2022 Nissan Armada vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

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 SUV, 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. Its dimensions were substantial, measuring 5,305 millimetres in length, 1,925 mm in height, and 2,030 mm in width. The vehicle's 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 Sienna, on the other hand, embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. Toyota had a long history with minivans, starting with the original Van in 1984, followed by the Previa and then the Sienna in 1998. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, continued to offer practicality with a macho front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels. The Sienna's profile was assertive, with styling details integrated into the rear fender well. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering an uncluttered front cabin and ample storage options. The Sienna provided comfortable seating for second- and third-row passengers, with available captain's chairs and a spacious third-row bench that folded into the floor.

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 SUV's size. In Canada, the Armada came standard with four-wheel drive, offering a towing capacity of up to 3,855 kilograms. Despite its weight of over 2,700 kilograms, the Armada's performance was impressive, with smooth acceleration and effective braking thanks to its advanced braking system. The SUV's four-wheel independent suspension ensured a comfortable ride, even on rough roads, making it a capable cruiser.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to its smooth and efficient power delivery. The hybrid system offered excellent fuel efficiency, with Natural Resources Canada ratings of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving for FWD models. The Sienna's handling was commendable for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride, thanks to its TNGA platform and independent rear suspension.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to accommodate seven to eight passengers comfortably. The first row featured power-adjustable bucket seats, while the second row offered a choice between a split bench or captain's chairs. The third-row bench was spacious and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada provided ample headroom and legroom in all three rows, along with numerous storage options, including nine cupholders and four bottle holders. The SUV's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 2,701 litres of space available when the second and third rows were folded down.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in versatility, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's third-row bench easily folded into the floor, and the minivan offered ample storage cubbies and cupholders throughout the cabin. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, added convenience for busy families.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was equipped with NissanConnect technology, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a customizable split-screen option. Standard tech features included a wireless charging pad, navigation, hands-free text messaging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Armada also offered a Bose audio system with 13 speakers and a subwoofer, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity. Platinum models included a Family Entertainment System with dual 8-inch headrest monitors and wireless headphones.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was not available, the Sienna included Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming, along with multiple USB ports. Higher trim levels featured a JBL audio system and an optional rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also offered a digital rearview mirror and a Smart Key System on select trims.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, which included high beam assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional safety features included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, and an available intelligent rear-view mirror. The Armada was equipped with multiple airbags and a trailer brake controller, although safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. The Sienna's standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The minivan also featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors for child seats, and a rear-seat reminder system. Tire-pressure monitoring and an inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire.