2022 Nissan Armada vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was an extended version of the standard Escalade, featuring a complete redesign for that model year. It was notably longer than the regular Escalade, measuring 226.9 inches compared to 211.9 inches, with a slightly lower height of 76.4 inches. This additional length was primarily at the rear, enhancing cargo space. The wheelbase was also extended to 134.1 inches, improving stability and design proportions, giving it a more balanced appearance. The Escalade ESV boasted a luxurious exterior with chrome styling on various trim levels, while Sport models featured blacked-out accents. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with finishes varying by trim. The vehicle came equipped with standard luxury features like LED headlights, power-extending assist steps, and a panoramic moonroof, with additional packages available for further customization. However, the interior, while spacious, was criticized for its use of hard plastics and lack of unique design elements, which detracted from its luxury appeal.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large SUV, closely related to the Nissan Titan and Patrol, with production moved to Japan for its second generation. It measured 208.9 inches in length, 75.8 inches in height, and 79.9 inches in width, with a ground clearance of 9.1-9.2 inches. The Armada's exterior featured sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and tasteful chrome accents, with a large tailgate and convex glass. It was available in seven colors, with wheel sizes ranging from 18 to 22 inches depending on the trim. The Armada's design was praised for its rich paint and chrome finishes, giving it a luxury car-like appearance. Despite its size, the Armada was noted for its comfortable ride, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and 22-inch wheels on the Platinum model, which handled rough roads with ease.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine options: a standard 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and buyers could choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). The Escalade ESV's V8 engine provided sufficient power, though it lacked low-end torque for high-speed passing. The vehicle's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, affecting its performance when towing. Fuel economy was not officially rated by the EPA, but the RWD version averaged around 18 mpg during testing, which was better than expected.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came with a 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. It featured a seven-speed automatic transmission, with RWD as standard and 4WD available. The Armada's fuel economy was rated at 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway/16 mpg combined for RWD models, with 4WD versions slightly lower. Despite its weight of 5,650 to 6,034 pounds, the Armada could tow up to 8,500 pounds. The vehicle's performance was robust, with quick acceleration and effective braking, thanks to its vented disc brakes and advanced safety systems. The Armada's suspension provided a smooth ride, even on rough roads, making it a comfortable cruiser.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and cargo capacity, with standard leatherette seating and available leather upholstery. It featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated seats in the first two rows, and a heated steering wheel. Upgrades included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors. The Escalade ESV offered ample legroom in the first two rows, with a spacious third row. Cargo space was generous, with 126.6 cubic feet behind the first row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second, and 42.9 cubic feet behind the third. The power-adjustable third row could be folded using a switch in the cargo area. The hands-free power liftgate was a convenient feature, though it sometimes required manual intervention. The Escalade ESV also offered an adaptive air suspension and a center console cooler.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large SUV designed to transport seven to eight passengers comfortably. It featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats for the driver and six-way for the passenger, with power lumbar adjustment. The second row offered a 60/40-split bench seat or optional captain's chairs, with a removable center console available. The third row was spacious, with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada's interior included cloth seats on base models, upgraded to leather in higher trims, with quilted leather in the Platinum model. The vehicle offered ample storage, with 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.4 cubic feet with the second row down. A power liftgate was standard on higher trims, providing easy access to the cargo area.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was equipped with advanced technology, including a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. It featured wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The Escalade ESV's standout feature was its 38-inch curved OLED screen, which housed three displays for driver information and infotainment. The screen's OLED technology provided deep blacks and crisp graphics, enhancing the cabin's ambiance. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing hands-free driving on certain highways. While Super Cruise generally performed well, it occasionally struggled in certain conditions, such as construction zones or sudden changes in lighting.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured NissanConnect technology with a 12.3-inch color touchscreen, offering a customizable split-screen option. Standard tech features included a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging, navigation, and hands-free text messaging. The Armada's audio system varied by trim, with a Bose system available on higher trims. All models included USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Platinum model offered a "Family Entertainment System" with dual headrest monitors and wireless headphones, providing entertainment options for passengers.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with a range of safety features, including front automatic braking, park assist, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional technologies were available, such as adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and night vision. The Escalade ESV received a four-star rating from the NHTSA, with a lower score in the rollover test due to its top-heavy design.

The 2022 Nissan Armada included Nissan Safety Shield 360, featuring high beam assist, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Other safety systems included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and an intelligent rear-view mirror. The Armada was equipped with airbags for all three rows and trailer sway control on higher trims. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for the 2022 model.