2022 Nissan Armada vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, reflecting its origins as a cousin to the Nissan Titan pickup and the international Nissan Patrol. 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 Armada's design was both bold and elegant, featuring sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and tasteful chrome accents. The vehicle's exterior 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. The Platinum trim boasted 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels, which complemented the Armada's large frame and added a touch of luxury.

The 2023 Ford Bronco, on the other hand, was celebrated for its retro-cool styling and modern engineering. Offered in nine distinct trims, the Bronco's design was unmistakable with its blocky shape, wide horizontal grille, and large round headlights. The Base trim had a minimalist appeal, while the Raptor trim stood out with its wide stance and massive tires. The Heritage Edition trim evoked nostalgia with its throwback white grille and plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's rugged exterior was not just for show; it featured functional elements like cleats above the headlights for securing cargo and tree limb-lifter cables. The interior continued the rugged theme with durable materials, sealed switches, and customizable handholds, making it both practical and stylish.

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, 12.9 on the highway, and 15.4 combined. The Armada's ride quality was enhanced by its four-wheel independent suspension, providing a smooth and controlled experience even on rough roads.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered a choice of three engines, starting with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. A twin-turbo 2.7-litre V6 engine was available, delivering 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, while the top-tier Raptor trim featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. All Broncos came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. The Bronco's performance was impressive both on and off-road, with a ride quality that was more refined than the Jeep Wrangler. However, its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curving roads.

The 2022 Nissan Armada's spacious interior 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 60/40-split 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 with the second and third rows folded. The vehicle also included numerous storage options, cupholders, and a power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, especially in the four-door model. The two-door version offered 634 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,481 litres with the seats folded. The four-door model increased these figures to 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. However, the rear seats did not fold flat, creating a step-up that could hinder loading longer items. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, enhancing its off-road capabilities and versatility.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with NissanConnect technology, offering 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 supported wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity, along with multiple USB ports for device charging.

The 2023 Ford Bronco incorporated technology to enhance its off-road prowess, with G.O.A.T. drive modes that optimized engine and suspension settings for various terrains. The vehicle also offered numerous camera views for navigating tight spaces and a Trail Turn Assist feature for sharp turns. The Bronco's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available 12-inch display for improved usability.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional safety systems included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, and a rear-view camera. The Armada also featured multiple airbags and a trailer brake controller. However, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for this model.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, hill-start assist, and trailer-sway assist. Optional packages added features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.