Toyota Highlander Vs Nissan Armada: Which 3-row Suv Reigns Supreme?

The Toyota Highlander and the Nissan Armada are two of the most popular 8-seater SUVs on the market. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, plenty of features, and a comfortable ride. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Toyota Highlander against the Nissan Armada to determine which SUV comes out on top.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency: Powerhouse Giants

The Toyota Highlander offers two engine options: a 3.5L V6 that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors, generating a combined 243 horsepower. The Nissan Armada, on the other hand, is powered by a 5.6L V8 engine that delivers 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Toyota Highlander hybrid takes the lead with an impressive 36 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. The Armada, with its larger V8 engine, offers a less efficient 14 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway.

Interior Space and Comfort: Roomy Retreats for the Whole Family

Both the Toyota Highlander and the Nissan Armada offer a spacious interior with three rows of seating. The Highlander provides 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which expands to 84.3 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. The Armada boasts a slightly larger cargo area, offering 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 95.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

When it comes to comfort, both SUVs feature well-equipped cabins with supportive seats and plenty of legroom and headroom in all three rows. The Highlander offers a more modern and upscale interior design, while the Armada has a more rugged and utilitarian feel.

Features and Technology: Cutting-Edge Conveniences

The Toyota Highlander and the Nissan Armada come loaded with an array of features and technologies to enhance your driving experience. The Highlander offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a premium JBL audio system, a panoramic moonroof, and a suite of advanced safety features, including lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

The Armada matches the Highlander in terms of features, offering a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a Bose premium audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and a comprehensive suite of Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 safety features. However, the Armada stands out with its available rear-seat entertainment system and its unique Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection.

Driving Dynamics: Smooth Sailing vs Rugged Prowess

The Toyota Highlander offers a smooth and comfortable ride, thanks to its unibody construction and independent suspension. It handles well in both urban and highway environments, providing a composed and confident driving experience. The Nissan Armada, with its body-on-frame construction and solid rear axle, offers a more rugged and truck-like ride. It feels more at home on rough roads and off-pavement, but it can feel less refined on smooth highways.

Price and Value: Weighing the Worth

The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $36,420 for the base L trim, while the Nissan Armada starts at $50,090 for the base S trim. As you move up the trim levels, the prices increase accordingly, with the top-of-the-line Highlander Platinum costing $48,420 and the top-of-the-line Armada Platinum Reserve costing $69,990.

In terms of value, the Toyota Highlander offers a more affordable starting price and a more fuel-efficient powertrain. However, the Nissan Armada provides more power, a more spacious cargo area, and a more rugged off-road capability.

Which SUV is Right for You?

So, which SUV is the better choice for you? The Toyota Highlander is a great option for those who prioritize fuel efficiency, a comfortable ride, and a more modern interior. The Nissan Armada is the better choice for those who need a more powerful engine, a more spacious cargo area, and a more rugged off-road capability.

Beyond the Comparison: Additional Factors to Consider

In addition to the key factors we’ve discussed, there are a few other things to consider when choosing between the Toyota Highlander and the Nissan Armada. These include:

• Towing Capacity: The Nissan Armada has a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, while the Toyota Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

• Reliability and Maintenance: Both the Toyota Highlander and the Nissan Armada have a reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs. However, the Highlander has a slight edge in terms of overall reliability, according to J.D. Power and Associates.

• Resale Value: The Toyota Highlander typically holds its value better than the Nissan Armada, making it a wiser investment in the long run.

The Winner: A Close Call, But the Highlander Takes the Crown

After carefully comparing the Toyota Highlander and the Nissan Armada, we’ve determined that the Toyota Highlander is the better choice overall. It offers a more fuel-efficient powertrain, a more comfortable ride, a more modern interior, and a more affordable price tag. While the Nissan Armada has more power, a more spacious cargo area, and a more rugged off-road capability, these advantages come at a higher cost.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Which SUV has better fuel efficiency, the Toyota Highlander or the Nissan Armada?

A: The Toyota Highlander offers better fuel efficiency, with an impressive 36 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway compared to the Nissan Armada‘s 14 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway.

Q: Which SUV has a more spacious cargo area, the Toyota Highlander or the Nissan Armada?

A: The Nissan Armada offers a slightly larger cargo area, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 95.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down, compared to the Toyota Highlander’s 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row and 84.3 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.

Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine, the Toyota Highlander or the Nissan Armada?

A: The Nissan Armada has a more powerful engine, with a 5.6L V8 that delivers 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Toyota Highlander‘s 3.5L V6 that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque.