2022 Nissan Armada vs 2021 Jeep Cherokee

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved since its debut, with opinions softening over time. Initially, the short grille and swept-back headlights were contentious, but after several years, the Cherokee appeared more proportionate. The exterior's appeal varied significantly with trim levels. The base Latitude with 17-inch wheels and FWD looked ordinary, while the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch wheels and painted cladding offered a more refined appearance. Jeep's design prowess was evident in features like the optional panoramic sunroof, enhancing the Cherokee's distinctiveness in a crowded SUV market.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large, imposing vehicle, measuring 208.9 inches in length and 79.9 inches in width. Its size was complemented by sculptural details and standard LED lighting, with chrome accents adding a touch of luxury. The Armada's tailgate featured expansive convex glass and prominent taillamps. Available in seven colors, the Armada's finish was luxurious, with deep paint and lustrous chrome. Wheel options ranged from 18-inch on base models to 22-inch diamond-cut wheels on the Platinum, enhancing its commanding presence.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder produced 180 horsepower, while the 3.2-liter V-6 delivered 271 hp. The top-tier 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder generated 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Despite these options, acceleration was modest, with 0-60 mph times around 7.2 to 7.4 seconds. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, praised for its efficiency. The Trailhawk model excelled off-road, equipped with Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. FWD was available, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came with a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. It offered RWD as standard, with 4WD available, both paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy was modest, with RWD models achieving 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. The Armada's towing capacity reached 8,500 pounds, and its brakes and suspension provided a controlled ride. Despite its size, the Armada handled well, with features like a radiator skid plate enhancing its off-road potential.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee positioned itself between the Renegade and Grand Cherokee, competing with compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V. However, its cargo space was limited, offering 26 cubic feet with seats up and 55 cubic feet with seats folded. Passenger volume was 102 cubic feet, competitive within its class. The interior was straightforward, with trim levels influencing material quality. Higher trims featured upscale touches like suede inserts and Nappa leather.

The 2022 Nissan Armada excelled in interior space, accommodating seven to eight passengers comfortably. The first row featured power-adjustable bucket seats, while the second row offered a bench or captain's chairs. The third row was spacious, with power folding options. Cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 95.4 cubic feet available. The Armada included numerous storage solutions and a power liftgate on higher trims, enhancing practicality.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee boasted an intuitive Uconnect infotainment system with 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, adding convenience. The system was praised for its user-friendly interface and consistent performance across Stellantis vehicles.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured NissanConnect technology with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, offering customizable split-screen options. Standard tech included a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless charging, and navigation. Higher trims boasted a Bose audio system and a Family Entertainment System. Connectivity options were comprehensive, with USB ports and Bluetooth available across all models.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received "Good" crashworthiness scores from the IIHS but lacked a Top Safety Pick award. It earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was limited to higher trims.

The 2022 Nissan Armada prioritized safety with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Additional systems included adaptive cruise control and an intelligent rear-view mirror. Airbags protected all seating rows, and trailer sway control was available on higher trims. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available.