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Highlander or armada? the truth revealed: which mid-size suv is worth your hard-earned money?

What To Know

  • The Armada, with its larger V8 engine, has a lower fuel economy rating at 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
  • The Toyota Highlander has a higher predicted resale value than the Nissan Armada, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.
  • While the Nissan Armada has a more powerful engine and slightly more cargo space, its higher price, lower fuel economy, and lower resale value make it a less attractive choice.

When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV, two formidable contenders emerge: the Toyota Highlander and the Nissan Armada. Both vehicles offer a blend of space, performance, and features, making them highly sought-after options in the automotive market. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of each SUV, examining their key attributes to determine which one emerges as the superior choice for your driving needs.

Performance: Power and Efficiency

Engine Options: The Toyota Highlander offers a choice between a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and a 3.5-liter V6 generating 295 horsepower. The Nissan Armada, on the other hand, boasts a more potent 5.6-liter V8 engine that produces 400 horsepower.

Fuel Economy: Despite its smaller engine, the Highlander delivers impressive fuel economy with 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway (for the four-cylinder engine). The Armada, with its larger V8 engine, has a lower fuel economy rating at 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

Space and Versatility

Seating Capacity: The Toyota Highlander offers seating for up to eight passengers, while the Nissan Armada has a maximum seating capacity of seven.

Cargo Space: Both SUVs provide ample cargo space, with the Highlander offering 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row of seats and 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded down. The Armada offers slightly more cargo space, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 95.1 cubic feet with the third row folded down.

Features and Technology

Infotainment System: The Toyota Highlander comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Nissan Armada features a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with similar smartphone integration capabilities.

Safety Features: Both SUVs offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Highlander also comes with a blind spot monitoring system as standard, while it is an optional feature on the Armada.

Off-Road Capabilities

Four-Wheel Drive: The Toyota Highlander offers an optional all-wheel drive system for enhanced off-road capabilities, while the Nissan Armada comes standard with a four-wheel drive system.

Ground Clearance: The Highlander has a ground clearance of 8.2 inches, while the Armada has a slightly higher ground clearance of 9.1 inches.

Price and Value

MSRP: The 2023 Toyota Highlander has a starting MSRP of $36,420, while the 2023 Nissan Armada has a starting MSRP of $50,600.

Resale Value: The Toyota Highlander has a higher predicted resale value than the Nissan Armada, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.

The Verdict: A Close Contender, But One Emerges Victorious

Both the Toyota Highlander and the Nissan Armada offer compelling features and capabilities. However, after careful consideration, the Toyota Highlander emerges as the superior choice for most buyers. Its combination of fuel efficiency, spacious interior, advanced technology, and proven reliability makes it the more well-rounded and practical option. While the Nissan Armada has a more powerful engine and slightly more cargo space, its higher price, lower fuel economy, and lower resale value make it a less attractive choice.

What People Want to Know

Q: Which SUV has a better towing capacity?
A: The Nissan Armada has a higher towing capacity of 8,500 pounds compared to the Highlander’s 5,000 pounds.

Q: Does the Toyota Highlander offer a hybrid option?
A: Yes, the Toyota Highlander offers a hybrid option that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency.

Q: Which SUV has a better navigation system?
A: Both SUVs offer advanced navigation systems, but the Nissan Armada‘s 12.3-inch touchscreen provides a larger and more user-friendly interface.

Q: Does the Nissan Armada come with a sunroof?
A: Yes, a sunroof is available as an optional feature on the Nissan Armada.

Q: Which SUV has a better warranty?
A: The Toyota Highlander offers a longer basic warranty (3 years/36,000 miles) than the Nissan Armada (3 years/36,000 miles).

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