2022 Nissan Armada vs 2021 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its age, maintained a robust presence with its large silhouette and subtle updates from 2018. The Nightshade Special Edition added a touch of modernity, but the overall design still reflected its 2007 origins. Inside, the Sequoia's cabin was spacious, though the front seats felt bulky, limiting headroom for taller drivers. The second row offered ample space, and the seats throughout were comfortable and supportive. The Sequoia's trims ranged from the entry-level SR5 to the off-road-focused TRD Pro and the luxurious Platinum, each offering a variety of features and options.

The 2022 Nissan Armada, a cousin to the Infiniti QX80, was a large and imposing SUV with a sculptural exterior and standard LED lighting. Its size was complemented by a range of wheel options, from 18-inch on the base models to 22-inch on the Platinum trim. The Armada's interior was designed for comfort, with power-adjustable seats and available captain's chairs in the second row. The third row was spacious, and the Armada offered a significant amount of cargo space, especially with the rear seats folded. The Platinum trim featured luxurious quilted leather, enhancing the overall upscale feel of the vehicle.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It came with a six-speed automatic transmission, available in both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive. The Sequoia's acceleration was strong, but its fuel economy lagged behind competitors due to the older transmission. It could tow up to 7,400 pounds, which was less than the class leaders. The Sequoia's driving dynamics were reminiscent of a truck, with a soft suspension and strong brakes, though it exhibited some body roll in corners.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured a 5.6-liter V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. It was equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel and four-wheel drive. The Armada's fuel economy was modest, but it could tow up to 8,500 pounds, making it more capable than the Sequoia. The Armada's brakes were effective, and its four-wheel independent suspension provided a smooth ride. The Platinum model's 22-inch wheels handled rough roads well, and the Armada's ground clearance and torque made it suitable for light off-roading.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia offered a spacious cabin with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 120 cubic feet with all seats folded. Its power-retractable rear window was a unique feature, providing easy access to the cargo area. The Sequoia's interior had ample storage options, though newer SUVs offered better space utilization.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport up to eight passengers comfortably. The first row featured power-adjustable seats, while the second row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain's chairs. The third row was roomy, and the Armada provided up to 95.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The interior included numerous cupholders and storage cubbies, and a power liftgate was standard on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system was user-friendly, though the screen felt small on the large dash. The Sequoia's digital trip computer was also straightforward, despite its dated appearance.

The 2022 Nissan Armada boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen with NissanConnect technology, offering a customizable split-screen option. Standard features included a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging, and navigation. The SL and Platinum trims featured a Bose audio system, while the Platinum model included a Family Entertainment System with dual headrest monitors.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, it scored only four out of five stars in the NHTSA's rollover test.

The 2022 Nissan Armada included the Nissan Safety Shield 360, with features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional safety systems included adaptive cruise control and intelligent lane intervention. The Armada also offered a trailer brake controller and sway control on higher trims, though it had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.