2022 Nissan Armada vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, with dimensions that emphasized its substantial presence on the road. It measured 5,305 millimetres in length, 1,925 mm in height, and 2,030 mm 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 boasted a large expanse of convex glass and big taillamps, adding to its luxurious appearance. In Canada, the Armada SL came with standard features like LED fog lights, roof rails, a power moonroof, and 20-inch alloy wheels, while the Platinum trim was equipped with 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels that filled the wheel arches perfectly.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, was a full-size SUV that exuded luxury and functionality. It was the largest in Lincoln's lineup, offering a spacious and comfortable interior. The Navigator Reserve model, available in Canada, featured a Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. The interior was predominantly black, with real wood trim panels and chrome accents. The ambient lighting added character to the cabin, which was upscale and used quality materials. However, some chrome plastic on the switchgear failed to convey the luxury expected in a vehicle of this calibre. The Navigator's exterior design was complemented by power-deploying running boards, making it easier to access the cabin.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a naturally aspirated 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 a standard four-wheel drive (4WD) system in Canada. The Armada's fuel consumption ratings were 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 carry up to eight passengers and had a towing capacity of up to 3,855 kilograms. The SUV's four-wheel independent suspension provided a controlled ride, even on rough roads, and the 22-inch wheels on the Platinum model added to its stability.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 13.2 L/100 km in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 15.0 L/100 km. The SUV offered five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an optional Hill Climb mode. The adaptive damping suspension with Road Preview aimed to enhance ride quality, but the Navigator's ride was often harsh over smaller bumps and floated over larger ones. Excite mode improved handling but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size was a challenge in urban environments, and its brakes struggled on mountain roads.

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 60/40-split bench seat or optional captain's chairs. The third-row bench seat was spacious enough for three passengers and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada's interior boasted dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and quilted leather appointments in the Platinum trim. With a maximum cargo capacity of 2,701 litres, the Armada was well-suited for carrying both passengers and cargo.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo space. The test vehicle featured Lincoln's 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs provided a pass-through to the third-row seat, which offered ample headroom and legroom. Storage space was generous throughout the cabin, and the Navigator L model provided significantly more cargo space than the standard version. The Navigator's interior was designed for comfort and luxury, with quality leather and thoughtful storage solutions.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came equipped with NissanConnect technology, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This system allowed for a customizable split-screen display, offering options like maps, audio programming, weather alerts, and calendar reminders. Standard tech features included a wireless device charging pad, NissanConnect telematics services, navigation, hands-free text messaging, and a rear-view monitor. The Armada also offered a Bose-branded audio system with 13 speakers and a subwoofer, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity. The Platinum models included a "Family Entertainment System" with dual 8-inch headrest monitors.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system included Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The Navigator's digital assistant was highly effective, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided exceptional sound quality. The Lincoln Way smartphone app and Phone As A Key technology allowed owners to unlock, start, and drive the SUV using a digital key. The Navigator also offered a dual-screen Lincoln Play infotainment system for rear-seat passengers.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including the Nissan Safety Shield 360. This 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 featured dual-stage front supplemental airbags, front-seat-mounted side impact airbags, and roof-mounted curtain airbags. A trailer brake controller and trailer sway control were standard in Canada. However, the Armada had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came with the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. Unique ADAS features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. BlueCruise was designed for use on designated Hands-Free Blue Zones but required driver intervention in certain situations. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, but a full crashworthiness assessment was not available.