2022 Nissan Armada vs 2022 Toyota Venza

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 and the international Nissan Patrol, the Armada was produced in Japan from 2017 onwards. Its dimensions were substantial, measuring 5,305 mm in length, 1,925 mm in height, and 2,030 mm in width, with a ground clearance of 23.4 cm. The exterior design was bold, featuring sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and chrome accents. The Armada was available in five colours, with the SL trim in Canada offering features like LED fog lights, roof rails, and 20-inch alloy wheels, while the Platinum trim boasted 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced in 2021, was built on the TGNA-K platform, shared with several other Toyota and Lexus models. It measured 4,739 mm in length, 1,854 mm in width, and 1,674 mm in height, with a ground clearance of 196 mm. The Venza's design was sleek and modern, with a deeply scalloped body side and a distinctive LED-lit tailgate. Its interior was Lexus-like, featuring high-quality materials and an elegant layout. The Venza offered a comfortable ride with supportive front seats and ample space for rear passengers, making it a practical choice for families.

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 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 was rated at 17.5 L/100 km in the city, 12.9 on the highway, and 15.4 combined. The Armada's suspension system provided a smooth and controlled ride, even on rough roads, while its braking system ensured reliable stopping power.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine combined with three electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. The hybrid system allowed for electric-only operation for short distances and offered Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, contributing to the Venza's efficiency. The Venza's handling was agile, with a wheelbase shared with the Camry, making it easy to maneuver. It was designed for comfortable family travel rather than aggressive driving, providing a balanced and efficient performance.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to accommodate 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 and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada provided ample cargo space, with up to 2,701 litres available when the second and third rows were folded. It also included numerous storage options and a power liftgate for convenience.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five passengers in two rows, with comfortable bucket seats in the front and a 60/40-split folding bench seat in the rear. The cabin offered good headroom and legroom, with a spacious feel enhanced by the available Star Gaze panoramic sunroof. The Venza's interior featured several convenience features, including an electric parking brake, sliding sun visors, and a large glove compartment. Despite housing a lithium-ion battery beneath the rear seats, the Venza provided up to 1,560 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded.

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, wireless device charging, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Armada also included a Bose audio system with 13 speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto connectivity. Platinum models featured a Family Entertainment System with dual 8-inch headrest monitors and wireless headphones.

The 2022 Toyota Venza offered an eight-inch touchscreen on the LE trim, with a 12.3-inch screen available on higher trims. The infotainment system supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Venza XLE and Limited trims added features like a JBL audio system, pushbutton start, and a head-up display. Toyota Connected Services provided additional functionality, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was equipped with the Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included features like high beam assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. It also offered adaptive cruise control, intelligent lane intervention, and a rear-door alert. The Armada featured multiple airbags and a trailer brake controller, though it lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Venza included the Toyota Star Safety System, with stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. It also featured eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which offered forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.