Quick Overview
- When it comes to choosing a spacious and capable SUV that can accommodate your family and all their adventures, the Nissan Armada and Toyota Grand Highlander stand out as two of the most popular options.
- The Nissan Armada and Toyota Grand Highlander offer competitive pricing, with the Armada starting at around $50,000 and the Grand Highlander starting at around $36,000.
- However, the Armada offers more standard features and a more powerful engine, making it a better value proposition for those seeking a full-size SUV with ample power and towing capabilities.
When it comes to choosing a spacious and capable SUV that can accommodate your family and all their adventures, the Nissan Armada and Toyota Grand Highlander stand out as two of the most popular options. Both vehicles offer a wealth of features, ample cargo space, and impressive towing capabilities. However, there are some key differences between these two SUVs that may influence your decision. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the details of the Nissan Armada vs Grand Highlander, exploring their performance, features, comfort, safety, and more, to help you make an informed choice.
Performance and Power:
Under the hood, the Nissan Armada boasts a mighty 5.6-liter V8 engine that generates 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine is paired with a smooth-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission, delivering a thrilling driving experience. On the other hand, the Toyota Grand Highlander offers two powertrain options: a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid version that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors for a combined output of 243 horsepower. While the Grand Highlander’s powertrains provide adequate performance, the Armada’s V8 engine offers a noticeable advantage in terms of power and towing capacity.
Towing and Payload Capacity:
If towing is a priority for you, the Nissan Armada reigns supreme. With a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,650 pounds, the Armada is a true workhorse. The Grand Highlander, on the other hand, offers a respectable towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,500 pounds. While both SUVs are capable of handling most towing and hauling tasks, the Armada’s superior capacities make it the better choice for those who regularly tow heavy loads.
Interior Space and Comfort:
When it comes to interior space, both the Armada and Grand Highlander offer generous seating for up to eight passengers. The Armada provides ample headroom and legroom in all three rows, ensuring a comfortable journey for everyone on board. The Grand Highlander also offers spacious seating, but the third row may feel a bit cramped for taller passengers. In terms of cargo space, the Armada offers a cavernous 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 95.4 cubic feet with all seats folded down. The Grand Highlander provides 16.8 cubic feet behind the third row and 84.3 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.
Features and Technology:
The Nissan Armada and Toyota Grand Highlander come equipped with an array of advanced features and technologies to enhance your driving experience. The Armada features a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Bose audio system. The Grand Highlander offers a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with similar features, as well as a panoramic moonroof and a head-up display. Both SUVs offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.
Off-Road Capabilities:
For those who venture off the beaten path, the Nissan Armada offers superior off-road capabilities. With its rugged four-wheel-drive system, hill descent control, and a ground clearance of 9.1 inches, the Armada can tackle challenging terrains with ease. The Grand Highlander, while not as capable as the Armada off-road, still offers all-wheel drive and a respectable ground clearance of 8.2 inches for light off-roading.
Fuel Efficiency:
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Toyota Grand Highlander has the edge over the Nissan Armada. The Grand Highlander’s hybrid powertrain delivers an impressive fuel economy of up to 35 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The Armada, with its powerful V8 engine, achieves a fuel economy of up to 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.
Pricing and Value:
The Nissan Armada and Toyota Grand Highlander offer competitive pricing, with the Armada starting at around $50,000 and the Grand Highlander starting at around $36,000. However, the Armada offers more standard features and a more powerful engine, making it a better value proposition for those seeking a full-size SUV with ample power and towing capabilities.
In a nutshell:
The Nissan Armada and Toyota Grand Highlander are both excellent choices for families seeking a spacious and capable SUV. The Armada offers superior power, towing capacity, and off-road capabilities, while the Grand Highlander provides better fuel efficiency and a more affordable price point. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize power, towing, and off-road performance, the Nissan Armada is the way to go. If fuel efficiency and affordability are your top priorities, the Toyota Grand Highlander is a compelling option.
Answers to Your Questions
1. Which SUV has a more powerful engine, the Nissan Armada or the Toyota Grand Highlander?
Answer: The Nissan Armada boasts a more powerful 5.6-liter V8 engine compared to the Toyota Grand Highlander’s 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or hybrid powertrain.
2. Which SUV has a higher towing capacity, the Nissan Armada or the Toyota Grand Highlander?
Answer: The Nissan Armada offers a superior towing capacity of 8,500 pounds compared to the Toyota Grand Highlander‘s 5,000 pounds.
3. Which SUV has more interior space, the Nissan Armada or the Toyota Grand Highlander?
Answer: Both SUVs offer spacious seating for up to eight passengers, but the Nissan Armada provides slightly more headroom and legroom in all three rows.
4. Which SUV has better off-road capabilities, the Nissan Armada or the Toyota Grand Highlander?
Answer: The Nissan Armada offers superior off-road capabilities with its rugged four-wheel-drive system, hill descent control, and higher ground clearance compared to the Toyota Grand Highlander.
5. Which SUV is more fuel-efficient, the Nissan Armada or the Toyota Grand Highlander?
Answer: The Toyota Grand Highlander has better fuel efficiency, achieving up to 35 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, compared to the Nissan Armada‘s 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.