2022 Nissan Armada vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, with its roots tracing back to the Pathfinder Armada of 2004. Sharing its lineage with the Nissan Titan and the internationally sold Nissan Patrol, the Armada was a robust vehicle that exuded a sense of grandeur. Its dimensions were substantial, measuring 5,305 millimetres in length, 1,925 mm in height, and 2,030 mm in width. The SUV's design was characterized by sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and a tasteful amount of chrome, giving it a luxurious appearance. The Armada's exterior was available in five colours, and its deep, rich paint and lustrous chrome were reminiscent of a luxury car. 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.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic with a design that resembled a Japanese bullet train. Despite the stigma often associated with minivans, the Sienna offered a smart choice for families with its larger cargo capacity and creative interior features. The Sienna's design included various trim levels, from the base LE to the sporty XSE and the upper-class Limited trims. The 25th Anniversary Special Edition trim was a new addition for 2023. The Sienna's interior was thoughtfully designed, with high-quality materials and features like brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents in the Platinum trim. The minivan offered seating for seven or eight passengers, with the option for three-across car seats in the middle row. The Sienna's design was both functional and stylish, making it a compelling choice for families.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a naturally aspirated 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering an impressive 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This robust powertrain was paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive (4WD) in Canada. Despite its hefty weight of over 2,700 kilograms, the Armada offered a towing capacity of up to 3,855 kilograms. 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 performance was complemented by a four-wheel independent suspension, providing a smooth and controlled ride even on rough roads. The SUV's braking system included 13.8-inch vented disc brakes with hydraulic brake assist and electronic brake force distribution.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two front-mounted electric motors, plus a third rear-mounted motor for all-wheel drive (AWD) trims. This setup produced a combined 245 horsepower, which was less than some competitors. The Sienna's continuously variable transmission (CVT) was not the most refined, and its acceleration was lacklustre compared to rivals like the Honda Odyssey. However, the Sienna's chassis and steering were commendable, offering nimble handling and a comfortable ride. The minivan's light steering feel was particularly advantageous for city driving, and it featured multiple drive modes, including EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport seven to eight passengers in comfort and style. The first row featured two bucket seats with power adjustments, while the second row offered a choice between a 60/40-split bench seat or captain's chairs. The third-row bench seat was spacious 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. The SUV's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 2,701 litres of space available when the second and third rows were folded down.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage solutions, with numerous cubbies, shelves, and bins throughout the cabin. The minivan's three-zone climate control was standard, with four-zone available on higher trims. The Sienna's dimensions were slightly smaller than the Armada, but its minivan platform made excellent use of space. It offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,860 litres with the seats folded. The second-row captain's chairs were functional and comfortable, with features like extending ottomans and long sliding tracks for added flexibility.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came equipped with NissanConnect technology, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 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" in the Platinum trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna utilized an older infotainment interface, with a 9-inch touchscreen and physical buttons. It offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but both required a wired connection. The Sienna's technology was reliable, though the interface felt outdated and clunky. The minivan featured a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system in higher trims, providing good sound quality.

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, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Armada also featured adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, and an available intelligent rear-view mirror. The SUV was equipped with multiple airbags and standard trailer brake and sway control.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. While it lacked some of the more gimmicky features found in competitors, the Sienna's safety features were comprehensive and reliable.