2022 Nissan Armada vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, with its roots tracing back to the Pathfinder Armada of 2004. Sharing its lineage with the Nissan Titan pickup and the international Nissan Patrol, the Armada was produced in Mississippi before moving to Japan in 2017. This generation of the Armada was closely related to the Infiniti QX80 luxury SUV. The Armada's dimensions were substantial, measuring 5,305 millimetres in length, 1,925 mm in height, and 2,030 mm in width. Its design featured sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and a tasteful amount of chrome, giving it a luxurious appearance. The Armada was available in five colours, with standard features in Canada including LED fog lights, roof rails, a power moonroof, and 20-inch alloy wheels on the SL trim, while the Platinum trim boasted 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner maintained its rugged, adventure-ready persona, staying true to its roots from the 1980s SUV craze. Unlike many modern SUVs that transitioned to car-based platforms, the 4Runner retained its truck-like construction, sharing underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma. This design choice allowed the 4Runner to cater to off-road enthusiasts, with its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper. Inside, the 4Runner's design was reminiscent of the late 2000s, with a focus on function over form. In Canada, the 4Runner was available in Trail and SR5 models, with various TRD and Limited packages. Standard features included push-button start, a power-sliding rear window, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The 4Runner's off-road capabilities were enhanced with features like a locking rear differential and crawl control on the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models.

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, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, provided ample power for the standard four-wheel drive system in Canada. Despite its hefty weight of over 2,700 kilograms, the Armada offered a towing capacity of up to 3,855 kilograms. Fuel consumption was rated at 17.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.9 on the highway. The Armada's ride was smooth, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and 22-inch wheels on the Platinum model, which absorbed road imperfections with ease.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. While this engine was reliable, it felt underwhelming in most driving situations. The 4Runner's five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with low range were suited for off-road adventures. The ride was rough on paved roads, with noticeable body roll and a jostling experience over bumps. However, off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with its suspension absorbing rocks and bumps effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models offered additional off-road features like Crawl Control and a locking differential. The 4Runner's towing capacity was up to 2,268 kilograms, which was modest compared to the Armada.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport seven to eight passengers comfortably, 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 with the second and third rows folded. Standard features included dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a power liftgate in Canada.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum cargo capacity of 2,540 litres in the two-row version, with slightly less space in the three-row model. The third-row seat was available only on the Limited package, increasing seating capacity to seven. While the 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate, it featured a power-open/close rear window for easy access to the cargo area. The cabin design was not as efficient as more modern SUVs, but it provided adequate space for passengers and gear.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring NissanConnect technology. This system offered a customizable split-screen option, allowing drivers to display maps, audio programming, and more. Standard tech features included a wireless device charging pad, Wi-Fi hotspot functionality, navigation, and a Bose audio system with 13 speakers. The Armada also supported wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity, with additional USB ports for convenience. Platinum models included a "Family Entertainment System" with dual 8-inch headrest monitors.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was straightforward, with hard buttons and dials for easy operation. Standard features included Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple USB ports. While the 4Runner's infotainment system was not as advanced as some competitors, it provided the essential tech features for most users. An optional 15-speaker JBL premium audio system was available for those seeking enhanced sound quality.

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

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which included forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars for frontal and side-impact testing from the NHTSA, but only three stars for rollover testing. The 4Runner was backed by a five-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty.