2022 Nissan Armada vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, with its design rooted in the Nissan Titan full-size pickup truck and the international Nissan Patrol SUV. Initially known as the Pathfinder Armada, it dropped the Pathfinder name after its first year and moved production to Japan for its second generation in 2017. The Armada was a cousin to the Infiniti QX80 luxury SUV, boasting a length of 5,305 millimetres, a height of 1,925 mm, and a width of 2,030 mm. Its exterior featured sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and a tasteful amount of chrome, with 20-inch alloy wheels standard on the SL trim and 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels on the Platinum trim. The Armada's design was both functional and luxurious, with a large tailgate and deep, rich paint finishes.

The 2023 Genesis GV80, on the other hand, exuded sophistication and grace with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV measured just shy of 5 metres in length and featured 22-inch alloy wheels on the Prestige trim. The GV80's exterior was elegant, especially in the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats and a dash split by thin, horizontal air vents added to the luxury feel. The centre console was highlighted by three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The interior was spacious and luxurious, though the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed somewhat out of place. Despite this, the GV80 offered a comfortable and refined driving experience.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a naturally aspirated 5.6-litre V8 engine, producing 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. The Armada's fuel consumption was rated at 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 tow up to 3,855 kilograms and carry up to eight passengers. 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 road presence.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 with 375 horsepower. Our tester featured the V6, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. While not the quickest in its class, the GV80 excelled in highway driving, with smooth power delivery and an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted to road conditions. The active noise cancellation further enhanced the quiet and comfortable ride, making it an excellent choice for long-distance travel.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport seven to eight people comfortably, with spacious seating across three rows. 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 interior was well-appointed, with leather-trimmed seats and a range of luxury features, including dual-zone climate control and heated seats. Its cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 2,701 litres of space available with the second and third rows folded down.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 focused on luxury and comfort, with heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and Nappa leather upholstery. The Ergo driver's seat offered a unique feature to reduce fatigue, and the tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers. While the optional third row was best suited for children, the GV80 provided ample cargo space, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded. The GV80 also offered a towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for families.

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 device 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 Genesis GV80 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the system offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, though not wirelessly. The GV80 also featured remote smart parking assist, allowing the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside. Additional tech included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a head-up display for added convenience.

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 with pedestrian detection, 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 dual-stage front airbags, side impact airbags, and curtain airbags for all three rows. However, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for this model.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 boasted an array of advanced driver aids, such as forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system provided a video feed of the car's blind spot in the digital gauge cluster, enhancing safety. The GV80 also featured Highway Drive Assist, which used cameras and radar to provide a hands-on driving aid. The NHTSA awarded the GV80 a full five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it Good for crashworthiness and Superior for front crash prevention.