2022 Nissan Armada vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, with its roots tracing back to the Pathfinder Armada of 2004. It shared its lineage with the Nissan Titan pickup and the international Nissan Patrol SUV. The Armada's production moved to Japan in 2017, aligning it closely with the Infiniti QX80 luxury SUV. Its dimensions were substantial, measuring 5,305 millimetres in length, 1,925 mm in height, and 2,030 mm in width. The vehicle's design was characterized by sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and tasteful chrome accents, giving it a luxurious appearance. The Armada's exterior was available in five colours, with the SL trim featuring 20-inch alloy wheels and the Platinum trim boasting 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler exuded a rugged, no-nonsense design with its fourth-generation JL model. It was available in both two-door and four-door configurations, with the option to remove doors for an open-air experience. The Wrangler's design was simple and functional, featuring Jeep's iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and exterior hood latches. The tailgate swung out, and the rear glass lifted for easy cargo access. The Wrangler introduced new paint colours, including the limited-edition "Reign" purple and the "Earl" grey with aquamarine highlights. Inside, the Wrangler maintained a practical and straightforward design, with easy-to-clean floor mats and seats, and a body-coloured dash.

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 ratings were 17.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 12.9 on the highway, and 15.4 combined. The Armada's suspension system provided a comfortable ride, even on rough roads, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and 22-inch wheels on the Platinum model.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of engine options to suit different off-road needs. The standard Pentastar V6 engine produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. For torque enthusiasts, the 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 offered 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 featured a powerful 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 horsepower and torque. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid combined two electric motors with a 17.3-kWh battery pack, providing 35 kilometres of all-electric range. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its solid axles, optional differential lockers, and various transfer case options. However, the 392 model's brakes and steering were less refined for on-road performance.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport 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 bench seat could accommodate three passengers and had power folding and reclining functions. The Armada provided ample headroom and legroom in all three rows, along with dual-zone climate control and heated seats. The Platinum trim added ventilated seats and quilted leather appointments. The Armada's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 2,701 litres of space when the second and third rows were folded.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's front seats were comfortable, with heated options available in higher trims or through a cold-weather package. The rear seat could fit three passengers in four-door models, but space was limited. Storage for small items was minimal, with a flat dash and small glove box and centre console. The Wrangler's cargo space was 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded. The hard top could be removed in one piece, and the soft top offered various configurations for open-air driving. The Sky One-Touch power soft top provided a convenient option for natural air conditioning.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with NissanConnect technology. The system allowed for a customizable split-screen display, offering options for maps, audio programming, weather alerts, and more. Standard tech features included wireless device charging, telematics services, Wi-Fi hotspot functionality, navigation, and a rear-view monitor. The Armada also came with a Bose audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto connectivity. The Platinum model included a "Family Entertainment System" with dual 8-inch headrest monitors and wireless headphones.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch touchscreen available. The system offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Jeep's off-road pages provided valuable information for off-road enthusiasts, including power distribution, temperatures, and GPS coordinates. The Wrangler also featured a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories. However, it lacked some advanced tech features, such as a digital key or over-the-air updates for vehicle performance.

The 2022 Nissan Armada prioritized safety with a comprehensive list of standard features. The Nissan Safety Shield 360 included high beam assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear automatic braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional safety systems included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, and intelligent lane intervention. The Armada was equipped with dual-stage front airbags, front-seat-mounted side impact airbags, and roof-mounted curtain airbags. A trailer brake controller and trailer sway control were also standard.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were less comprehensive. Standard components included a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control were only standard on the top trims or available as part of an option package. The Wrangler lacked lane-keeping assist. The IIHS ratings for the Wrangler were mixed, with some trims receiving Poor rankings for headlights. The NHTSA gave the Wrangler four out of five stars for frontal crash tests and three out of five for rollover ratings.