2022 Nissan Armada vs 2023 Acura MDX

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 internationally sold Nissan Patrol, the Armada was produced in Canton, 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 the SL trim in Canada offering standard features like LED fog lights, roof rails, a power moonroof, and 20-inch alloy wheels, while the Platinum trim boasted 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels.

The 2023 Acura MDX, available in standard and Type S versions, offered a range of trim packages in Canada, including Tech, A-Spec, and Platinum Elite for the standard model, and an Ultra package for the Type S. Prices ranged from $59,300 to $84,400, excluding a destination charge. The MDX Type S featured subtle design elements, with chicane-design LED running lights, taillights, and LED headlights. It had a panoramic moonroof, Iconic Drive ambient lighting, quilted leather, and a Sport Appearance package. However, the MDX's design had some drawbacks, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, which made controls challenging to use, and the electronic transmission switchgear, which could be confusing. Despite these issues, the MDX Type S was an attractive luxury SUV.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a naturally aspirated 5.6-litre V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. In Canada, it came with standard four-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The Armada's fuel consumption ratings were 17.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 12.9 on the highway, and 15.4 combined. Despite its hefty weight of over 2,700 kilograms, the Armada could carry up to eight passengers and tow up to 3,855 kilograms. Its four-wheel independent suspension provided a smooth ride, even on rough roads, and the 22-inch wheels on the Platinum model added to its appeal.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It used a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The MDX Type S had an Integrated Dynamics System with various driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode. However, the performance upgrades didn't create a cohesive driving experience, with issues like an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S averaged 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, falling short of its official fuel consumption rating. Despite its performance enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a satisfying driving experience.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport seven to eight people comfortably. It featured two front bucket seats with power adjustments, a second-row 60/40-split bench seat or captain's chairs, and a third-row 60/40 split bench seat. The Armada offered ample headroom and legroom in all three rows, with dual-zone climate control and heated seats as standard. The Platinum grade added ventilated seats and heated second-row outboard seats. The Armada's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 2,701 litres of space when the second and third rows were folded flat.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats, with the option to remove the centre section of the second-row seat for easier access to the third row. The MDX featured a triple-zone automatic climate control system and 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the Type S seats didn't provide the expected support for enthusiastic driving. The MDX's cargo area offered 461 litres of space behind the third row, 1,107 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded flat. The MDX's interior design prioritized style over storage space, with limited storage options in the centre console.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came with standard NissanConnect technology, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a split-screen option. It included a wireless device charging pad, navigation, hands-free text messaging, and a rear-view monitor. The Armada also offered a Bose audio system with 13 speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Family Entertainment System on Platinum models.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen wasn't touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the centre console. The MDX offered Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. It also had a Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers and a 10.5-inch head-up display on higher trims. Despite these features, the TTI design limited storage space and could be challenging to use.

The 2022 Nissan Armada included a comprehensive list of standard safety features, such as the Nissan Safety Shield 360, adaptive cruise control, and an intelligent rear-view mirror. It also had dual-stage front airbags, front-seat-mounted side impact airbags, and roof-mounted curtain airbags. However, the Armada hadn't been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a range of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also had rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, the MDX's safety systems occasionally issued false warnings, and the adaptive cruise control could be slow to resume speed.