2020 Lexus GX vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2020 Lexus GX had a long-standing presence in the luxury SUV market. Originally introduced in 2002, it underwent a redesign for the 2010 model year, with the second generation continuing into the 2020 model year. This iteration featured some modern design tweaks, including the distinctive hourglass grille that had become a trademark of the Lexus lineup. Interestingly, the GX was one of the final models to adopt this grille design. Though controversial on some Lexus vehicles, the GX managed to carry it off more gracefully.

Despite the updated front end and headlights, the GX's interior showed its age. The cabin's design remained virtually unchanged from a decade ago, featuring a chunky center console with large buttons and a recessed infotainment screen—a hallmark of early 2010s Lexus interior styling. While this would seem outdated in a modern luxury SUV, it worked for the rugged and practical nature of the GX. Lexus used to emphasize that the big climate-control dials were “operable while wearing work gloves,” a feature that resonated with the vehicle's utilitarian roots.

Lexus offered the GX in three trims: the 460, the 460 Premium, and the 460 Luxury. Even the base 460 trim came well-equipped with 10-way power front seats, leather upholstery, push-button start, automatic climate control, and a power sunroof, along with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Premium trim added amenities like rain-sensing windshield wipers, three-zone automatic climate control, front and rear parking sensors, and more. The top-tier Luxury model elevated the experience with premium leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, self-leveling air suspension, and power-folding third-row seats. However, CarGurus recommended the base 460 trim for value, given its rich array of standard features, including Amazon Alexa integration.

On the other hand, the 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning it with the new exterior design language of the Nissan brand. It offered a range of trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, with the popular Midnight Edition Package available only on the SL trim. The Platinum trim in particular showcased the full extent of Nissan’s updates.

The 2021 Armada's exterior featured a new grille, front fenders, bumpers, and LED headlights and taillights. These updates gave it a more modern aesthetic while preserving its traditional, athletic styling. Standard features like body-color fenders, dark-painted roof rails, acoustic windshield and front-side windows, and LED lighting elements added a contemporary touch. Depending on the trim, the Armada rode on 18-, 20-, or 22-inch aluminum alloy wheels, with upper trims even boasting full-size spare tires.

Nissan also introduced its new logo on the 2021 Armada, prominently displayed across various parts of the vehicle. Despite these updates, some aspects like the rear design and underbite looked dated compared to competitors, especially with rivals like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon undergoing complete redesigns.

The Armada’s Midnight Edition Package added a fresh aesthetic with black accents, including black-painted mirrors, logos, roof rails, and skid plates. The model also welcomed a new exterior color option, Coulis Red Pearl, among other classic shades.

The 2020 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD, the GX delivered respectable performance. While modern V6 engines can now match these figures, the V8 offered a distinct and satisfying swell of power during real-world driving scenarios—whether accelerating from a stop or cruising at highway speeds.

The GX's steering was light, akin to many Lexus vehicles. Initially, it felt overly assisted, but once on the road, it proved to be quite direct and responsive. The self-leveling air suspension further enhanced the driving experience, allowing for smooth adjustments to ride height and providing a comfortable yet composed ride.

Off-road, the GX was exceptionally capable. Its 4WD system, accessible via toggle switches near the shifter, offered modes for various terrains and suspension adjustments for comfort, normal, and sport settings. The GX could handle rugged trails effortlessly, reflected in its impressive off-road controls derived from its Toyota 4Runner platform. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and offered a surprisingly tight turning radius of 19 feet, making it a versatile option even for city driving. However, its aging V8 resulted in modest fuel economy, averaging 16.3 mpg in combined driving conditions.

Conversely, the 2021 Nissan Armada was equipped with a robust Endurance 5.6-liter V8 engine, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. When fueled with premium gasoline, it delivered an impressive 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. While regular unleaded was recommended for everyday use, opting for premium fuel bumped the performance numbers. The Armada came standard with RWD, with an option for automatic 4WD.

Weighing in at over 6,000 pounds, the Armada maintained its off-road prowess through features like a front skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, and Hitachi twin-tube shock absorbers. Its ground clearance varied slightly by trim (9.1 or 9.2 inches). Despite its heft, the Armada offered a respectable off-road experience, with a maximum angle of approach at 21.0 inches and a maximum angle of departure at 22.4 inches.

Fuel economy was a weak point for the Armada. The RWD version was rated at 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined, while the 4WD variant slightly lowered those numbers to 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined. These figures were on the lower end within its segment.

From a handling perspective, the Armada had improved over the years, making highway driving less cumbersome. Its turning radius was typical for a vehicle of its size, making maneuvering in tight spaces a challenge, even with the aid of forward parking sensors. A forward-facing camera was missed.

The 2021 Armada excelled in towing, offering a best-in-class 8,500-pound maximum capacity when properly equipped. It included trailer sway control as standard on higher trims and featured a seven-pin trailer harness plug across all models.

In terms of interior space and functionality, the 2020 Lexus GX and the 2021 Nissan Armada catered to the needs of families but with different strengths and weaknesses.

The Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, providing a natural barrier between occupants and easier access to the third row, beneficial for families. However, accessing the third row was cumbersome for adults, a drawback compared to more family-friendly crossovers. The GX had a modest 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with all rear seats folded, which lagged behind competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Land Rover Discovery. Additionally, the GX featured a side-opening rear hatch—an uncommon and often inconvenient design—though it did have a separately opening rear window, a practical feature for quick access to the cargo area.

The 2021 Nissan Armada, as Nissan’s flagship SUV, was built for practicality and comfort. Like many full-size SUVs, it required a step to get in, aided by standard running boards and handles. The interior showcased Nissan's new 12.3-inch touchscreen, but its broad design placed some controls out of easy reach for the driver.

Front seats in the Armada were power-adjustable, with comfortable seating for first- and second-row occupants. The option for second-row captain's chairs on higher trims provided extra comfort at the cost of reducing seating capacity from eight to seven. The third row had limited legroom for adults but could accommodate them in a pinch.

The Armada shone in cargo capacity with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and a generous 95.4 cubic feet with all seats folded, outperforming the GX. However, the high load floor made loading and unloading cumbersome for shorter individuals. Small-item storage was also limited, with the exception of a spacious center console storage bin. The Armada featured nine cup holders and four bottle holders, catering to the needs of a full family.

The 2020 Lexus GX showed its age most glaringly in the technology and infotainment realm. Its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system represented the last generation of Lexus Enform, which, despite being outdated, had the advantage of simplicity. It was a true touchscreen flanked by large, easy-to-use buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. However, it lacked modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a significant downside given the advanced infotainment systems in newer models.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Nissan Armada received a tech overhaul. Its new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen was the largest in its class, highly responsive, and provided clear camera system views. Standard technology included navigation, a six-speaker stereo system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB Type-A and Type-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, NissanConnect Services, keyless entry with push-button start, and Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. Additional tech features on higher trims included a wireless device charging pad, a 13-speaker Bose audio system, a rearview camera mirror, and a second-row entertainment system, all standard on the Platinum trim.

The Armada's analog tachometer and speedometer in front of the driver, coupled with its functional but plain steering wheel, highlighted an area where it lacked the sleek, sophisticated feel of other modern SUVs. Despite these shortcomings, the Armada's upgrades represented a significant step forward from previous models.

Safety was a strong suit for both vehicles, but they each had different offerings.

The 2020 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Standard blind-spot monitoring and an optional surround-view camera added to its safety credentials. Additionally, the GX's design afforded excellent visibility, thanks to its high seating position and large windows.

The 2021 Nissan Armada integrated Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of driver-assist and safety technologies, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. It also offered adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, rear door alert, and blind-spot monitoring. The Armada could be equipped with a rear camera mirror and surround-view camera system. However, it lacked advanced systems like Nissan ProPilot Assist or Super Cruise.

The Armada received a three-star rollover rating from the NHTSA, reflecting its calculated 23.7-percent rollover risk. Comprehensive ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for either vehicle.