2022 Nissan Armada vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, with dimensions that emphasized its substantial presence on the road. It measured 208.9 inches in length, 75.8 inches in height, and 79.9 inches in width, making it a formidable vehicle. The Armada's design featured sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and a tasteful amount of chrome, including sharp-looking vents on the front fenders. The tailgate had a large expanse of convex glass and big taillamps, adding to its luxurious appearance. The Armada was available in seven colors, with deep, rich paint and lustrous chrome that gave it a luxury car feel. Wheel options ranged from 18-inch on the S and SV models to 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels on the Platinum trim, which complemented the SUV's size and added a touch of sparkle.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a towering presence, nearly six-and-a-half feet tall and requiring between 18 and 19 feet of length to park. It was designed for show, with a motorized cargo container-like appearance and three rows of leather seats. The Escalade's design was athletic and trim, with thin LED taillights, headlights, and running lights that visually narrowed the vehicle's girth. The Sport Platinum trim darkened the chrome bits, helping to mask the Escalade's mass. The SUV featured six trims, all with 22-inch wheels and three-foot-high taillights that played an elaborate lighting sequence when unlocking the vehicle. The interior was rich, with a curved, leather-edged array of screens spanning 38 inches across the dashboard and offering seven choices of wood trim. However, some interior elements borrowed from cheaper GM vehicles detracted from the overall luxury feel.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a naturally aspirated 5.6-liter V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, offered a robust performance. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available. The Armada's fuel economy was rated at 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway/16 mpg combined for RWD models, and slightly lower for 4WD versions. Despite its weight of 5,650 to 6,034 pounds, the Armada could tow up to 8,500 pounds when properly equipped. The SUV's four-wheel independent suspension provided a supple and controlled ride, even on rough roads.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. While it was suitable for towing up to 8,200 pounds on the RWD model, the Escalade felt heavy in passing situations. The 10-speed automatic transmission performed adequately, but the powertrain seemed to struggle in Sport mode. The Escalade-V variant addressed acceleration issues with a supercharged Corvette V8, delivering 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. Cadillac also offered an optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, providing better fuel economy at a combined 22 mpg with 4WD. The Escalade's magnetic dampers and air suspension contributed to a nimble and maneuverable ride, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport seven to eight people comfortably. The first row featured two bucket seats with power adjustments, while the second row offered a fold-flat 60/40-split bench seat or available captain's chairs. The third-row bench seat was roomy enough for three passengers and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada's interior included nine cupholders, four bottle holders, and ample storage cubbies. It offered 16.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 95.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. A power liftgate was standard on SL and Platinum models.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted a spacious interior, with 25 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 73 cubic feet behind the second row, and 121 cubic feet with both rows down. The Escalade ESV variant offered even more space. The SUV's independent rear suspension allowed for generous headroom and legroom in every row. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast interface. An optional front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience. The air suspension could lower the vehicle for easier loading and unloading, and the tailgate featured a separate glass window for added functionality.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came equipped with NissanConnect technology, featuring a 12.3-inch color touchscreen with a customizable split-screen option. Standard tech features included a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging pad, navigation, and hands-free text messaging. The audio system varied by trim, with Bose-branded audio available on SL and Platinum models. All models offered USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade introduced several automotive tech firsts, including a span of OLED screens across the dash. The front camera displayed a high-res feed of the road, and Super Cruise offered hands-free highway driving. The Escalade also featured night vision with pedestrian detection, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, and massaging front seats. The rear-seat entertainment system could stream apps like Hulu, and the LED headlights were exceptionally bright.

The 2022 Nissan Armada included a comprehensive list of standard safety features, such as Nissan Safety Shield 360, adaptive cruise control, and intelligent lane intervention. The SUV was equipped with multiple airbags and a trailer brake controller on higher trims. However, it had not received safety ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a Safety Alert seat, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included reverse emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Super Cruise.