2022 Nissan Armada vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS

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

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS, in its base GLS 450 form, offered a more subtle and less flashy look compared to its competitors. It avoided the gaudy grilles seen on some other luxury SUVs, presenting a confident and refined appearance. For those seeking more visual drama, the AMG GLS 63 performance model featured flared wheel arches, a muscular grille, and prominent rectangular exhaust tips. The Maybach version added chrome accents, a traditional hood ornament, and power running boards, with the option for massive 23-inch wheels. Inside, the GLS offered a range of luxurious features, including reclining rear seats in the Maybach model and a performance-oriented interior in the AMG version. The standard interior, while basic by GLS standards, still exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were seamlessly integrated, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a robust 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This naturally aspirated engine was paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. Despite its hefty weight of over 2,700 kilograms, the Armada offered impressive towing capabilities of up to 3,855 kilograms. Fuel consumption ratings were 17.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 12.9 on the highway, and 15.4 combined. The Armada's four-wheel independent suspension provided a smooth and controlled ride, even on rough northern roads, while its 22-inch wheels added to its stability and comfort.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The engine was assisted by the Mercedes EQ Boost mild-hybrid system, which added 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450's nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive ensured a smooth and powerful performance. While the GLS 450's towing capacity was 3,500 kilograms, it fell slightly short compared to some competitors. The GLS's air suspension provided a comfortable ride, but its body control was less refined, leading to noticeable bouncing over bumps and leaning in corners.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport seven to eight passengers in comfort and style. The first row featured two comfortable bucket seats with power adjustments, while the second row offered a fold-flat 60/40-split bench seat or optional captain's chairs. The third-row bench seat was spacious enough for three passengers and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada's interior boasted ample headroom and legroom across all three rows, with dual-zone climate control and heated seats as standard features. The Armada's cargo capacity was impressive, with 467 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 2,701 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, featuring a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version replaced the second-row bench with individual captain's chairs. The GLS offered excellent second-row legroom, thanks to its long wheelbase, and competitive measurements in other areas. Cargo space was 355 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second and third rows folded. The GLS's air suspension made loading and unloading cargo easier, while power-folding seats and a power tailgate added convenience.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with NissanConnect technology, offering a customizable split-screen option. Standard tech features included a wireless device charging pad, navigation, hands-free text messaging, and a rear-view monitor. The Bose audio system with 13 speakers provided excellent sound quality, while wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity ensured seamless smartphone integration. Platinum models included a "Family Entertainment System" with dual 8-inch headrest monitors and wireless headphones.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS was equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and natural-language voice recognition. The system offered multiple control options, including voice commands, a touchpad controller, and steering wheel touchpads. The GLS's augmented-reality navigation feature projected arrows for turn-by-turn directions, although the embedded navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes. The optional Burmester audio system and head-up display added to the GLS's technological appeal.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including the Nissan Safety Shield 360, which offered high beam assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional standard features in Canada included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, and intelligent lane intervention. The Armada was equipped with dual-stage front airbags, front-seat-mounted side impact airbags, and roof-mounted curtain airbags for all three rows.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of standard safety features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The GLS also included Crosswind Assist, Trailer Stability Assist, and Pre Safe, which prepared the vehicle for a potential collision. Optional safety features included a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and advanced driver-assistance systems. Crash-test ratings for the GLS were not available at the time of publication.