2022 Nissan Armada vs 2023 Acura RDX

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, with its design rooted in its origins as the Pathfinder Armada. It shared its platform with the Nissan Titan and the international Nissan Patrol, and its production moved to Japan in 2017. The Armada's dimensions were substantial, measuring 5,305 millimetres in length, 1,925 mm in height, and 2,030 mm in width. Its exterior was adorned with sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and a tasteful amount of chrome, giving it a luxurious appearance. The Armada's size was complemented by features like LED fog lights, roof rails, and large alloy wheels, which added to its commanding presence on the road.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura RDX offered a sharp, angular style that was unique yet conventional enough to blend in with other small SUVs. Its front featured the signature Acura grille, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights, giving it a sporty and aggressive look. The side profile was accentuated by a distinctive character line, while the rear was more conventional. Inside, the RDX's cockpit had a vertical layout, with a centre stack of controls flowing into the centre console. The interior design was more traditional, with analog gauges and a 10.2-inch infotainment display, appealing to those who preferred a familiar setup over the latest digital trends.

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 a towing capacity of up to 3,855 kilograms. Its 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 it handled northern roads with ease, even with its large 22-inch wheels.

The 2023 Acura RDX, on the other hand, featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, known as "super-handling all-wheel drive" or "SH-AWD." The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, offering a sporty driving experience with its responsive throttle and well-tuned transmission. The RDX's handling was confident, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride, even on rough roads. Its adaptive dampers on the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim further enhanced its performance capabilities.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport seven to eight passengers in comfort, 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 when the second and third rows were folded down. It also featured a power liftgate and numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Acura RDX provided ample space for front passengers, with additional power adjustments for side bolsters and thigh extension in the top trim. The rear seats comfortably accommodated average-sized adults, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. The RDX offered 835 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,668 litres with the seats folded down. It also featured a deep bin under the cargo floor with a centre drain plug, ideal for storing wet items. The RDX's interior included various storage options, though the centre stack's design could have been more space-efficient.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came 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 Bose audio system with 13 speakers. The Armada also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity, along with a "Family Entertainment System" on Platinum models, which included dual 8-inch headrest monitors and wireless headphones.

The 2023 Acura RDX, however, used a touchpad infotainment controller, which was less intuitive than traditional touchscreens. While the system improved with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, it remained challenging to use while driving. The RDX's infotainment system featured sharp graphics and quick responses, but its interface was one of the least user-friendly in its class. Standard tech included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio premium audio system.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including the Nissan Safety Shield 360, which offered high beam assist, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional safety systems included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, and an available intelligent rear-view mirror. The Armada also featured multiple airbags and trailer sway control, though it had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2023 Acura RDX received high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA for overall and side crash protection, and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The Platinum Elite A-Spec package added a surround-view camera system and a head-up display. The RDX's safety systems performed well, with smooth adaptive cruise control and effective lane-keep assist.