2021 Toyota Prius vs 2020 Nissan Altima

The 2020 Nissan Altima, particularly in its Platinum trim, presented a sleek and modern design. Equipped with 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels, the Altima Platinum was visually appealing, though some design elements like the door handle placement and rear diffuser panel color were questionable. Inside, the Altima boasted a clean and contemporary interior with an ergonomic layout. The infotainment system was user-friendly, featuring a high-mounted touchscreen with stereo knobs, and the climate controls were straightforward. The materials used in the cabin were on par with other midsize sedans, with matte chrome detailing and simulated wood trim adding a touch of elegance.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Prius maintained its iconic boomerang-shaped design, which, while distinctive, was not universally praised. The interior was unconventional, with a central strip of displays and a dashboard-mounted transmission toggle. The Prius offered a range of trims, including the 2020 Edition with blacked-out trim, and provided options for AWD-e. Despite its quirky design, the Prius was practical, offering the utility of a five-door hatchback with ample cargo space. Prices ranged from $24,525 to $32,650, with the test vehicle priced at $31,295.

The 2020 Nissan Altima offered a choice between a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the latter providing up to 248 horsepower on premium fuel. This VC-Turbo engine, exclusive to the SR and Platinum trims, delivered a satisfying driving experience with its quick and responsive performance. The Altima's ride and handling were impressive, thanks to features like Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control. The CVT was designed to mimic a traditional automatic, though it occasionally produced sudden power surges. The Altima averaged 26.2 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA's 29 mpg estimate.

The 2021 Toyota Prius prioritized fuel efficiency, with the L Eco version achieving up to 56 mpg in combined driving. The Prius 2020 Edition, however, averaged 47.5 mpg, falling short of EPA estimates. The Prius combined a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with a 53-kilowatt electric motor, producing a total of 121 horsepower. While not powerful, the Prius offered electric-only driving at low speeds and various driving modes to enhance efficiency. The TNGA platform provided a lower center of gravity, allowing the Prius to handle curvy roads with some enthusiasm, though it was not particularly engaging to drive.

The 2020 Nissan Altima featured NASA-inspired seats for superior comfort, though it lacked a front passenger seat height adjuster and ventilated front seats. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were available, but not for the rear seats. The Altima offered substantial in-cabin storage and a 15.4 cubic-foot trunk with optional grocery bag hooks. However, it lacked a wireless smartphone charging pad.

The 2021 Toyota Prius, despite its compact appearance, offered a spacious interior with room for five. The test vehicle included an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seats provided adequate space for adults, though they lacked air-conditioning vents. Cargo space varied by trim, with up to 27.4 cubic feet available behind the rear seats and up to 50.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's infotainment system was nearly perfect, featuring an 8-inch display with physical and virtual buttons for easy navigation. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with options for a Bose audio system and NissanConnect Services. The system's voice recognition required specific commands, which could be improved.

The 2021 Toyota Prius featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Limited trim offered a 10-speaker JBL sound system and a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen, though it lacked Android Auto. The digital instrumentation was dated, and the sound quality was poor, especially on the highway.

The 2020 Nissan Altima came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims included pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, and more. ProPilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving aid, was available but not entirely reliable. The Altima received a 5-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota Prius included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 as standard, with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring. While effective, the lane-keeping systems affected steering feel. Safety Connect services were standard for three years. The Prius had favorable IIHS ratings but lacked an NHTSA rating for 2021.