Your Weekend "Mission": Which Full-Size SUV Do You Choose?

DIY_Dad

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Alright everyone, it's Saturday evening. The burgers are grilled, and the kids are finally winding down. It got me thinking about what a typical, chaotic Saturday looks like for a lot of us, and I wanted to pose a hypothetical "mission" to the group.

Forget top speed or Nürburgring times. This is the real-world test. Here's your mission:
  1. The Soccer Run: You have to drop your 10-year-old off at a soccer game at a packed park. You need to navigate a chaotic parking lot full of minivans and get your kid and their gear out quickly and easily.
  2. The Hardware Haul: On the way back, you stop at Home Depot. You need to load three big bags of mulch and a bulky, boxed pressure washer into the back.
  3. The Family Dinner: Later that evening, you have to pick up your parents (or in-laws) and take everyone to a nice waterfront restaurant—the kind where you don't want to show up in a muddy work truck.
  4. The Fun Detour: On the way home from dinner, you find a quiet, winding back road with no traffic. You have a five-minute window to actually enjoy the drive.
The Question: Which of these new SUVs—the Armada NISMO, the Sequoia TRD Pro, or the QX80—is the best tool for this entire mission? Where does each one excel, and where does it fail?
 
This is the perfect way to look at it. Let me try to break it down logically:
  1. Soccer Run: This is probably a tie. All three are huge, but all have 360-degree cameras to help with the parking lot chaos. No clear winner.
  2. Hardware Haul: This is a huge, undeniable win for the Armada. That flat load floor means the pressure washer box slides right in. In the Sequoia, I'd be dealing with that tiered shelf and probably have to unbox the thing just to make it fit. The QX80 would work, but I'd feel guilty putting dirty mulch bags in such a nice interior.
  3. Family Dinner: This is a win for the Sequoia. The TRD Pro's softer suspension would be much more comfortable for my parents. I think the NISMO's "unforgiving" ride would get complaints from the back seat. The QX80 is a contender here, but the Sequoia feels more unassuming and practical.
  4. Fun Detour: An obvious, massive win for the Armada NISMO. This isn't even a contest.
My conclusion? The mission proves there's no perfect vehicle. I'd be frustrated with the Sequoia at Home Depot but happy on the way to dinner. I'd love the NISMO at Home Depot and on the back roads but worry about the dinner trip. I'm still stuck in the middle.
 
An interesting scenario. My perspective is that only the QX80 successfully accomplishes the entire mission without any significant compromises.
  1. The Soccer Run: The available power running boards would make entry and exit for a child effortless. The high-resolution cameras would make parking simple.
  2. The Hardware Haul: The seats fold flat with the touch of a button from the driver's seat. And one doesn't "feel guilty" using their utility vehicle for utility; that's what all-weather floor and cargo liners are for. It performs the task with ease.
  3. The Family Dinner: This is the QX80's main event. The air suspension would provide a supremely comfortable ride for your parents. The luxurious, quiet cabin is the perfect environment for conversation. And arriving at a fine restaurant in a flagship Infiniti makes a statement of quiet elegance that the others cannot match.
  4. The Fun Detour: With its powerful V6 and advanced hydraulic suspension, the QX80 is more than capable of providing an enjoyable, spirited drive, but with a layer of refinement and control the others lack.
The QX80 doesn't just complete each task; it completes them all with a sense of sophistication and ease. It's the only one that doesn't require an apology or an excuse at some point during the day.
 
I think TrailHybrid's analysis is pretty spot-on, but I disagree with his conclusion. The NISMO handles the entire mission, you just have to look at it through a different lens.
  1. The Soccer Run: Agree, the cameras make it a wash. Easy.
  2. The Hardware Haul: Like he said, a clear win for the Armada's flat floor. No contest.
  3. The Family Dinner: This is where I disagree. My parents would get a kick out of the NISMO. My dad would love the sport-tuned feel; he'd say it feels "solid," not "harsh." It's a conversation piece. Arriving in a special-edition performance vehicle makes its own statement—that you still value driving excitement.
  4. The Fun Detour: Again, not even a debate. The NISMO wins.
So for me, the NISMO is the only one that doesn't have a major failure point. The Sequoia fails at hauling common items, which is a primary function of an SUV. The QX80 is great, but it's in a different price universe. The NISMO is the only one that does everything a big SUV needs to do, while also being something you want to drive.
 
Howdy all. New member here, stumbled on this place on the Buick forum while researching an issue with my son's Roadmaster. You guys are debating some fine Japanese SUVs, but it feels like you're missing the obvious answer to this "mission" from right here in the USA.

I drive a '24 Ford Expedition MAX with the Stealth Performance package, and it would walk all over this mission.
  1. The Soccer Run: The 360 camera is crystal clear, but the real winner is the sheer size of the rear doors. They open wider, making it easier for kids to hop in and out without dinging the car next to us.
  2. The Hardware Haul: My MAX has a massive, completely flat load floor and significantly more cargo space behind the third row than any of these imports. Three bags of mulch and a pressure washer would get lost back there.
  3. The Family Dinner: This is its specialty. The Expedition has more third-row legroom than any of them, so the grandparents would be genuinely comfortable, not just tolerant. The ride is smooth and quiet, and with the big panoramic roof, it feels airy and luxurious. Plus, it has BlueCruise for hands-free driving on the highway portion of the trip.
  4. The Fun Detour: Don't let the size fool you. My truck has the high-output EcoBoost V6 with 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. It's shockingly fast and handles great for its size.
No offense to the import brands, but when it comes to a do-it-all family weekend warrior, no one understands the American family's needs better than Ford. You get more space, more comfort, and just as much power. Y'all should take one for a spin.
 
Howdy all. New member here, stumbled on this place on the Buick forum while researching an issue with my son's Roadmaster. You guys are debating some fine Japanese SUVs, but it feels like you're missing the obvious answer to this "mission" from right here in the USA.

I drive a '24 Ford Expedition MAX with the Stealth Performance package, and it would walk all over this mission.
  1. Soccer Run: The 360 camera is crystal clear, but the real winner is the sheer size of the rear doors. They open wider, making it easier for kids to hop in and out without dinging the car next to us.
  2. Hardware Haul: My MAX has a massive, completely flat load floor and significantly more cargo space behind the third row than any of these imports. Three bags of mulch and a pressure washer would get lost back there.
  3. Family Dinner: This is its specialty. The Expedition has more third-row legroom than any of them, so the grandparents would be genuinely comfortable, not just tolerant. The ride is smooth and quiet, and with the big panoramic roof, it feels airy and luxurious. Plus, it has BlueCruise for hands-free driving on the highway portion of the trip.
  4. Fun Detour: Don't let the size fool you. My truck has the high-output EcoBoost V6 with 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. It's shockingly fast and handles great for its size.
No offense to the import brands, but when it comes to a do-it-all family weekend warrior, no one understands the American family's needs better than Ford. You get more space, more comfort, and just as much power. Y'all should take one for a spin.
Welcome to the community! I have to admit, I haven't seriously considered the Expedition, mostly because I've been focused on Toyota and Nissan's new powertrains. But you're not wrong about the space. I just looked up the numbers, and the Expedition MAX has significantly more third-row legroom and cargo space behind the third row than either the Sequoia or the Armada. That's a huge, practical advantage.

The BlueCruise hands-free driving is also a feature that competes directly with the Infiniti's ProPILOT, but in a more mainstream package. And 440 hp is nothing to sneeze at. You've definitely given me something new to think about. My only hesitation is that the current Expedition platform is a bit older than the brand-new Armada and Sequoia. Does it feel dated inside?
 
Howdy all. New member here, stumbled on this place on the Buick forum while researching an issue with my son's Roadmaster. You guys are debating some fine Japanese SUVs, but it feels like you're missing the obvious answer to this "mission" from right here in the USA.

I drive a '24 Ford Expedition MAX with the Stealth Performance package, and it would walk all over this mission.
  1. Soccer Run: The 360 camera is crystal clear, but the real winner is the sheer size of the rear doors. They open wider, making it easier for kids to hop in and out without dinging the car next to us.
  2. Hardware Haul: My MAX has a massive, completely flat load floor and significantly more cargo space behind the third row than any of these imports. Three bags of mulch and a pressure washer would get lost back there.
  3. Family Dinner: This is its specialty. The Expedition has more third-row legroom than any of them, so the grandparents would be genuinely comfortable, not just tolerant. The ride is smooth and quiet, and with the big panoramic roof, it feels airy and luxurious. Plus, it has BlueCruise for hands-free driving on the highway portion of the trip.
  4. Fun Detour: Don't let the size fool you. My truck has the high-output EcoBoost V6 with 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. It's shockingly fast and handles great for its size.
No offense to the import brands, but when it comes to a do-it-all family weekend warrior, no one understands the American family's needs better than Ford. You get more space, more comfort, and just as much power. Y'all should take one for a spin.
Welcome, BigTex! I've driven a newer Expedition, and while it's a very nice truck, I don't think it'll have the same "special" feel as the NISMO. It's a great family hauler, but it feels like a very competent appliance. The NISMO, even just from the videos, seems to have a personality. It has that racing heritage.

You're right about the interior space in the MAX version, but that also comes with a much longer wheelbase, making it even harder to park and maneuver. For the "Soccer Run" part of the mission, that's a negative. The Armada feels like it's trying to be a better driving vehicle, while the Expedition is focused on being the biggest and most spacious. It's a different philosophy. For me, I'll trade a few cubic feet of cargo space for a vehicle that's more engaging to drive every day.
 
@BigTex makes a strong case for the domestic option, and it highlights the different priorities in the market. The top-trim Ford Expedition Platinum and the Lincoln Navigator are certainly competitors in terms of price.

However, the distinction comes down to the definition of luxury. While an Expedition Platinum has many luxury features, it does not possess the same level of bespoke interior craftsmanship or brand cachet as an Infiniti, let alone a BMW or Mercedes-Benz. The materials, the panel gaps, the switchgear—these small details create a genuinely premium environment that a mass-market brand, even at its highest trim level, typically cannot replicate.

The Lincoln Navigator Black Label is a more direct competitor to the QX80, and it is an impressive vehicle. But again, it's a different flavor of luxury—more focused on bold presence and sheer size, whereas Infiniti often emphasizes a more curated, driver-centric, and elegantly restrained Japanese design philosophy.
 
I have to say, BigTex has me rethinking things. I've been so focused on the new Japanese models that I forgot how well Ford understands the American full-size SUV market. The sheer amount of passenger and cargo space in the Expedition MAX is a feature in itself. Sometimes, the best feature is just more room.

The BlueCruise system is also a major point. It seems to be on par with Infiniti's ProPILOT 2.1, but you can get it without stepping up to a full luxury brand. That's a compelling value proposition. It makes the Toyota feel a bit behind on the tech front.

ArmadaBound, I get your point about the NISMO having more "personality," but on a long family road trip, I think I'd trade some of that personality for the extra legroom and a smoother, quieter ride that the Expedition provides.
 
Welcome, BigTex! I've driven a newer Expedition, and while it's a very nice truck, I don't think it'll have the same "special" feel as the NISMO. It's a great family hauler, but it feels like a very competent appliance. The NISMO, even just from the videos, seems to have a personality. It has that racing heritage.

You're right about the interior space in the MAX version, but that also comes with a much longer wheelbase, making it even harder to park and maneuver. For the "Soccer Run" part of the mission, that's a negative. The Armada feels like it's trying to be a better driving vehicle, while the Expedition is focused on being the biggest and most spacious. It's a different philosophy. For me, I'll trade a few cubic feet of cargo space for a vehicle that's more engaging to drive every day.
You say the Expedition feels like an "appliance," but I think you're underestimating the Stealth Performance package. It has adaptive dampers and a sport-tuned suspension that really tightens up the handling. It's not a NISMO, I'll grant you that, but it doesn't float around like a boat. It's surprisingly agile, and the power from the high-output V6 is always there. It's a "sleeper" in that sense—it does the quiet, comfortable family thing 99% of the time, but it can still get up and go when you want it to.
@BigTex makes a strong case for the domestic option, and it highlights the different priorities in the market. The top-trim Ford Expedition Platinum and the Lincoln Navigator are certainly competitors in terms of price.

However, the distinction comes down to the definition of luxury. While an Expedition Platinum has many luxury features, it does not possess the same level of bespoke interior craftsmanship or brand cachet as an Infiniti, let alone a BMW or Mercedes-Benz. The materials, the panel gaps, the switchgear—these small details create a genuinely premium environment that a mass-market brand, even at its highest trim level, typically cannot replicate.

The Lincoln Navigator Black Label is a more direct competitor to the QX80, and it is an impressive vehicle. But again, it's a different flavor of luxury—more focused on bold presence and sheer size, whereas Infiniti often emphasizes a more curated, driver-centric, and elegantly restrained Japanese design philosophy.

I understand the argument about interior materials, but the value just isn't there for me. I can get a top-of-the-line Expedition Platinum with more space, more towing capacity, and comparable real-world performance for significantly less than a base model QX80. For the $30,000+ price difference, I can overlook slightly less exquisite switchgear.
 
Hey all. Followed a link from the Lincoln forum. I want to chime in on the luxury side of the American market. QX_Luxury mentioned the Navigator, and BigTex is making a great case for the Expedition. I own a '24 Navigator Black Label, and it accomplishes the "mission" with a style none of the others can match.
  1. The Soccer Run: The 360-degree camera is flawless, but the real showstopper is the presence. It's an occasion every time you pull up.
  2. The Hardware Haul: I have the long-wheelbase "L" model. The cargo area is cavernous and completely flat. I've hauled plenty of things from Home Depot without an issue. The power-folding seats make it effortless.
  3. The Family Dinner: This is where the Navigator is simply untouchable. The Black Label interior, with its themed designs like "Chalet" or "Yacht Club," is on another level. The 30-way adjustable massaging front seats and the Revel Ultima sound system make it a true first-class experience. It feels significantly more special inside than any Infiniti or Lexus, and rivals the Germans.
  4. The Fun Detour: It's not a sports car, but it has the same 440 hp high-output engine as the Expedition Stealth. It's incredibly powerful, and the adaptive suspension provides a ride that is both supremely comfortable and surprisingly controlled.
You get the power and utility of the Expedition, but with an interior and a level of service (like complimentary car washes and a dedicated concierge) that truly competes in the luxury space. For this mission, it's the only one that feels like an upgrade in every single category.
 
Hey all. Followed a link from the Lincoln forum. I want to chime in on the luxury side of the American market. QX_Luxury mentioned the Navigator, and BigTex is making a great case for the Expedition. I own a '24 Navigator Black Label, and it accomplishes the "mission" with a style none of the others can match.
  1. The Soccer Run: The 360-degree camera is flawless, but the real showstopper is the presence. It's an occasion every time you pull up.
  2. The Hardware Haul: I have the long-wheelbase "L" model. The cargo area is cavernous and completely flat. I've hauled plenty of things from Home Depot without an issue. The power-folding seats make it effortless.
  3. The Family Dinner: This is where the Navigator is simply untouchable. The Black Label interior, with its themed designs like "Chalet" or "Yacht Club," is on another level. The 30-way adjustable massaging front seats and the Revel Ultima sound system make it a true first-class experience. It feels significantly more special inside than any Infiniti or Lexus, and rivals the Germans.
  4. The Fun Detour: It's not a sports car, but it has the same 440 hp high-output engine as the Expedition Stealth. It's incredibly powerful, and the adaptive suspension provides a ride that is both supremely comfortable and surprisingly controlled.
You get the power and utility of the Expedition, but with an interior and a level of service (like complimentary car washes and a dedicated concierge) that truly competes in the luxury space. For this mission, it's the only one that feels like an upgrade in every single category.
Welcome! It's nice to see more people signing up here already. I bet this place is going to be BUSY by the time the NISMO SUV hits showrooms later this year. Your points are well-taken. The Navigator Black Label is an exceptional vehicle and I agree - a more direct competitor to the QX80 than the Armada or Sequoia. You and I are likely the only ones in this thread truly cross-shopping in the same category.

For me, the distinction comes down to design philosophy. The Navigator, especially in its Black Label themes like "Yacht Club," embraces a very bold, distinctly American form of opulence. It's impressive, there's no denying it. The QX80, however, subscribes to a more restrained, Japanese "Ma" philosophy - the beauty of empty space. The interior feels less like a themed club room and more like a serene, minimalist sanctuary.

It's a matter of taste, not superiority. Do you prefer the bold, expressive luxury of the Lincoln, or the quiet, confident luxury of the Infiniti? For the "Family Dinner" part of the mission, I prefer the latter. It feels more timeless.
 
Hey all. Followed a link from the Lincoln forum. I want to chime in on the luxury side of the American market. QX_Luxury mentioned the Navigator, and BigTex is making a great case for the Expedition. I own a '24 Navigator Black Label, and it accomplishes the "mission" with a style none of the others can match.
  1. The Soccer Run: The 360-degree camera is flawless, but the real showstopper is the presence. It's an occasion every time you pull up.
  2. The Hardware Haul: I have the long-wheelbase "L" model. The cargo area is cavernous and completely flat. I've hauled plenty of things from Home Depot without an issue. The power-folding seats make it effortless.
  3. The Family Dinner: This is where the Navigator is simply untouchable. The Black Label interior, with its themed designs like "Chalet" or "Yacht Club," is on another level. The 30-way adjustable massaging front seats and the Revel Ultima sound system make it a true first-class experience. It feels significantly more special inside than any Infiniti or Lexus, and rivals the Germans.
  4. The Fun Detour: It's not a sports car, but it has the same 440 hp high-output engine as the Expedition Stealth. It's incredibly powerful, and the adaptive suspension provides a ride that is both supremely comfortable and surprisingly controlled.
You get the power and utility of the Expedition, but with an interior and a level of service (like complimentary car washes and a dedicated concierge) that truly competes in the luxury space. For this mission, it's the only one that feels like an upgrade in every single category.
Welcome. I'm glad you brought the Navigator because it perfectly illustrates the value of the NISMO Armada.

A Navigator L Black Label starts at over $120,000. That is an insane amount of money. For that price, you could buy the Armada NISMO (let's guess it'll be around $80k) and still have $40,000 left over.

For $40k, I could buy a pristine used Nissan 370Z for my "fun detour," a small boat for the family, or pay for a decade's worth of family vacations. The idea of having all my eggs in one giant, massaging, themed basket just doesn't make sense. I'd rather have a high-performance SUV that I'm not afraid to use, plus the financial freedom to buy other toys. The NISMO isn't just a vehicle; it's a smarter way to have fun.
 
This has been one of the most helpful discussions I've ever seen on a forum.

@Navigator Black Label's post, while describing an amazing vehicle, has unintentionally helped me narrow my choices. The Navigator and the QX80 are simply in a price stratosphere that I'm not comfortable with for a family vehicle. They are beautiful machines, but the value proposition isn't there for me.

So I'm back to my original dilemma: Sequoia vs. Armada.

This "mission" has made it clear that the Armada NISMO is more versatile for hauling stuff, while the Sequoia TRD Pro is more versatile for hauling people (in terms of ride comfort). And the NISMO is obviously more fun to drive.

I think... I think I'm leaning towards the Armada NISMO. The flat floor is a bigger deal for me than the slightly comfier ride, and if I'm being honest with myself, the "fun detour" part of the mission matters more to me than I was admitting. Thanks everyone, this has been a huge help.
 
This has been one of the most helpful discussions I've ever seen on a forum.

@Navigator Black Label's post, while describing an amazing vehicle, has unintentionally helped me narrow my choices. The Navigator and the QX80 are simply in a price stratosphere that I'm not comfortable with for a family vehicle. They are beautiful machines, but the value proposition isn't there for me.

So I'm back to my original dilemma: Sequoia vs. Armada.

This "mission" has made it clear that the Armada NISMO is more versatile for hauling stuff, while the Sequoia TRD Pro is more versatile for hauling people (in terms of ride comfort). And the NISMO is obviously more fun to drive.

I think... I think I'm leaning towards the Armada NISMO. The flat floor is a bigger deal for me than the slightly comfier ride, and if I'm being honest with myself, the "fun detour" part of the mission matters more to me than I was admitting. Thanks everyone, this has been a huge help.
YES! That's awesome! I think you're making the right call. You're absolutely right. The fun factor is something you get to experience every single day, even on a boring commute. A slightly harsher ride is a small price to pay for a vehicle that actually puts a smile on your face.

This is what I was saying about the community, too. We're starting right here. Once we both get our NISMOs, we should definitely connect. We can be the founding members of the South Florida chapter! We'll have to compare notes on the dealer experience and everything else. This is exciting!
 
This has been one of the most helpful discussions I've ever seen on a forum.

@Navigator Black Label's post, while describing an amazing vehicle, has unintentionally helped me narrow my choices. The Navigator and the QX80 are simply in a price stratosphere that I'm not comfortable with for a family vehicle. They are beautiful machines, but the value proposition isn't there for me.

So I'm back to my original dilemma: Sequoia vs. Armada.

This "mission" has made it clear that the Armada NISMO is more versatile for hauling stuff, while the Sequoia TRD Pro is more versatile for hauling people (in terms of ride comfort). And the NISMO is obviously more fun to drive.

I think... I think I'm leaning towards the Armada NISMO. The flat floor is a bigger deal for me than the slightly comfier ride, and if I'm being honest with myself, the "fun detour" part of the mission matters more to me than I was admitting. Thanks everyone, this has been a huge help.
Congrats on leaning in a direction. Having been stuck in "analysis paralysis" myself, I know how good it feels to finally have a leader in the clubhouse.

You're using logic I can appreciate. A compromised cargo area is a daily frustration for a family, while a "firm ride" is something you get used to, especially if the trade-off is a more engaging drive. It sounds like you've figured out your personal priorities, which is the whole point of these debates. Looking forward to hearing what you ultimately decide.


 
This has been one of the most helpful discussions I've ever seen on a forum.

@Navigator Black Label's post, while describing an amazing vehicle, has unintentionally helped me narrow my choices. The Navigator and the QX80 are simply in a price stratosphere that I'm not comfortable with for a family vehicle. They are beautiful machines, but the value proposition isn't there for me.

So I'm back to my original dilemma: Sequoia vs. Armada.

This "mission" has made it clear that the Armada NISMO is more versatile for hauling stuff, while the Sequoia TRD Pro is more versatile for hauling people (in terms of ride comfort). And the NISMO is obviously more fun to drive.

I think... I think I'm leaning towards the Armada NISMO. The flat floor is a bigger deal for me than the slightly comfier ride, and if I'm being honest with myself, the "fun detour" part of the mission matters more to me than I was admitting. Thanks everyone, this has been a huge help.
Good luck with your choice. It sounds like you've found the right vehicle for your specific mission and budget.

It just goes to show how personal these decisions are. For some, the mission requires the ultimate in space and luxury, and for that, the Navigator and its competitors exist. For others, the mission is about maximizing performance-for-the-dollar, and that's where a vehicle like the Armada NISMO comes in.

It's good to have choices. Enjoy the new ride when you get it.
 
This has been one of the most helpful discussions I've ever seen on a forum.

@Navigator Black Label's post, while describing an amazing vehicle, has unintentionally helped me narrow my choices. The Navigator and the QX80 are simply in a price stratosphere that I'm not comfortable with for a family vehicle. They are beautiful machines, but the value proposition isn't there for me.

So I'm back to my original dilemma: Sequoia vs. Armada.

This "mission" has made it clear that the Armada NISMO is more versatile for hauling stuff, while the Sequoia TRD Pro is more versatile for hauling people (in terms of ride comfort). And the NISMO is obviously more fun to drive.

I think... I think I'm leaning towards the Armada NISMO. The flat floor is a bigger deal for me than the slightly comfier ride, and if I'm being honest with myself, the "fun detour" part of the mission matters more to me than I was admitting. Thanks everyone, this has been a huge help.
Well, I can't say it's the choice I will make, but I respect the process you took to get there. The flat floor is a real advantage; I'll give the new Armada that. Just be ready for those premium fuel fill-ups and the cost of those 22-inch tires. Don't say some of us didn't warn you! Good luck.
 
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