2022 Nissan Armada vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, reflecting its origins as a full-size vehicle closely related to the Nissan Titan pickup and the international Nissan Patrol. With dimensions of 5,305 mm in length, 1,925 mm in height, and 2,030 mm in width, the Armada was undeniably big, and its design emphasized this with sculptural details and chrome accents. The exterior featured standard LED lighting, a large convex glass tailgate, and a choice of five colours, all finished with deep, rich paint. 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 boasted 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels that complemented the SUV's size.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue was a compact SUV with a design that balanced ruggedness and style. It was available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $30,898 to $43,748, excluding destination charges. The Rogue's design was appealing, with proper proportions and chiseled styling that conveyed a sense of purpose. The Platinum trim, which we tested, featured two-tone paint, a frameless rearview mirror, and diamond-pattern leather seats, offering a touch of luxury. The Rogue's design was practical, with a focus on functionality and comfort, making it a suitable replacement for a traditional family car.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a robust 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, provided ample power for the SUV's size, which could exceed 2,700 kg. Despite its weight, the Armada offered a towing capacity of up to 3,855 kg. Fuel consumption was rated at 17.5 L/100 km in the city, 12.9 on the highway, and 15.4 combined. The Armada's suspension system, featuring a four-wheel independent setup with stabilizer bars and Hitachi shock absorbers, ensured a smooth and controlled ride, even on rough roads.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a new 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with variable compression technology, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available. The Rogue's fuel economy was rated at 7.7 L/100 km combined, though our test vehicle averaged 8.1 L/100 km. The Rogue's suspension system, with strut-type front and multi-link rear designs, provided a balance of ride compliance and body control, though the steering felt lifeless at times.

The 2022 Nissan Armada's interior was spacious, accommodating 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. Standard features included dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a power liftgate.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, designed as a family car replacement, offered comfortable seating for four adults, with the option to accommodate a fifth passenger. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, a triple-zone climate control system, and a panoramic sunroof. The Rogue's cargo area provided up to 1,028 litres of space with the rear seats up and 2,064 litres with them folded. The Rogue's interior was practical, with good visibility and straightforward controls, though the rear seat comfort was lacking compared to the front.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring NissanConnect technology. This system offered a customizable split-screen option, wireless device charging, navigation, and a Bose audio system with 13 speakers. The Armada also included wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Family Entertainment System with dual 8-inch headrest monitors.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, while using an older infotainment system, featured an 8-inch or available 9-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display. However, the voice recognition technology was limited, and the key fob design was criticized for its lack of contrast.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Armada also had dual-stage front airbags, side impact airbags, and curtain airbags for all three rows. Trailer brake and sway control were standard in Canada, though safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though it received lower scores in specific crash tests.