2024 Nissan Armada vs. 2024 Toyota Sequoia Comparison – Kelley Blue Book

The 2024 Nissan Armada and 2024 Toyota Sequoia are full-size SUVs with three rows of seating and available 4-wheel drive. They both offer space for seven or eight people, depending on whether a second-row bench or dual captain’s chairs are ordered.

Despite some significant differences under the hood, both of these SUVs are powerful and have excellent towing capacities. The Armada relies on a more traditional large-displacement V8 that produces 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. As for the Sequoia, it employs a twin-turbo V6 hybrid that churns out 437 hp and a massive 583 lb-ft torque rating. 

Needless to say, you won’t be left wanting for passing power in either one. But what else do they have to offer in a competitive segment that includes rivals like the Ford Expedition, Jeep Wagoneer, and Chevrolet Tahoe?

Let’s look at some highlights of the 2024 Armada and Sequoia to find out.

2024 Nissan Armada

During many miles of road tests, the Armada has impressed us with its smooth and quiet ride, the premium feel of its interior, and its generous amount of standard equipment. There are four trims: SV, SL, Midnight Edition, and Platinum. 

This generation of Armada arrived for the 2017 model year, and while there have been plenty of updates since then, the 2024 model is pretty much a carryover. Pricing starts at $57,730, including destination charges. 

Nissan Armada Highlights

Solid full-size SUV value: The Armada isn’t exactly cheap, with a base price of more than $55,000, though it undercuts the entry-level Sequoia by approximately $6,000. That’s a significant chunk of change. Better still, Nissan loads the Armada SV with features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, remote start, heated front seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, smartphone connectivity, and a wireless charging pad. 

Powerful V8: There is something to be said for the old-school performance and power delivery of the Armada’s 5.6-liter V8 engine. You have swift acceleration, especially given the scale of this SUV, not to mention a growl from the exhaust when getting on the accelerator with gusto. 

Upscale cabin: Step inside the Armada, and it’s apparent this full-size Nissan also forms the basis for the luxury-badged Infiniti QX80. Granted, some newer competitors have larger touchscreens and more up-to-the-minute dashboard designs. Yet the fit and finish of the Armada is very good, even more so when moving to the range-topping Platinum trim with its quilted leather upholstery, wood trim, rear entertainment system, and power-operated third row. 

Easy-to-use touchscreen: A 12.3-inch touchscreen comes with every Armada, and it brings along wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, navigation, satellite radio, multiple USB ports, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and wireless device charging. It’s easy to operate with clear menus and quick responses. 

2024 Toyota Sequoia

The Sequoia has five trims: SR5, Limited, Platinum, Capstone, and TRD Pro. Toyota’s largest SUV received a major overhaul for the 2023 model year, so changes to the 2024 version are relatively minor. A cosmetic package called Nightshade is available on the Limited trim, and the TRD Off-Road package can be had on the Platinum model. 

Based on the same platform underpinning the Tundra full-size pickup truck, the Sequoia has off-road chops for anyone who wants to take this bruiser of an SUV into there-be-dragons territory. Pricing starts at $63,125, including the destination charge. 

Toyota Sequoia Highlights 

Fuel economy: Thanks to its turbocharged and hybridized V6 engine, the Sequoia is kinder to a fuel budget than the thirsty Armada. In rear-wheel drive configuration, the Sequoia returns an EPA-rated 22 mpg combined in city/highway driving. In the Nissan Armada, you get 16 mpg combined. According to EPA estimates, you’d save more than $100 monthly on gas with the hybrid Toyota compared to the Nissan.

Towing capacity: Because it’s based on a rugged truck chassis, the Sequoia benefits from having the necessary chassis strength for heavy-duty towing. When properly equipped, the Sequoia’s max towing capacity is 9,520 pounds. The Armada’s 8,500-pound max is likely fine for many SUV shoppers, but less than its Toyota rival.

Surround-view camera: We’ll be the first to admit that maneuvering a large, full-size SUV can pose some challenges. Getting the Sequoia into tight spots is made simpler by its surround-view parking camera. Having this overhead shot of your 3-row SUV takes a lot of stress out of everyday driving. It’s standard on every trim. 

Rugged TRD Pro model: Not every SUV shopper prioritizes touchscreen size or the amount of cupholders in the cabin. Some want confidence that their vehicle can withstand off-road drives and easily get through rugged terrain. The TRD Pro model comes standard with 4-wheel drive and includes underbody skid plates, 33-inch all-terrain tires, upgraded shocks, a locking rear differential, a 2-speed transfer case, and more. This is the Sequoia to have for camping vacations or the off-chance of a zombie apocalypse. 

Similarities

The Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia have impressive performance and expansive cabins, not to mention high degrees of utility when it comes to towing and off-road driving. They even share a significant flaw. Space in the third row of either the Nissan or Toyota is truly best left for kids. Adults squeezed back there might stage a mutiny if the drive is long.

Conclusion

The Armada is starting to feel due for a redesign, but we still like many things about Nissan’s top-of-the-line SUV. To start, the V8 engine is a reminder that fancy underhood tech isn’t always better – though fuel mileage that doesn’t mimic what you’d get in an ocean liner would be nice, too. It’s smooth, quiet, and a calming place to spend your time.

The Sequoia is the newer SUV here; generally speaking, it looks and feels it. You get stronger tow ratings, better fuel economy, and some go-anywhere attitude with TRD goodies available. Unfortunately, you have a similarly stingy third-row legroom; worse still, the rear-most seats don’t fold flat. Instead, you’re left with an awkwardly tiered cargo hold. 

Go ahead and try both on for size with a test drive, along with some time behind-the-wheel time of the Chevy, Ford, GMC, and Jeep rivals in the full-size SUV segment. One of them will surely fit your needs and budget.