Nissan Armada vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a robust and imposing SUV, with its roots tracing back to the Pathfinder Armada of 2004. Sharing its lineage with the Nissan Titan pickup and the international Nissan Patrol, the Armada was a large vehicle, measuring 5,305 mm in length, 1,925 mm in height, and 2,030 mm in width. Its 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 complemented by features like LED fog lights, roof rails, and 20-inch alloy wheels, with the Platinum trim boasting 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels. The vehicle's size and design elements made it a striking presence on the road.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a more modern yet over-styled appearance. The SUV featured exaggerated forms, from scowling headlights to dramatically sculpted rear forms, which some found visually overwhelming. The interior continued this theme with oversized elements like a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and large climate control knobs. Despite its bold design, the Highlander Hybrid's interior quality was questioned, with controls and materials feeling less premium. However, it offered a quiet ride, making it suitable for city and suburban driving. The Highlander Hybrid's design was a departure from Toyota's traditionally conservative styling, aiming to capture attention with its bold aesthetics.

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 engine, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, provided the Armada with robust performance capabilities. Despite its hefty weight of over 2,700 kilograms, the Armada could tow up to 3,855 kilograms, making it a formidable choice for those needing substantial towing capacity. Its fuel consumption was rated at 17.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.9 on the highway. The Armada's suspension system offered a controlled and comfortable ride, even on rough roads, making it a pleasant cruiser.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with electric motor-generators, producing a total of 243 horsepower. While this setup provided standard all-wheel drive and the ability to drive on electricity alone at low speeds, the Highlander Hybrid's performance was less spirited, with limited high-speed passing power. Its towing capacity was rated at 1,588 kilograms, but the lack of power made towing less advisable. The Highlander Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, with a combined rating of 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres, although real-world tests showed slightly higher consumption. The driving experience was more about comfort and efficiency than excitement, with a soft suspension and quiet highway ride.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to accommodate seven to eight passengers comfortably, with spacious seating across three rows. 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 was roomy enough for three passengers and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada's interior was well-appointed, with leather-trimmed seats and quilted leather in the Platinum trim. It also offered ample cargo space, with up to 2,701 litres available when the second and third rows were folded flat, making it ideal for transporting large items.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, while capable of seating seven or eight passengers, was better suited for smaller families due to its limited third-row space. The second-row captain's chairs provided comfort, but accessing the third row was challenging for adults. The Highlander Hybrid's interior featured three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with additional amenities like a heated steering wheel and ventilated seats in higher trims. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,387 litres available when the second and third rows were folded. However, some design choices, like the complex centre armrest storage console, detracted from its practicality.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came equipped with NissanConnect technology, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with customizable split-screen options. Standard tech features included a wireless charging pad, navigation, 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, which included dual 8-inch headrest monitors and wireless headphones.

In 2023, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims receiving a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. The system supported over-the-air updates, dual-device Bluetooth pairing, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Highlander Hybrid also offered connected service plans, including Remote Connect and Drive Connect, which provided features like natural voice recognition and cloud-based navigation. The JBL sound system in the test vehicle delivered decent audio quality, although the graphics on the infotainment screen could have been more visually appealing.

The 2022 Nissan Armada prioritized safety with a comprehensive suite of standard features, including Nissan Safety Shield 360, which offered high beam assist, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional safety systems included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, and an available intelligent rear-view mirror. The Armada was equipped with multiple airbags and trailer sway control, although it lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid excelled in safety, featuring Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with higher trims adding parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.