2020 Nissan Altima vs 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

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 placement and rear diffuser panel, were less appealing. 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 and gray.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta offered a more dramatic and upscale presence with its longer and wider body, featuring a wide, angular grille inspired by the VW Arteon sport sedan. The interior continued this angular design language, creating a spacious and functional cabin. The Jetta's seats were comfortable for long drives, and the layout was practical, with a touchscreen positioned for easy access. The Jetta's design focused on blending functionality with style, offering a more premium feel than its predecessor.

The 2020 Nissan Altima in Canada was powered by a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. This setup aimed to make the Altima more competitive against SUVs. The Altima 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 a smoother experience. The CVT was designed to mimic a traditional automatic, though it could produce sudden power surges.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, regardless of trim, came with a 1.4-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine delivering 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Despite having slightly less horsepower than its predecessor, the engine felt more responsive, aided by an 8-speed automatic transmission that improved power delivery and efficiency. A 6-speed manual transmission was also available on certain trims. The Jetta's steering was well-weighted and precise, offering a smooth and sporty driving experience. The ride was soft over rough roads, and the fuel efficiency was impressive, with minimal difference between manual and automatic transmissions.

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 side mirrors were standard, with an optional heated steering wheel. The Altima offered substantial in-cabin storage but lacked a wireless smartphone charging pad. The trunk space measured 436 litres, with optional grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle for convenience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta provided comfortable front seats and adequate rear-seat legroom and headroom. The trunk space was 399 litres, average for its class. The touchscreen was positioned above the climate vents for easy access, and the shifter placement allowed for a larger centre tray. The Jetta's layout emphasized practicality, with a blend of touchscreen functions and physical buttons and dials.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's infotainment system featured an 8-inch display with stereo volume and tuning knobs, offering Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available features included SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and a 9-speaker Bose audio system. NissanConnect Services provided connected services technology, with various plans offering features like automatic collision notification and emergency calling. The voice recognition system, however, required specific commands for desired results.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Execline trim featured Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a full-colour digital display that could be personalized to show various information, including navigation.

The 2020 Nissan Altima offered a range 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 driver assistance technology, was available but proved difficult to trust. The Altima received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta included front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Jetta received a Good rating in IIHS crash tests but lacked a Top Safety Pick due to its headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star safety rating.