2021 Sequoia vs. Armada Comparison

Full-size SUVs, like the Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada, are perfect for lugging around lots of cargo, whether that be passengers or equipment for your next adventure.

To help keep that adventure safe, every model of the 2021 Toyota Sequoia comes standard with a suite of active safety features called Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P). The 2021 Nissan Armada has similar safety technologies.

When it comes to audio technology, the Sequoia has a lot to offer. In addition to Amazon Alexa compatibility, it also has Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, Bluetooth®, and a SiriusXM® 3-month trial standard. The Armada has most of the same media features, but the specs page makes no mention of Amazon Alexa compatibility on any trim.

We'll take a closer look at these features and more as we go over safety, interior, and reliability.

Published Date: 07/13/2021

Explore Sequoia
2021 Sequoia towing a boat through a wooded road.

Safety

  • All models of the Sequoia come standard with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P). The Sequoia offers similar features as well.
  • Both vehicles also have Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA).
  • The Armada lacks knee airbags, something the Sequoia provides standard.

As we said before, safety makes any adventure more secure. Which full-size SUV gives you the most active safety features standard?

Standard Safety Features

Every model of the 2021 Toyota Sequoia comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P). TSS-P includes the 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 has comparable safety features like Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, and Intelligent Cruise Control. It also includes Intelligent Driver Alertness and Intelligent Lane Intervention.

Additionally, the Sequoia base trim comes standard with Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA). The Armada also has Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert features standard.

While both SUVs have extensive safety features, the Sequoia has a lower base MSRP. For a starting MSRP of $50,400 you get the same features with the Sequoia SR5 as the more expensive Armada SV which has a starting MSRP of $52,900.

Plus, you get more airbag coverage in the Sequoia. All models of the 2021 Sequoia come with driver and front passenger knee airbags. The 2021 Armada does not come with passenger knee airbags.

2021 Sequoia interior

Interior

  • The Sequoia has Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM® Radio with a Platinum Plan trial standard.
  • The Nissan Armada lacks Amazon Alexa.
  • All Sequoias come with a moonroof.

Interior features make any vehicle exciting.

Multimedia and Unique Touches

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia base model SR5 has hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM® with a Platinum Plan 3-month trial. The 2021 Nissan Armada base model SV has SiriusMX® Radio with 3-month complimentary trial access, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®, Wireless Apple CarPlay® integration, and Android Auto™. However, the entire lineup misses out on Amazon Alexa compatibility.

If you want to see the stars while you feel the beat, all trims of the 2021 Sequoia come with a moonroof. The base trim Nissan Armada doesn't offer a moonroof. Drivers wanting that feature would need to opt for the SL model or higher.

An added plus for the Sequoia SR5 is its available leather-trimmed seating that includes a 40/20/40 split. You can slide, recline, or fold-flat the second-row seat with one-touch access to the third-row seat. The standard interior of the Sequoia features easy-clean fabric-trimmed seats,with available leather-trim as well. It's a win either way. Comparatively, the Armada SV only offers leatherette-trimmed seats and third-row 60/40 split fold-down bench seats. Leather-appointed seats are standard starting on the Armada SL.

Person unloading the Sequoia trunk cargo area

Reliability

  • While the Sequoia has a standard factory-scheduled maintenance program for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, the cost and coverage of Nissan's Security+Plus® depends on the plan you buy.
  • Both the Armada and Sequoia have Roadside Assistance.
  • The 2019 Sequoia was named Edmunds Best Retained Value® winner for Large SUVs.

Interior features make your SUV a joy to drive and reliability features ensure that it will stay that way for years to come. Toyota goes above and beyond to make that the case.

ToyotaCare

All new leases and purchases of the 2021 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.

It's also worth mentioning that 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 2019 Kelley Blue Book® 5-Year Cost to Own Award in the full-size SUV category.

Family setting up a picnic with the Sequoia parked in the background.

Conclusion: Sequoia vs. Armada

  • You get more airbags with the Sequoia.
  • Toyota's maintenance plan comes standard, while Nissan's costs extra.
  • The Sequoia not only has a lower base MSRP than the Armada, but has just as many, if not more, features.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia and the 2021 Nissan Armada are fierce competitors. They are both roomy and stylish, two musts of a large SUV. However, there are some key differences.

The Armada misses out on passenger knee airbags, something the Sequoia comes with in addition to all the other great safety features.

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 complementary. How much it costs, what it covers, and how long it lasts depends on the plan you choose.

Save more and get more when you choose the 2021 Toyota Sequoia.