2021 Nissan Sentra 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, although some design elements, like the door handle alignment and rear diffuser panel, could have been improved. Inside, the Altima boasted a clean and contemporary design with an ergonomic layout. The infotainment system was conveniently placed high on the dashboard, and the climate controls were straightforward. The interior materials were on par with the midsize sedan segment, featuring matte chrome detailing and simulated wood trim, though colour options were limited to black or gray.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Sentra showcased an athletic exterior with crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille. It offered a variety of paint colours, including vibrant options like Monarch Orange Metallic and Electric Blue. The Sentra's design was further accentuated by its bulging hood, fast roofline, and muscular wheel arches. Inside, the Sentra featured a layered dash with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on SV and SR trims. The interior was practical, with a flat-bottomed steering wheel and spacious second-row seating. The Sentra's trunk offered 404 litres of cargo space, and the rear seats could fold down for additional storage.

The 2020 Nissan Altima in Canada was powered by a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine producing up to 188 horsepower, paired with a CVT and standard all-wheel drive. This setup aimed to make the Altima more competitive against SUVs. The car featured a strut front, multi-link rear suspension, 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 smoother handling. The CVT was designed to mimic a traditional automatic, though it could produce sudden power surges.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine delivering 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It featured front-wheel drive with an Xtronic CVT, with manual transmission options available for certain trims. The Sentra's lightweight design contributed to its adequate performance for city driving. Fuel consumption was efficient, with figures ranging from 8.0 to 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, depending on the model and transmission. The Sentra's suspension and steering provided tidy road manners and enjoyable cornering, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

The 2020 Nissan Altima offered NASA-inspired seats for superior comfort, though it lacked a front passenger seat height adjuster and ventilated front seats. Heated front seats and side mirrors were standard, with optional heated steering wheel and rear air conditioning vents. The Altima provided substantial in-cabin storage but lacked a wireless smartphone charging pad. The trunk offered 436 litres of space, with optional grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle for convenience.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured well-placed interior elements, including an infotainment touchscreen and traditional gear selector. It offered ample storage with big door pockets and a large glove compartment. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort for long rides, and heated front seats were standard. The SR Premium grade included a power-adjustable driver's seat and a power-sliding glass moonroof. The Sentra's trunk could hold up to 404 litres of cargo, with a 60/40 split rear seat for additional space.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's infotainment system featured an 8-inch display with physical and virtual buttons for easy navigation. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available features like SiriusXM, navigation, and a Bose audio system. NissanConnect Services offered connected technology with various plans, though the voice recognition system could be improved.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's standard audio system started with a basic setup, upgraded to a premium Bose system in the SR Premium. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The SV and SR trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, though navigation was not available. The Sentra relied on smartphone apps for navigation and other functions.

The 2020 Nissan Altima came with standard safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims included pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and more. ProPilot Assist offered semi-autonomous driving technology, though it was not entirely reliable. The Altima received a 5-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra offered a comprehensive safety package, including advanced airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. It featured intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Sentra received a 5-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.