Nissan Armada vs. Hyundai Palisade

1. Overview

Hyundai is currently in the process of a tremendous shift towards more expensive vehicles. This might be hard to imagine for people who remember the old Hyundai, budget car company extraordinaire. In many ways, Palisade resembles the old Armada, a large tough car that's based on the company's ongoing improvement of its large vehicles until they felt the need to start over. Overall, the two cars are incredibly similar in concept, and this comparison is a bit like looking into a time mirror at what Nissan used to be.

Nissan Armada is the larger and more expensive Nissan SUV. It's almost 200 inches long, and with the exception of the commercial vehicle NV, it's the longest Nissan product. We see lots of Infiniti QX80 in the Armada, but with the lower pricing especially visible in the cheaper interior materials. Both vehicles are based on the good old Nissan tradition, large tough vehicles that have been updated and upgraded until Nissan thinks it's time to start over with a smaller car.

Let's compare the two of these.

Nissan and Hyundai have been coming up with cars that satisfy the midsize SUV needs of the market. One of the most common comparisons in this category is the battle of Nissan Armada and Hyundai Palisade. Both come from well-renowned brands and promise to fulfill customer expectations.

1.1. Introduction

This essay aims to give an in-depth comparison between the Nissan's and Hyundai's top-of-the-line SUVs. These are the 2021 models of the Nissan Armada and the Hyundai Palisade. For the Armada, we will be comparing the Platinum model as it is the most expensive and luxurious. For the Palisade, we will be comparing the limited model as it is the most expensive and luxurious. With both of these models being similarly priced, it only makes sense to see which one is the better buy. Now of course, being the top of the line models for both respective brands, these cars are going to have high-end features. However, there will be some notable differences in features and especially price. Nissan has been very generous with features for the Armada, including standard features for their lower/cheaper models. We will be naming all features that the Platinum Armada has that makes it different from the Palisade and also the features of the Palisade Limited. Hyundai too has loaded their most expensive Palisade model with just about all of the features found in their other models. In a surprising turn of events, both of these vehicles are the most reliable vehicles for each brand in terms of features. The goal of this article is to provide a point of view and a direct comparison for these two cars. At the end, we will determine which of these cars offers a better drive for the worth, and any notable factors that future car buyers considering a purchase of either of these vehicles should be aware of.

1.2. Key Features

Nissan Armada: - Powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine, this SUV will give you 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. This is significantly more power than the Palisade, so if you are intending to do any towing, the Armada would be a better choice. - The Armada is built on a stronger body-on-frame construction rather than the unibody construction of the Palisade. This means it is one of the few remaining SUVs capable of serious off-roading. The Palisade is FWD with an option for AWD, whereas the Armada is RWD with an intelligent 4x4 system. This does mean that the MPG is quite low in comparison to the Palisade. - It has a higher towing capacity of 8500 pounds, with the Palisade sitting at 5000 pounds. - The interior has 2nd-row bench seating which can suit 8 passengers, or 7 with the optional 2nd-row captain's chairs. The Palisade only has an option for the 2nd-row captain's chairs and only seats 7. This may be important if you have a larger family as 8-seater SUVs are quite rare these days. The Armada has a larger 3rd-row width and a lot more cargo room, which may be a deciding factor if you often carry a lot of items in your vehicle. - Safety features on the Armada are quite a bit behind the times now; however, it does have an intelligent rearview mirror and forward collision warning. It does not have blind spot warning or rear cross-traffic alert and intervention like the Palisade.

1.3. Price Comparison

Armada: Currently, the Nissan Armada comes in four different models. The lowest of the models is the "SV" model. The SV comes with many features, but the lack of a sunroof and leather interior strip it to be the SUV version of the Nissan Titan. The SV starts at around $32,000 from a dealer. One step above the SV comes the "SE". Adding a $3000 difference to the SV, the SE model comes with all the standard features of the SV but includes the power-assisted liftgate, power-folding third-row seats, heated power-adjustable front seats, backup camera, and rear sonar. The most convenient feature offered with the SE model is the intelligent key. This allows the driver to keep the key deep in their pocket without ever having to take it out to unlock or start the car. The SE model is priced at around $35,000. The final two models are the "Platinum" and the "Platinum Reserve". The Platinum Armada is going to come with some additional features to the SE model. These features are loyal standard features on most luxury vehicles such as the dual power-folding mirrors, intelligent cruise control with distance control assist system, and front sonar. With a $3000 difference to the SE model, the Platinum Armada price starts at $38,000. The Platinum Reserve is the newest model of the Armada series. It comes with the standard features of the Platinum but also includes a unique dark chrome exterior trim, premium two-tone leather-appointed seats with a unique and rare open-pore wood tone interior trim. Pricing for the Platinum Reserve is a $2500 difference to the Platinum. With the SE coming out on August 10th, Nissan has been slowly releasing more information on this model, with the latest being the pricing which starts at $36,490. This isn't the best price considering it is only $4990 less than the SL model. Pricing being so close, many shoppers may be curious as to what the difference is between the SV and the SE.

2. Performance

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Palisade is certainly a winner. The Armada's V8 engine consumes a lot of fuel, providing a combined 14 mpg achieved primarily due to city driving. It is the same story with its highway driving and towing capabilities, returning at best 18 mpg and at worst 12 mpg. The Palisade offers a combined 22 mpg with 19 mpg for city driving and 26 mpg when on the highway. This is largely due to both its smaller and less powerful engine, and the fact it is a smaller and lighter vehicle than the Armada. If fuel efficiency is not of great concern to you, then this will not be as big a factor when considering what vehicle to choose. However, for anyone intending to use their vehicle heavily day to day or for long journeys then the Armada's fuel costs will begin to add up, and the considerably higher efficiency of the Palisade will be an important advantage.

The Nissan Armada is a robust and powerful vehicle, designed for all types of terrain and driving experiences, whereas the Hyundai Palisade is a more family-oriented, rather than performance-driven vehicle. The Nissan Armada comes with one engine, that is a powerful 5.6-liter V8 boasting an impressive 390 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque. This is in stark contrast to the Hyundai Palisade, which has a smaller engine offering. A 3.8-liter V6 producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. These engine offerings are a clear indicator of what both vehicles are designed for, the Armada's V8 offers plenty of power and acceleration, and is capable of tackling steep terrain and adverse weather conditions. The Palisade's V6 unit is more than capable of highway speeds and overtaking, but it is less powerful and not as responsive as the Armada's V8.

2.1. Engine Power

The Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV and comes with a robust 5.6-liter V8 that makes 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission, the Armada gets decent EPA-estimated fuel economy at 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for 2WD models and 1 mpg less in both driving conditions for 4WD models. The V8 features direct injection and Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) technology which is intended to give the engine better efficiency but the Armada is still a fairly heavy vehicle with a big V8 and that doesn't translate to great fuel economy. The Armada will tow almost anything a customer might want as it has a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. This includes trailers, boats, ATVs, etc. and should be plenty for the average consumer. The Hyundai Palisade comes with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Palisade is a good sized vehicle as far as crossovers go, but it is considerably smaller and lighter than a body-on-frame, full-size SUV like the Armada. This is reflected in the fuel economy as the Palisade rates at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for FWD models and loses 1 mpg in both driving conditions with AWD models. The V6 is also coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission and has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds; not too shabby for a more luxurious family hauler type car.

2.2. Fuel Efficiency

With a city and highway fuel economy of 13.3/9.5 L/100km, the Armada drinks like a thirsty said McElroy for Automobile much in an era when many rivals consume far less. But results in our 2008 SUV of the Year testing and this latest comparison suggest that Nissan's 5.6L V-8 is somehow more efficient in real-world driving than in the EPA's tests. Even with lots of full-throttle acceleration and driving at a fast pace through the winding back roads of Santa Barbara, the Armada's trip computer indicated an average of 14.2L/100km during our comparison test - not bad for a full-size, body-on-frame SUV and only slightly above the average we've observed for many midsize crossovers. When driven gently, the V-8's Cylinder Deactivation - which cuts fuel and spark to four cylinders under light load - helps the Armada to achieve fuel economy not much worse than the aforementioned crossovers. The driver doesn't notice activation and deactivation and torque is re-enabled immediately. But getting Cylinder Deactivation to work can be another matter. In order to save fuel in around-town driving, the engine has to be held under 2500rpm. And we noted that the system can be slow to engage at speeds of 40-60 mph. Step into the throttle to make a pass and the V-8's prodigious torque quickly brings all eight cylinders back online. Overall, in spite of these good signs, this technology just doesn't help as much as hoped. The technology is the same on Infiniti's M45 and Q45 with equally undramatic results. It would appear that VCM and Active Fuel Management, which operate in a similar manner in Honda's and GM's V-8s, have led the way on this front. This could all change when the V-VEL engine eventually slots into the Armada. This new engine, which will employ Nissan's Variable Valve Event and Lift technology, promises to boost fuel economy by 10-12 percent in addition to greater horsepower and more torque. The unibody Palisade is considerably more efficient than the Armada using 12.3/8.8 L/100km in front-wheel-drive models and 12.4/9.3 L/100km with all-wheel-drive. As to be expected in a mild test of arm strength from the unibody chassis and peppy engine, our real-world economy closely matched the Palisade's city figure. With a fuel tank only one-third the size of the Armada's, its total cruising range is only about 640km compared to over 900km for the 2WD Armada. V-6 models will offer equal performance but with an expected improvement of up to 15 percent, it is the upcoming 2.2L inline-four diesel engine that will truly pique our interest. Although unlikely to be sold in the Armada's United States home, it could be a good option for global markets where Nissan still sells its large 4x4s. With a fuel economy around 8L/100km and fewer fuel stops, the diesel could be the most efficient option for slow-paced off-road or towing situations. Typically though, for both SUVs, fuel economy hovers on the poor side of average and better results could give a major edge in the eyes of potential buyers. Given the current situation in the automotive world, SUV sales are declining and petrol prices are rising, Nissan has a tough road ahead.

2.3. Towing Capacity

The Armada is more capable of towing heavy trailers or boats and a larger camping trailer than the Palisade. The Armada has a standard towing capacity of 8500 pounds and gets 400 pounds of torque at 3600 rpm, while the Palisade has a towing capacity of 5000 pounds and gets 262 pounds of torque at 5200 rpm. Both have available towing accessories such as wiring connection, ball mount, and ball, as well as a Tow Hitch in the Palisade and a Tow Hitch Receiver, wiring harness, Ball mount, and Ball in the Armada. The Armada has an available Tow Mode for the 7-speed automatic transmission, while the Palisade has no towing mode, which enhances throttle and transmission mapping, allowing for smoother driving while towing. The Armada was built on a truck platform, and the 7-speed transmission is a higher gearing automatic overdrive transmission, so one would expect better towing capabilities. When driving in mountainous terrain, both SUVs can benefit from more consistent power and fuel efficiency, vehicle dynamics and stability, and better load dispersion. In general, the Armada will be able to tow most trailers more effectively than the Palisade on all types of terrain due to its larger horsepower, engine, and higher towing capacity.

3. Interior and Comfort

Cargo Space: A large number of passengers often require a significant amount of cargo space. The Armada provides 16.5 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 49.9 with both third-row seats removed or folded, and 125.6 cubic feet with both the second and third-row seats folded. These are impressive numbers, but they don't quite match the Tahoe's class-leading figures. The hybrid variant loses 3.8 cubic feet of cargo space due to the revised placement of the rear suspension, and numbers for the two-wheel drive version suffer as well with the addition of the third-row seats - 47.0 cubic feet behind the third row, and 120.1 cubic feet with both the second and third-row seats folded. The new Palisade has 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, and 45.8 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded. This may seem low, but the measurements have been taken to the top of the second-row seats. With the second-row seats folded down, an impressive 86.4 cubic feet of cargo space can be obtained. Both SUVs end up being in a similar ballpark, but the Armada wins this by a small margin.

Seating Capacity: The Nissan Armada, which is a conventional body-on-frame SUV, comes with 2nd row captain's seats as the standard setup, which reduces seating capacity from eight to seven, and that's standard on all models. This ability to accommodate either seven or eight passengers, depending on whether buyers choose a bench or captain's chairs for the second row, gives the Armada some versatility for families. Optional for the SL and standard on the Platinum is the second-row captain's chairs, which reduce overall seating capacity to seven. The Hybrid comes exclusively with the second row captain's chairs. The 3-passenger bench seat in the second row of the Palisade allows the SUV to seat either seven or eight occupants, depending on whether the optional second row bench or the standard configuration is chosen. So, both SUVs' ability to seat either seven or eight passengers makes them equally matched.

3.1. Seating Capacity

The right SUV can cater to a wide variety of tastes and needs. So one of the best things it can cater to is more passengers. Both vehicles have seating for up to eight passengers with different configurations. The Armada has second-row captain's chairs with a removable center console, and a bench seat is also available. The Palisade has second-row captain's chairs available on the Limited trim which we drove, but they come standard on the Calligraphy. Plus, the bench can be replaced by a no-cost three-passenger seat, boosting capacity to eight. This is the first time Nissan has offered captain's chairs on the Armada, something that has become very popular in the full-size SUV segment. The Palisade offers a one-touch feature that allows the second-row seats to be pushed forward to provide easy access into the third row. The Armada's second-row seats also tilt and slide forward to provide access to the third row, but a new tip-up mechanism clears a wider path. The third-row seat in both vehicles is capable of accommodating an adult passenger, but the Armada's third row is the clear winner in terms of comfort and space. The seat sits higher off the floor which eases thigh discomfort on longer trips, and its reclining seats and additional headroom and legroom provide a space that is genuinely habitable for adults. The third row in the Palisade is better suited for children.

3.2. Cargo Space

The Nissan Armada has 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet with that row folded, and a total of 95.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. That's more space than you get in Nissan's full-size SUVs, the Pathfinder and the U.S.-spec version of the Patrol, because both of those have the company's innovative divide-n-hide cargo-floor system. That feature limits cargo space because of the way the floor can fold, slide, and adjust, but it's useful for keeping smaller items in place and out of sight. It's ultimately something that might help distinguish the Armada as somewhat more businesslike and rugged, versus the ute-like Pathfinder. Hyundai has provided only one cargo dimension for the Palisade, leaving us to suggest that this measurement is for cargo space behind the second row based on how the area is shaped and how high the load floor is. That measurement is 45.8 cubic feet, or 18.6 less than the Armada offers behind the second row. Fold the Palisade's second and third rows and you have a complete cargo area with 86.4 cubic feet of space, 9 cubes less than the Armada's largest available storage. While the Palisade offers plenty of cargo space for a family of eight less total cargo space limits the Palisade's ability to double as both large family transport vehicle and dedicated cargo hauler.

3.3. Technology Features

The Armada includes an 8-inch color display that supports multi-finger gestures, swiping, and pinch-to-zoom. This is integrated with NissanConnect, which has features like Door-to-Door Navigation, providing directions to the car owner's smartphone even when they have parked, and sharing the car's location to assure a pickup point for a lift. This also includes SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link, keeping the driver informed at all times. They have also installed a subscription-based WiFi hotspot that can connect up to five devices, supported in every seat. There are 12V and 120V outlets, with USB ports and HDMI input for even more device connectivity. A Tri-zone Entertainment System with dual 8-inch head restraint monitors comes as an option for the SV and SL grades but is included with Platinum. This system has the capability to play video games from a compatible gaming system and even includes two wireless headsets and a remote control. Audio is provided by a 13-speaker Bose system with one-month complimentary audio streaming on SiriusXM Radio. Voice recognition, hands-free text messaging, and Bluetooth streaming audio are also included as standard on every grade. The Platinum Armada can be further equipped with a two-screen rear seat entertainment and HDMI inputs in the back of the center console. This will make it easier for passengers to bring media into the vehicle and share it across multiple devices. The last piece of technology included is the Intelligent Rear View Mirror, which can be turned on and off, giving a clear view behind the vehicle even when the rear cargo area is full.

3.4. Safety Features

The Armada has a wide array of safety features to make sure you and your family are safe. It includes an intelligent backup collision intervention sensor to help detect crossing vehicles and large objects, and in turn can help to prevent an accident in reverse. It has an around view monitor with moving object detection and 4 cameras to give you a full 360-degree view around the vehicle and detect moving objects around the vehicle. The forward collision warning will help monitor your speed and proximity to the vehicle ahead of you, helping to avoid a frontal collision or lessen the severity of the impact. It also includes a pedestrian detection system that is able to determine the movement of a pedestrian in the driver's direction, and in turn can help avoid or lessen the impact of said pedestrian. If, in the unfortunate event, deployment of airbags is required, the Armada has you covered with the Nissan advanced airbag system. This system consists of dual-stage supplemental front airbags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors. It also includes seat belt and roof-mounted curtain supplemental airbags. The last safety feature that was implemented into the Armada is its towing features. When trailering, accidents will happen, and when they do, the Armada has safety features to help keep you in control of your trailer. Those features include tow vehicle dynamic control, which helps with the trailer starts and to help prevent sway while the vehicle is being towed. It also has a tow hitch receiver with a 7-pin wiring harness and is pre-wired for trailer lights.

Subtopic 1: Nissan Armada

4. Exterior and Design

Nissan loses to the 2020 Hyundai Palisade in the category of exterior design and styling. The Nissan Armada uses an older and more classic design with a very low redesigned for the Nissan frontier argent overall feel to the exterior of the vehicle. The Palisade is the complete opposite with a smooth and modern design all around. The Armada's classic approach is not necessarily a failure aesthetically, it fails to compete with the other brand new designs of 2020 SUVs. This is even more apparent when considering that the Palisade is technically a downsized improvement from Hyundai's previous model, the Santa Fe. Tri-zone climate control is unavailable on the base trim of the Armada. This is a feature that is essential to those who plan to fill the vehicle with children who are known for all having completely different preferences in temperature. Other brands like Hyundai are able to pack more features into their base-level vehicles where Nissan seems to cut is a potential profit. The Nis

4.1. Exterior Styling

The Telluride and also the Palisade area unit abundant clearer representations of what Hyundai and Kia area unit attempting to try and do with their styling. The Telluride appearance are often summed up in short: "boxy and tough." whereas the Palisade doesn't share each facet of that description, it will fully look a lot of rugged than the Santa Fe. particularly with a loaded AWD model sporting 20-inch wheels, the Palisade may be a good-looking automobile with an excellent presence on the road. it’s a good color pallet on high trims, solid lighting, and thoughtful panel creases. It will lack the daring personal statement of the Armada, however Hyundai two-headed within the right direction, and positively distinguishes the Palisade from the outgoing Santa Fe XL.

The Palisade enters the market a brand new Kia Telluride. Hyundai’s styling direction has had bother creating a sway. The third-generation 2013-2020 Santa Fe was restyled once more simply 2 years into the run, which did not facilitate clarity thereon model. The fourth-generation 2019 Santa Fe XL was a spacious 3-row family car, however lacked the ruggedness that the previous-gen Veracruz had projected a decade prior.

The Armada’s last full redesign came back for the 2017 model year. It’s an automobile with imposing highway presence and everyday near-luxury. The revised style reflects Nissan’s worldwide styling philosophy with its a lot of exaggerated V-motion in the grille, and an opportunity of dark and light to grant it depth, all of that is the simplest to visualize in flagship Platinum Reserve trim, that features dark chrome everywhere.

4.2. Dimensions and Size

Palisade is the direct result of Hyundai's design team's daring to design a premium segment midsize SUV that creates an unforgettable road presence. The first element of this concept is its distinctly long, wide, and bold silhouette. The front is defined by a wide cascading grille. This front design is supplemented by composite headlight and LED Daytime Running Light (DRL) assemblies that feature a split headlight design. This unique lighting design is made up of a high beam positioned above the DRL to create an innovative custom light signature for this vehicle. This light array is unique to Palisade, and enhances its road presence and visibility. High Beam Assist and LED headlamps are also offered, useful for safe night time driving. The Palisade exterior features a generous use of glass to enhance driver vision and enlarge the overall feel of the vehicle.

Design Concepts: Nissan designers wanted to create an image of "sophisticated ruggedness" with Armada. Key elements of this new design approach can be seen in all exterior facets of the Armada, including its size and proportions. Compared to the previous generation, the new Armada is 1.2 inches longer and 0.6 inches wider. The wheelbase is 2.1 inches shorter, but the front and rear tracks are 2.2 and 0.6 inches wider, giving it an athletic stance and excellent presence. These changes give the new Armada a refreshed dimension. The exterior design features contrast of vivid LED low-beam headlights and standard LED daytime running lights. Auto-leveling headlights with high beam assist, fog lights, and front and rear Sonar Sensors are offered with the new Armada SL and Platinum grades.

4.3. Available Colors

Overall, the Armada offers a variety of colors. There are many more color options and specific to detailed shades on a color chart. This can be ideal for a buyer who may have a specific color in mind and will not settle. Whereas the Palisade offers fewer color options and a more generic range of colors with similar costing and availability. Buyers may find that not having a wide range of options will limit choice and may change their mind based on that factor.

Hyundai Palisade - On Hyundai's website, there are 7 color options shown for the 2021 Palisade. There are only 3 specific color options with 4 variations of different shades. These colors are a bit generic and a typical option from Hyundai. Not too many flashy or colorful paints with the Palisade, only offering 1 metallic paint. Hyper White, Lagoon Silver, Steel Graphite, Sierra Burgundy, Moonlight Cloud, Forest Rain, and Becketts Black. Pricing and availability may vary.

Nissan Armada - The 2022 Armada is scheduled to come in 12 different color options. Previous years have seen similar options and we are awaiting official color releases for 2022. From previous years, the color options include Hermosa Blue Pearl Metallic, Mocha Almond Pearl, Coulis Red, Pearl White Tricoat, Super Black, and Forged Copper. These are common colors for Nissans and have been seen in other models. They offer 2 slight shades of grey and 3 different types of metallic-colored paints. There are 4 different standard colors and the copper color. This certain shade of orange/copper has only been seen in the 2021 Armada, and Nissan is marketing it as a defining feature of the vehicle. Pricing and availability may vary. More color options than others, the Armada is made for you to have a specific or favorite color in mind and most likely be able to purchase the car in said color.