2022 Nissan Armada vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, with its design rooted in its origins as the Pathfinder Armada. Sharing its platform with the Nissan Titan and the international Nissan Patrol, the Armada was a robust vehicle with a commanding presence. Its dimensions were substantial, measuring 5,305 millimetres in length, 1,925 mm in height, and 2,030 mm in width. The exterior was adorned with sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and a tasteful amount of chrome, giving it a luxurious appearance. The Armada's design was complemented by features like LED fog lights, roof rails, and large alloy wheels, which added to its aesthetic appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that might have gone unnoticed by many. The changes included clever Mercedes star logos on the grille and slight modifications to the headlights and taillights. The GLE 450e model, in particular, stood out with its Twilight Blue metallic finish and 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels. The interior of the GLE 450e was a testament to luxury, featuring Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery with natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of interior colour choices and trims, ensuring a high-quality and robust-looking 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 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, and its braking system was effective in bringing the large SUV to a stop.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines. The GLE 450e model combined a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLE 450e could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds. Its fuel economy was impressive, with an estimated 4.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The GLE 450e's suspension was adept at absorbing road imperfections, providing a smooth and quiet ride.

The 2022 Nissan Armada 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 bench seat or 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 was equipped with dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and leather-trimmed upholstery. It also offered ample cargo space, with up to 2,701 litres available when the second and third rows were folded down.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided seating for five, with generous headroom and legroom in both the first and second rows. The GLE 450e's interior was equipped with power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. The cargo space behind the second row was 630 litres, which was competitive with other SUVs in its class. The GLE also offered a range of comfort features, including a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, and a power liftgate.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with NissanConnect technology. This system allowed for a customizable split-screen display and included features such as wireless device charging, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Armada also came with a Bose audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto connectivity. The Platinum models included a Family Entertainment System with dual headrest monitors and wireless headphones.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring two 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument panel and main touchscreen. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an improved voice command system. Optional features included a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. The GLE's infotainment system was user-friendly, though it required some time to master its extensive features.

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, and blind-spot monitoring. The Armada also featured adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, and a rear-view camera. While the Armada had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, it offered a robust set of safety features.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a wide array of standard and optional safety features. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The GLE had received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2022 model year, though crash tests for the 2024 model had not yet been completed.