Used Nissan Armada or Toyota Sequoia, which to choose?

Japanese full-size SUVs are not as popular as their American competitors. In the more affordable segment, the Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia are the only two choices available to buyers. The former is getting a facelift for 2025, while the latter was renewed two years ago.

Which would be the best choice for a family that prefers a used model?

The Armada has good cross-country capabilities, its towing capacity (8,500 lb) is among the best, comfort is excellent and its 5.6-liter V8 developing up to 400 hp is rather pleasant. The latter is very fuel-hungry and requires premium gasoline, but it remains rather simple and ages well. It's not uncommon to see some with over 400,000 km on the clock. However, on older versions, it can sometimes overheat, especially if you do a lot of towing.

With the exception of its independent rear suspension, the Armada really is all about simplicity. Manufacturers of large SUVs tend to stuff them with technologies that enhance their capabilities, often to the detriment of reliability, but not Nissan. On the other hand, the total absence of underbody protection requires extra care on rough terrain.

Also built on a ladder-type chassis with independent rear suspension, the Sequoia is an outstanding performer both on and off the road, with exceptional durability - racking up several hundred thousand kilometers isn't too difficult. Once again, the quality and reliability of Toyota products are on display.

The engine chosen is a 381-hp 5.7-liter V8, capable of towing up to 7,100 lb - much less than the Armada. In addition, fuel consumption is slightly higher, except that ordinary fuel is sufficient. On the other hand, with its TRD Pro version, the Sequoia has the edge off the beaten track.

Speaking of capacity, let's not forget the cargo space inside. The Armada offers a 470-liter trunk that expands to 2,701 liters when all the rear seats are folded, but its rival does better with volumes of 535 and 3,401 liters, respectively. In the latter case, the difference is enormous!

In conclusion, while Toyota's SUV is preferred for safety in terms of construction and technology, both models have roughly the same number of recalls. Last but not least, Nissan's SUV can be obtained for (much) less, with identical mileage and comparable equipment, the result of faster depreciation.

Here are the main points, which we hope will enlighten you. Happy shopping!