excellent views in some areas and compromised sightlines in others. The Wrangler's rear-seat passengers faced entry and exit challenges, but once inside, they enjoyed a good view and amenities like air conditioning vents and cupholders. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came equipped with NissanConnect technology, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a customizable split-screen option. Standard tech features included a wireless device charging pad, NissanConnect telematics services, navigation, hands-free text messaging, and a rear-view monitor. The Armada's audio system was a Bose-branded setup with 13 speakers, a subwoofer, and a digital amplifier. Connectivity options included USB-A and USB-C ports, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. Platinum models offered a "Family Entertainment System" with dual 8-inch headrest monitors and wireless headphones.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, based on the Sport S trim, featured a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While it lacked the larger Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system, the Wrangler still offered essential tech features. Optional upgrades included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing the Wrangler's comfort in colder conditions.

The 2022 Nissan Armada prioritized safety with a comprehensive list of standard passive and active safety features. The Nissan Safety Shield 360 included high beam assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear automatic braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional safety systems included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, and intelligent lane intervention. The Armada was equipped with dual-stage front supplemental airbags, front-seat-mounted side impact airbags, and roof-mounted curtain airbags. A trailer brake controller and trailer sway control were standard in Canada. However, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for the 2022 Armada.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Despite these features, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were less than stellar. The NHTSA gave it a three-star rating for rollover resistance, and the IIHS rated it Marginal in several tests. The Wrangler's safety features were optional rather than standard, and its ratings suggested that extra caution was needed when driving.