2022 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning its exterior design with the new signature look of the Nissan brand. Despite these updates, the Armada retained its traditional beefy and athletic body styling, featuring a new grille, front fenders, bumpers, and LED lights. The SUV 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 an acoustic windshield. Depending on the trim, the Armada rode on 18-, 20-, or 22-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The SUV's new logo was prominently displayed on various parts of the vehicle, and a new exterior color, Coulis Red Pearl, was added to the lineup. However, the interior remained somewhat dated, with design choices that made it appear past its prime.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover's redesign was more evolutionary, maintaining a similar look to its predecessor with a broad, rounded face and large expanses of sheet metal. The most significant change was at the rear, where thin LED strips replaced the old square taillights. The Range Rover emphasized its size, especially in the long-wheelbase version, which added eight inches in length. Inside, the cabin was simplified with fewer buttons and a larger tablet-like touchscreen, giving it a modern look. The materials used were of excellent quality, with premium leather and rich wood trim elements. The Range Rover delivered a refined interior experience, surpassing competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 in terms of luxury.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was equipped with a 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque when using premium fuel. It came standard with rear-wheel drive, with an option for automatic four-wheel drive. Despite its weight of over 6,000 pounds, the Armada was a capable off-roader, featuring a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, and Hitachi twin-tube shock absorbers. However, its fuel economy was on the lower end, with RWD models achieving 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. The Armada had a best-in-class towing capacity of 8,500 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2022 Range Rover offered two powertrains: a base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and an upgraded P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine delivering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, and the Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size. The SUV featured standard rear-wheel steering, enhancing maneuverability, and Land Rover's Terrain Response system for off-road capability. The ride quality was smooth, with minimal wind and road noise, making it one of the most comfortable luxury SUVs available.

The 2021 Nissan Armada offered practicality and functionality for families, with standard running boards and in-cabin handles for easy access. The interior featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, but the dashboard was broad, making some controls difficult to reach. The front seats were power-adjustable, and the second row offered optional captain's chairs, reducing seating capacity from eight to seven. The third row was less comfortable for adults, and cargo space was limited, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 95.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. The high load floor made loading and unloading challenging for shorter individuals.

The 2022 Range Rover provided ample space in the first two rows, with large windows and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of spaciousness. The front seats were cushioned for comfort, with available massage functions. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row offered power recline and sliding adjustments, with additional USB-C ports and a household power outlet. The optional third row was accessible with a button, but headroom was limited for adults. Cargo space was 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 93 cubic feet with all seats folded. The split tailgate and air suspension height adjustment made loading easier.

The 2021 Nissan Armada featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class, with navigation, a six-speaker stereo, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless charging pad, 13-speaker Bose audio system, and rearview camera mirror were available. The analog tachometer and speedometer were functional but lacked sophistication.

The 2022 Range Rover boasted a 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered excellent sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Other tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2021 Nissan Armada had not been fully rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it received a three-star rollover rating. It came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. Additional safety features included adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Range Rover had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. The Range Rover's safety features performed well, but some rivals offered additional advanced technologies.