Nissan Armada vs Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2026 Nissan Armada was a striking departure from the typical bulky SUV aesthetic. Nissan managed to infuse a sportier look into the Armada, reminiscent of its crossover siblings, while maintaining its boxy silhouette. The vehicle featured hard angles on the A-pillars and D-pillars, with flat doors and windows, yet it was softened by curves on the bumpers and fenders. The imposing double-bracketed running lights and wide chrome bars across the grille added to its commanding presence. Despite its XL size, the Armada appeared more svelte compared to its American counterparts like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe. The NISMO variant, with its Tokyo street style, was particularly eye-catching, featuring bright red accent lines and a Stealth Grey paint shared with the Z model. Inside, the Armada boasted a red and black theme with microsuede and metal pedal covers, exuding a sense of luxury and attention to detail.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid was characterized by its over-stylized design, typical of modern Lexus models. The NX 350h F Sport 3 featured a large, intricately patterned spindle grille, flanked by squinting LED headlights and blacked-out air intakes, creating an aggressive front fascia. The profile was sporty yet understated, with rounded edges and body-coloured fender flares. The fastback roof shape added a coupe-like elegance, reminiscent of the BMW X4. Inside, the NX combined sportiness with modern technology, featuring a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen angled towards the driver. The F Sport 3 model stood out with its dark graphite aluminum trim and Circuit Red synthetic leather upholstery, offering a high-quality and upscale feel.

The 2026 Nissan Armada was powered by a robust twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, making it one of the most powerful in its class, second only to the hybrid-exclusive Toyota Sequoia. The NISMO variant further boosted output to 460 hp with premium fuel. The Armada's nine-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth power delivery, and its air suspension provided excellent body control and ride quality. Despite its size, the Armada was quick and effortless to drive, with a towing capacity of 3,850 kilograms. Fuel economy was estimated at 14.7 L/100 km in the city and 12.4 on the highway.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 240 horsepower. While it offered standard all-wheel drive and a 7.2-second 0 to 96 km/h acceleration, the NX's performance was more controlled than sporty. The ride was firm yet comfortable, and the steering, though weighty, lacked feedback. The hybrid system provided adequate power for daily driving, but the drivetrain felt less responsive compared to traditional engines. The NX 450h plug-in hybrid variant offered more power at 340 hp for those seeking a more spirited drive.

The 2026 Nissan Armada offered spacious seating for seven or eight passengers, with generous headroom across all three rows. The second-row legroom was comparable to the first, though it fell short compared to longer American SUVs. Nissan's "Zero Gravity" cushioning provided exceptional comfort, especially with the massaging front seats in the NISMO variant. The Armada's cargo capacity was substantial, with 578 litres behind the third row and up to 2,750 litres with seats folded. The vehicle's controls were user-friendly, and the 360-degree cameras enhanced visibility.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid's F Sport 3 model featured well-bolstered front seats with ample room for tall adults. The interior offered heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. Rear seat space was adequate for average-sized adults, though legroom could be tight for taller passengers. The NX's cargo space was limited compared to its competitors, with 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with seats folded. The coupe-like roof design contributed to the reduced cargo capacity but maintained a stylish appearance.

The 2026 Nissan Armada came equipped with dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Klipsch stereo. Higher trims featured larger 14.3-inch displays and ProPilot Assist 2.1 with hands-free highway operation. The Armada also offered a digital rearview mirror, integrated trailer brake controller, and built-in dash cams for added security.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid boasted a 9.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional features included a head-up display and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The NX offered a three-year Remote Connect subscription, allowing remote vehicle access and status alerts. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick response times and convenient physical controls for volume and temperature.

The 2026 Nissan Armada included a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, the extensive safety features provided reassurance. The Armada was equipped with multiple airbags, including front, front-side, front-knee, and curtain airbags.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid excelled in safety, earning the Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. It featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, which included adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. Optional safety features included automatic parking and a surround-view camera system. The NX's safety systems performed well during testing, though the adaptive cruise control required some familiarization.