2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2025 Nissan Armada

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, and this was evident in its design cues, such as hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, and strong fender creases. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model featuring more chrome brightwork. Our tester, presented in Celestial Silver, appeared somewhat dated, reminiscent of a "cop car." Inside, the Sequoia closely resembled the Tundra and other Toyota vehicles, with a blocky, geometric dash layout and physical controls for volume and climate. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered SofTex leatherette or standard leather. The seating was power-adjustable, and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof was standard across the lineup.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a high beltline, akin to its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti QX80. Its grille and front fascia appeared taller, complemented by higher ground clearance. The PRO-4X trim stood out with a skid plate and unique front lighting. The Armada's side profile was business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar accents. The PRO-4X trim added rugged character with black plastic cladding. The rear featured C-shaped DRLs and a fashionable lightbar on higher trims. The Armada offered 20-inch wheels on the SL and 22-inch on the Platinum Reserve. Inside, both the Platinum Reserve and PRO-4X trims provided premium comfort, with leather seats and a padded centre console. The Platinum Reserve's Chestnut with Rye theme added a luxurious touch.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively available in a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, surpassing its V8 predecessor. Fuel economy improved significantly, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. The Sequoia featured standard 4WD in Canada, with a part-time system offering 4Hi, 4Lo, and 2WD options. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the on-road handling was adequate. The SR5 TRD Off-Road model catered to adventure seekers with unique tires, off-road suspension, and driver-assist features like Crawl Control. The Sequoia's towing capacity reached 4,137 kilograms, with available towing-related upgrades.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a new powertrain with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, inspired by the GT-R, delivering 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed automatic transmission was replaced by a nine-speed automatic, and Nissan's Intelligent 4WD was standard in Canada. The PRO-4X trim featured dedicated 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an electronic locking rear differential. The Armada's adaptive electronic air suspension, shared with the Platinum Reserve, provided a 33-degree approach angle and 34.4 cm of ground clearance. The Armada offered eight selectable drive modes and a towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms. On-road, the updated electric power steering provided engagement, while the adaptive air suspension enhanced comfort. Off-road, the PRO-4X excelled in Mud/Rut mode, raising the SUV for better ground clearance.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding shorter individuals in entering the vehicle. Cargo space reached a maximum of 2,460 litres with both second- and third-row seats folded. Behind the second row, it offered 1,387 litres, and behind the third row, it ranged from 325 to 631 litres. The second-row seats were easy to move for third-row access, and the third-row seats folded at the push of a button, though they didn't create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack. Headroom was affected, with 995 mm up front, 952 to 975 mm in the middle, and 904 mm in the back. Legroom ranged from 713 to 855 mm in the third row, 995 mm in the second row, and 1,041 mm in the first row. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a push-button transmission, freeing up centre console space for a wireless charging pad. The Armada Platinum Reserve featured "Zero Gravity" seats, offering comfort but feeling deep. Standard 10-way driver's-side power adjustment included lumbar support, with 12-way adjustment on Platinum trims. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated mirrors were standard in Canada. The Armada's third-row seats were 60/40-split bench form with power one-touch folding. Cargo volume increased, with 577 litres behind the third row, 1,594 litres behind the second row, and 2,750 litres behind the front row. Headroom increased in the front row with a sunroof but decreased in the second and third rows. Front-row legroom increased to 1,112 mm, while the second row decreased to 995 mm. Third-row legroom improved to 835 mm.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone trim was equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessible through an 8-inch touchscreen on the SR5 and a 14-inch screen on other trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. The driver information display was a full-colour 12.3-inch unit, standard across all trims. The Panoramic View monitor was standard on Platinum and Capstone trims, aiding in parking and maneuvering. A 10-inch colour head-up display was standard on Capstone, and the 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on Limited and standard on higher trims.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured two large screens, with 12.3-inch displays on the SL trim and 14.3-inch screens on higher trims. The screens were housed side by side, with a flat design. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with six USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and Google Built-In. Google Maps was native, allowing simultaneous use of the infotainment screen for other functions. A head-up display was standard on the Platinum Reserve trim. In Canada, all Armadas came with a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System, offering a high-quality audio experience.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite of safety and driver-assistance features as standard across all trims. This included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist, available on Platinum and Capstone trims. The Sequoia had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came with Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies. ProPILOT Assist 1.1 was standard on SL, Platinum, and PRO-4X trims, offering adaptive cruise control with active lane-centring. ProPILOT Assist 2.1, available on the Platinum Reserve trim, added hands-free highway driving assist technology. The Armada also featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, including traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and more. A surround-view camera was standard on the SL, while higher trims received Nissan's 3D Around View Monitor and Invisible Hood View.