2021 Nissan Altima vs 2020 Subaru WRX

The 2020 Subaru WRX, originally a performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, had evolved into its own distinct model by 2015. By 2020, it retained its aggressive styling with a wider stance, lower front splitter, and a functional air intake, making it the most boldly styled vehicle in Subaru's lineup. Despite its sporty exterior, the WRX's cabin was considered somewhat plain for a new car in 2021. The WRX offered various trims in Canada, including the base, Sport, Sport-tech, and Sport-tech RS, each with a range of features from manual transmission and heated seats to advanced infotainment systems and Brembo brakes.

The 2021 Nissan Altima showcased Nissan's strong family identity with its bold V-Motion grille and sleek, aerodynamic profile. Its styling was modern, with standard LED lighting and alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches. The Altima's fit and finish were exceptional, with deep lustrous paint and rich chrome details. Inside, the Altima featured an uncluttered dashboard with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display, offering a comfortable and convenient driving experience. The interior materials improved with higher trims, adding a touch of luxury to the cabin.

The 2020 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre boxer-four engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured symmetrical all-wheel drive and a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional CVT. The manual transmission provided a 50:50 front-to-rear torque distribution, while the CVT offered a 45:55 split, making it more responsive. The WRX's power delivery was impressive, with minimal turbo lag and precise steering, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The WRX STI variant boasted a 2.5-litre engine with 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, along with Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension for enhanced cornering abilities.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT. It came standard with all-wheel drive, a rarity among mid-size sedans in Canada. The AWD system was front-wheel biased but could send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels when needed. The Altima's fuel consumption was efficient, with ratings of 9.1 L/100 km city and 6.5 highway for the base model. The Altima's suspension and steering provided decent feedback, making it a comfortable and capable family sedan.

The 2020 Subaru WRX offered excellent visibility with its simple sedan layout, large windshield, and slanted hood. The cabin was practical, with a straightforward dash layout and ample storage. The first-row seating provided plenty of space, while the rear seats were adequate for adults on short trips. The WRX's cargo space was 340 litres, which was modest compared to other compact sedans but comparable to sports cars.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan's Zero Gravity front seats, praised for their comfort on long drives. The front cabin offered ample storage, including a large glovebox, centre console bin, and door pockets. The rear seats were roomy, with enough headroom and legroom for two adults, and the trunk provided 436 litres of cargo space. The rear seats folded flat in a 60/40 split, allowing for additional storage flexibility.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came with a 6.5-inch or 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, featuring the Starlink system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly and provided essential tech features without overwhelming the driver. The WRX also included a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash for key driver information.

The 2021 Nissan Altima offered a comprehensive suite of tech features, including keyless entry, pushbutton start, remote engine start, and Bluetooth connectivity. All models came with an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims included SiriusXM satellite radio, a Bose audio system, and Nissan Door to Door Navigation. The Altima also featured NissanConnect Services with various trial packages for added convenience.

The 2020 Subaru WRX was equipped with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features was available, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The WRX earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious drivers.

The 2021 Nissan Altima came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, and more. The Platinum grade featured ProPilot Assist for enhanced highway driving assistance. The Altima also offered an Intelligent Around View Monitor for easier parking. It received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick + rating from the IIHS.