Personal vehicles are one of the best ways to track changes in technology and fashion. The infotainment screen, for example, was once a luxury so unfathomable it was reserved solely for only the finest vehicles. Today, it is a vehicle component almost as common as the steering wheel. Full-size SUVs serve as one of the best ways to track this kind of progress because they tend to encapsulate the finest features in engineering, design, and technology. With this in mind, we’re going to do a little comparison today: the 2022 Chevy Tahoe vs 2022 Nissan Armada. For those of you who may not be familiar with either vehicle, these are both highly-regarded full-size SUVs, and rightly so. It will likely be a tight race in some respects, but I’ll wager that by the end, you’ll be ready to buy one over the other. Why is that, you ask? Well, keep reading to find out.
Tahoe Engineering
Let’s begin by stating that Chevrolet is about as good as it gets when it comes to large SUV engineering; this may sound like a biased claim, but let’s take a look at the evidence. The 2022 Tahoe offers an available Duramax 3.0-liter Turbo-Diesel engine with a balanced structure that makes for a responsive drive; this responsiveness (made more responsive by a 10-speed transmission) will be greatly appreciated seeing that vehicle offers a maximum of 460 pound-feet of torque. Those are numbers found in only the finest vehicles, and many full-size models do not even come close to such performance capabilities.
What makes the Duramax an amazing engine is that while it performs at these impressive heights, it uses a tuned-air induction system which keeps the engine quiet, giving you a nicer driving experience. As a diesel, the Duramax offers a highway range of 672 miles and an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency of 21 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway. These numbers make the Tahoe the most fuel-efficient SUV in its class (along with its sibling, the Suburban). So, the Tahoe is not messing around when it comes to engineering.
Armada Engineering
While Chevrolet is about as good as it gets, it should be noted that Nissan is also a leading brand and has a host of excellent features all of its own. Let’s see what Nissan can do with the 2022 Armada. Well, the vehicle utilizes a 5.8-liter Endurance V8 engine to provide 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque through a 7-speed transmission. While this transmission has three fewer gears than the Tahoe’s, it should be noted that this advanced system still offers an interactive driving experience with Switch to Manual Shift mode and Rev Matching. So, the Armada offers you the opportunity to lean forward and engage in the driving experience.
The 2022 Armada is also designed with an intelligent 4×4 system that automatically adjusts to changes in the terrain, making sure that you are always driving at the most optimal level possible for your surroundings. With selectable drive modes and features such as an Active Brake Limited Slip differential and hill start assist, the Armada is ready for any terrain on which you may find yourself.
Tahoe Design
There are, of course, two elements to consider when examining vehicle design: exterior and interior. Because first impressions are powerful, we will start with the exterior. The 2022 Tahoe bears the iconic and strong style of a Chevy SUV. Its subtle yet poignant color options (of which there are ten, so enjoy that freedom) combined with its bold accents and sharp angular features give the exterior an inviting strength. You’ll want to accept the invitation and see the interior.
The interior, which has two fantastic color options (Jet Black and Mocha; choose Mocha if you want something really unique and snazzy), is designed for interactivity, connectivity, and relaxation. We’ll get to the technology in the next section, but for now, just know that technology and styling are seamlessly combined in the Tahoe; form is function, as it were, and that is the theme of the 2022 Tahoe. With a first-in-class power sliding center console, you will have a much more efficient, less obtrusive, and more interactive centerpiece to your vehicle.
Of course, one of the most important design elements for families is the way in which space is laid out. Well, you will be happy to hear that space is laid out quite efficiently in the 2022 Tahoe. The vehicle offers a best-in-class maximum cargo capacity of 122.9 cubic feet. This number should blow your mind! You will have more than enough room to get everyone packed up and ready for the open road with that much space, and comfortably too!
Armada Design
While the Tahoe’s exterior exudes strength and performance, the Armada’s exterior leans more into the contemporary luxury vehicle look. With its seven color options, its features provide a shinier, more delicate look. This paves the way for what is found inside.
Where the Tahoe’s interior is dark, mysterious, and durable, the Armada’s interior feels more refined and classical. Its complexion is much brighter, and the argyle-stitched seats give it a professional tone that makes you want to take care of its delicate features (which may be a struggle for those who have young kids). While seating up to eight passengers, the Armada only offers 95.4 cubic feet of cargo space––certainly a generous amount, but it is still a whole 30 cubic feet less than the Tahoe. Now, what should be noted about the Tahoe’s storage capacity is its ingenuity; with under-floor cargo space, you’ll be able to hide those valuable items that you don’t want visible through the window.
Tahoe Tech
Aside from its stylish design features, the Tahoe is built with connectivity at the forefront. It begins with the 10.2-inch infotainment system with the newest advancement in automotive connectivity: Google built-in. While you may be familiar with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (both of which are available on the Tahoe), Google built-in takes this concept a step farther by providing your favorite apps in the vehicle itself. In other words, connecting to Google is not dependent on an exterior device; it is built into the Tahoe. One of the most practical applications of Google built-in is Google maps; while it is now common for vehicles to have built-in navigation systems, Google Maps is on another level with live traffic updates and automatic rerouting. So, say hello to your new in-vehicle navigation system.
It’s not just Google Maps, though! Google built-in allows you to utilize Google Assistant, which helps you make calls, change the cabin temperature, set reminders, and more, while Google Play allows you to download apps right to your vehicle. This feature will be made even more fun with the available backseat touchscreens (12.6 inches, larger than even the center infotainment system!), allowing everybody to have some fun with this new technology. Some other technological highlights of the Tahoe are the available class-leading 15-inch head-up display, making sure that your eyes stay on the road while you get the information you need, and its amazing camera views, giving you more dynamic vision than ever, especially while towing.
Armada Tech
The 2022 Armada decided to go big with its technology…literally. The 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment touchscreen makes its home at the front and center of the vehicle. That’s huge! With that much space, you’ll easily be able to connect however you wish, whether it’s through Nissan Door to Door Navigation (which includes 3D graphics and turn-by-turn directions), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or anything in-between.
You will easily be able to keep your devices charged with USB, USB-C, and AC power outlet options. If you want to make it even easier, though, you’ll be able to take advantage of wireless charging, which is nicely complemented by an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot. NissanConnect Services keeps you connected to whatever you may need while in your vehicle and provides alerts and remote access. It’s no Google built-in, but it certainly is a helpful tool.
The Winner
We’ve placed these two vehicles side-by-side; now it’s time for the results. I’ll cut the suspense because I think it is clear which vehicle comes out on top: the 2022 Chevy Tahoe. Yes, it is clear that the Tahoe excels in every area: engineering, design, space, and technology. On a numerical level, the Tahoe simply far exceeds the Armada, as you have seen in our comparison. On a convenience level, the Tahoe’s technology and connectivity features are more advanced than the Armada’s. Will the Armada be a good vehicle that serves you well? Yes. Is the Chevy Tahoe a step above? Yes. ‘Nuff said.
