2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning its exterior with Nissan's new signature design. Despite these updates, it retained its traditional robust and athletic styling. The SUV featured a redesigned grille, fenders, bumpers, and LED lights, giving it a modern look similar to the Nissan Kicks, Rogue, and Pathfinder. The Armada was available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with the Midnight Edition Package exclusive to the SL. The Platinum trim, tested in prototype form, showcased body-color over fenders, dark-painted roof rails, and standard LED lighting. Wheel options ranged from 18 to 22 inches, all aluminum alloy, with a full-size spare tire on upper trims. The new Nissan logo was prominently displayed, but despite updates, the Armada's rear design retained an underbite, aging the model compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia for a rugged appearance. However, its side design introduced a swooping character line, adding unnecessary visual weight. The rear echoed the grille's shape, resulting in a somewhat disjointed design compared to more cohesive competitors like the Kia Telluride. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's asymmetrical dash included a metallic styling element, creating storage space and breaking monotony. The Bronze Edition featured light grey fabric upholstery with a triangle motif, which was prone to dirt and stains. Softex synthetic leather was standard, with genuine leather available only on higher trims. The third row had more hard plastics, making it less comfortable for adults.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel. It came with a seven-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive, with optional four-wheel drive. Despite its over 6,000-pound weight, the Armada was a capable off-roader with a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, and up to 9.2 inches of ground clearance. However, its fuel economy was low, with RWD models achieving 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. The Armada excelled in towing, with a best-in-class 8,500-pound capacity.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT. It offered standard front-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive via an electric motor. The Highlander Hybrid reached 60 mph in just over 8 seconds. Its hybrid powertrain provided a quick start, with the gasoline engine taking over for sustained power. The ride was comfortable, with a soft suspension that handled bumps well. The cabin remained quiet on highways, though the engine's drone was noticeable under heavy acceleration.

The 2021 Nissan Armada offered practicality with its full-size SUV design. It featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, though controls were distant for the driver. Front seats were power-adjustable, with optional second-row captain's chairs reducing seating capacity to seven. The third row was less comfortable for adults. Cargo space was 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 95.4 cubic feet with seats folded. However, the high load floor made loading challenging. Small-item storage was limited, except for a deep center console bin.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid provided well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments. Storage options included trays and a large center armrest bin. The second row was spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The Highlander Hybrid offered built-in window shades and multiple charging ports for convenience.

The 2021 Nissan Armada featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class, with standard navigation, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay. A wireless charging pad and 13-speaker Bose audio system were available. The Armada Platinum included a rearview camera mirror and second-row entertainment system. The steering wheel offered limited control of the infotainment system.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on higher trims. The system was responsive, with physical shortcut buttons and climate controls. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa were standard, with a wireless charging pad on XLE trims and above. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system were available on higher trims.

The 2021 Nissan Armada had not been fully rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but received a three-star rollover rating. It included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning. Adaptive cruise control and a rear camera mirror were available, but advanced driving assist technologies were not offered.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star NHTSA rating and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. A surround view camera system was available on the Platinum trim. The safety systems generally worked well, though some features required fine-tuning.