2020 Subaru WRX vs 2020 Nissan Altima

The 2020 Nissan Altima, available in Canada in S, SV, and Platinum trims, presented a sleek and modern design, especially in its Platinum variant. The car's exterior was enhanced by 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels, contributing to its appealing aesthetics. Despite a few design quirks, such as the placement of door handles and the rear diffuser panel, the Altima's interior was praised for its ergonomic simplicity and quality materials. The dashboard featured a high-mounted touchscreen infotainment system with user-friendly controls, while the interior was dressed in matte chrome and simulated wood trim, available only in black or gray.

In contrast, the 2020 Subaru WRX was a performance-oriented vehicle with a distinctively aggressive style, featuring a wider stance, lower front splitter, and a functional air intake. The WRX's design was unmistakably Subaru, with sporty elements that appealed to enthusiasts. The interior, while straightforward, offered practicality with easy-to-use controls and ample storage. The WRX provided sufficient space for front-row occupants and adequate rear-seat room for adults, although its 340-litre cargo capacity was modest compared to other compact sedans.

The 2020 Nissan Altima in Canada was powered by a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine producing up to 188 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. This setup aimed to enhance the Altima's appeal against SUV competitors. The Altima's ride and handling were commendable, thanks to features like Intelligent Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control, which improved ride quality and cornering. The CVT was designed to mimic a traditional automatic, though it occasionally produced sudden power surges.

The 2020 Subaru WRX, on the other hand, boasted a turbocharged 2.0-litre boxer-four engine delivering 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It came with a standard 6-speed manual transmission, with an optional CVT featuring Subaru’s SI-DRIVE and paddle shifters. The WRX's symmetrical all-wheel drive system varied based on transmission choice, offering different torque distributions. The manual transmission provided a more engaging driving experience, with precise feedback and minimal turbo lag. The WRX excelled in cornering, with precise steering and minimal body lean, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The WRX STI variant offered even more power and sharper handling, though at the cost of a stiffer ride.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's interior was designed for comfort, with NASA-inspired seats providing a sensation of weightlessness. However, it lacked a front passenger seat height adjuster and ventilated front seats. Standard features included heated front seats and side mirrors, with optional dual-zone climate control. The Altima offered substantial in-cabin storage but lacked a wireless charging pad. Its trunk space measured 436 litres, with practical features like grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle.

The 2020 Subaru WRX offered excellent visibility, thanks to its simple sedan layout and large windows. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage. The WRX provided generous front-row space and adequate rear-seat room for adults, though its 340-litre cargo capacity was limited compared to other compact sedans.

The 2020 Nissan Altima featured a nearly perfect infotainment system with an 8-inch display, stereo knobs, and physical buttons for easy navigation. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with available options like SiriusXM, navigation, and a Bose audio system. NissanConnect Services offered connected technology with various plans, though the voice recognition system required specific commands.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came with a 6.5-inch or 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, featuring the Starlink system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly and didn't overwhelm with excessive tech. The WRX also had a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information.

The 2020 Nissan Altima offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and more. ProPilot Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous system, was available but proved difficult to trust. The Altima received a 5-star NHTSA rating and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The optional EyeSight suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The WRX earned top marks from the IIHS and a 5-star NHTSA rating.