2020 Sequoia vs. Armada Comparison
Today’s SUVs provide ample safety, comfort, and many offer considerable on-and-off road capabilities. With qualities like these, it's no wonder why they've become a popular choice for drivers. But, before we get into what makes the Sequoia and the Armada great choices, let's first go over some quick history. The Toyota Sequoia debuted in 2001 after consumer purchasing trends began indicating that larger SUVs were on the rise. The Nissan Armada debuted two years later in 2003 for the 2004 model year.
Every model of the 2020 Toyota Sequoia comes standard with a suite of active safety features called Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P). The 2020 Nissan Armada has some comparable features to TSS-P, like Intelligent Forward Collision Warning. But, it misses out on others like having Intelligent Lane Intervention and Intelligent Distance Control standard on the SV and SL grades.
When it comes to audio technology, the Sequoia has a ton of standard features. In addition to Amazon Alexa, it also has Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, plus Bluetooth® and SiriusXM®. The Armada has some media features, like Bluetooth®. But it lacks others, like Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™ compatibility.
In this head to head, we'll see which vehicle wins in key subjects like safety, interior, and reliability.
Publish Date: 8/21/2020
Safety
- Every Toyota Sequoia comes with Toyota Safety Sense P.
- The Armada base model SV does come standard with some comparable safety features like Intelligent Cruise Control, but misses out on others like Intelligent Lane Intervention.
- All Sequoia trims come with Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) while it's only an option for the Armada's SL trim.
Safety is important for every driver -- especially those with large families to ferry around town.
Standard Safety Features
Every model of the 2020 Toyota Sequoia comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P). TSS-P includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). The Armada base model SV does come standard with some comparable safety features like Intelligent Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning. However, it misses out on others like Intelligent Lane Intervention and Intelligent Distance Control.
The Armada base trim also misses out on Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention and Blind Spot Warning. To get those features standard, you'd have to opt for the Armada Platinum grade or higher. However, Blind Spot Warning is available as an option for the Armada's SL trim. All models of the 2020 Toyota Sequoia come with Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA).
All models of the Sequoia also come with driver and front passenger knee airbags. The 2020 Armada does not come with passenger knee airbags.
Interior
- The Sequoia base model SR5 has Bluetooth®, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM® Radio.
- All trims of the 2020 Sequoia come with a moonroof. The base trim Nissan Armada doesn't offer a moonroof.
- The Sequoia SR5 also comes standard with easy-clean fabric-trimmed seats.
The latest interior features can turn a ride to the park into real family fun. One area where Sequoia has significant standard feature advantages over the Armada is in multimedia and convenience features.
Multimedia
The 2020 Toyota Sequoia base model SR5 has Bluetooth®, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, as well as SiriusXM® Radio. The 2020 Nissan Armada base model SV has SiriusMX® Radio and Bluetooth® but misses out on Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Amazon Alexa.
All grades of the 2020 Sequoia come with a moonroof. The base grade Nissan Armada doesn't offer a moonroof. Drivers wanting that feature would need to opt for the SL trim or higher.
With options for a 40/20/40 split, sliding, reclining, fold-flat second-row seat with one-touch access to the third-row seat and a 60/40 split, reclining, fold-flat third-row seat with folding headrests, the 2020 Sequoia makes seating arrangements and storage areas easy to reconfigure. Comparatively, the Armada SV only offers a second-row 60/40 split fold-down bench seat with tip-up easy entry for third row, and a third-row 60/40 split fold-down bench seat with cloth seat trim.
Reliability
- All new Toyotas come standard with ToyotaCare.
- ToyotaCare also has Roadside Assistance that lasts for 2 years and unlimited miles.
- Nissan's prepaid maintenance plan is called Security+Plus®. What it covers, how much it costs, and its duration depends on the plan you buy.
Reliability means added peace of mind when driving and when considering the maintenance and care of your new full-size SUV.
ToyotaCare
All new leases and purchases of the 2020 Sequoia come with ToyotaCare. This factory-scheduled maintenance program lasts 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Nissan lacks a standard factory-scheduled maintenance program. Their prepaid maintenance plan is called Security+Plus®. What it covers, how much it costs, and its duration depends on the plan you buy.
ToyotaCare also has Roadside Assistance that lasts for 2 years and unlimited miles. Nissan has Roadside Assistance that lasts 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Toyota has been named the Best Resale Value: Brand from Kelley Blue Book® for 2019. The 2019 Sequoia was also named Edmunds Best Retained Value® winner for Large SUVs. The Nissan Armada, for its part, won the Kelley Blue Book® 5-Year Cost to Own Award in the full-size SUVs.
Conclusion: Sequoia vs. Armada
- All Toyotas come standard with ToyotaCare with Roadside Assistance.
- The cost duration of Nissan's Security+Plus® depends on the plan you buy.
- The Armada base trim misses out on Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention and Blind Spot Warning.
The 2020 Toyota Sequoia and the 2020 Nissan Armada are fierce competitors. However, there are some key differences. For instance, all grades of the 2020 Toyota Sequoia come with Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA). The Armada base trim misses out on Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention and Blind Spot Warning. To get those features standard, you'd have to opt for the Platinum model or above. The Armada also misses out on passenger knee airbags.
To keep your vehicle going strong, Toyota has ToyotaCare with Roadside Assistance. This factory-scheduled maintenance program lasts 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. The included Roadside Assistance lasts 2 years and unlimited miles. Nissan's Roadside Assistance lasts 3 years or 36,000 miles. Their maintenance program, Security+Plus®, is not complimentary. How much it costs, what it covers, and how long it lasts depends on the plan you choose. For these reasons and more, the winner is clear: the 2020 Toyota Sequoia.