2021 Nissan Altima vs 2020 Nissan Altima

The 2020 Nissan Altima, available in Canada in S, SV, and Platinum trims, presented a sleek and modern design. The Platinum trim, priced at $37,028 before fees, featured 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels that enhanced its aesthetic appeal. The redesign from the previous year had refined the car's styling, though some details, like the door handle alignment and rear diffuser panel, were less than perfect. Inside, the Altima boasted a clean and contemporary design with an intuitive layout. The infotainment system was user-friendly, and the materials used were on par with other midsize sedans, though colour options were limited to black and gray.

The 2021 Nissan Altima continued the brand's strong family identity with its bold V-Motion grille and sleek, aerodynamic profile. The car's design was modern, with standard LED lighting and alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches. Despite its slightly old-fashioned stance due to the short dash-to-axle distance, the Altima's fit and finish were exceptional, with deep lustrous paint and rich chrome details. The interior was intelligently laid out, with an 8-inch touchscreen display and improved materials as you moved up the trim levels. The Altima offered six exterior colours, each with unique names, adding a touch of personality to the vehicle.

The 2020 Nissan Altima in Canada was equipped with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). This setup aimed to make the Altima more competitive against SUVs by eliminating the front-wheel drive option. The suspension system included a strut front and multi-link rear, with dual-pinion electric steering and 4-wheel-disc brakes. The ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control, which adjusted engine torque and applied brakes for a smoother experience. The CVT mimicked a traditional automatic transmission, though it could produce sudden power surges.

In 2021, the Altima retained the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The Xtronic CVT and standard AWD, which could send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels, provided a balanced driving experience. Fuel consumption ratings were competitive, with the base model achieving 9.1 L/100 km city and 6.5 highway. The suspension system remained consistent with the previous year, offering a comfortable ride with decent steering feedback.

The 2020 Altima's seats were designed with NASA-inspired technology for comfort, though the lack of a front passenger seat height adjuster and ventilated front seats was a drawback. Heated front seats and side mirrors were standard, with an optional heated steering wheel. The car offered substantial in-cabin storage, though it lacked a wireless charging pad. The trunk space was average for its class at 436 litres, with optional grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle for convenience.

In 2021, the Altima's Zero Gravity front seats provided exceptional comfort, making long drives enjoyable. Power adjustment and front seat heating were standard, with additional features like position memory and leather appointments on the Platinum grade. The cabin offered ample storage, including a large glovebox, centre console storage, and door pockets. The rear seats were spacious, with a 60/40 split for trunk access, and the trunk maintained its 436-litre capacity.

The 2020 Altima featured an 8-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available upgrades included SiriusXM, a navigation system, and a Bose audio system. NissanConnect Services offered connected services technology, with a free trial period for various plans. The system's voice recognition technology required specific commands, which could be improved.

In 2021, the Altima came standard with keyless entry, remote engine start, and an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 7-inch Drive-Assist display. SiriusXM was standard on all but the base model, and a Bose audio system was included on the Platinum. NissanConnect Services offered a trial period for various packages, including WiFi hotspot and emergency crash notification.

The 2020 Altima's base S trim included forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, with additional safety features on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous technology, was available but proved difficult to trust. The Altima received a 5-star safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.

In 2021, the Altima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, a comprehensive suite of safety features standard on all models. ProPilot Assist was available on the Platinum grade, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane intervention. The Intelligent Around View Monitor aided parking. The Altima received a 5-star safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick + from IIHS.