2021 Toyota Camry 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 choices, like the placement of door handles and the body-colour diffuser panel, were less appealing. Inside, the Altima boasted a clean and contemporary design with an ergonomic layout. The infotainment system was user-friendly, and the materials used were on par with other midsize sedans, though limited to black or grey colour schemes.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Camry aimed to break away from its traditionally conservative design with more dynamic styling elements. While features like flared wheel arches and thin headlights added a sporty touch, the SE and XSE trims were criticized for excessive fake vents. The interior mirrored the exterior's chaotic styling, with a mix of trim elements that lacked a cohesive theme. Despite this, the Camry offered comfortable seating and excellent outward visibility, though front headroom and legroom were slightly compromised.

The 2020 Nissan Altima 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 (AWD). This setup aimed to make the Altima more competitive against SUVs. The car featured a strut front, multi-link rear suspension, and dual-pinion electric steering, contributing to its impressive ride and handling. Intelligent Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control further enhanced the driving experience, although the CVT's power delivery was unique and might not appeal to everyone.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering up to 206 horsepower in the XSE trim. The Camry also provided a 3.5-litre V6 with 301 horsepower and a hybrid option with 208 horsepower. The SE Nightshade Edition, with its base four-cylinder engine and AWD, surprised with its sporty performance and responsive handling. The Camry's chassis tuning balanced ride quality and handling, making it enjoyable to drive. The TRD package, available with the V6, added performance enhancements for those seeking a sportier experience.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's interior was designed for comfort, with NASA-inspired seats providing a sensation of weightlessness. However, the lack of a front passenger seat height adjuster and ventilated front seats was a drawback. The Altima offered heated front seats, side mirrors, and an optional heated steering wheel. Trunk space measured 436 litres, with practical features like grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle.

The 2021 Toyota Camry provided generous rear headroom and legroom, though front space was slightly limited. The front seats were adjustable and comfortable, with excellent visibility. Cargo space was 428 litres, slightly less than the Altima. In-cabin storage was limited, with small cupholders and door bottle holders. The Camry featured analog controls for essential functions, though some were a long reach from the driver's seat.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's infotainment system featured an 8-inch display with physical and virtual 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, though voice recognition could be improved.

The 2021 Toyota Camry came with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a JBL audio system. The infotainment system was functional but lacked standout features. USB ports and a 12-volt outlet were standard, but additional plug-in options were not available on higher trims.

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

The 2021 Toyota Camry earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a 5-star NHTSA rating. The TSS 2.5+ package included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and more. New features like Rear Seat Reminder aimed to prevent leaving children or pets unattended. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available as options.