2021 Nissan Altima vs 2020 Subaru WRX

The 2020 Subaru WRX, originally a performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, evolved into its own model by 2015. By 2020, it retained its aggressive styling with a wider stance, lower front splitter, rear deck spoiler, and functional air intake. The WRX STI variant added even more aerodynamic components, making it the most aggressively styled vehicle in Subaru's lineup. Despite its sporty exterior, the non-STI version maintained a somewhat understated look, surprising those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities. The interior, however, was considered a bit plain for a new car in 2021.

The WRX offered three trim levels: Base, Premium, and Limited. The Base trim included 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium trim added 18-inch wheels, fog lights, and a larger 7-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim featured leather upholstery and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The WRX STI, available in STI and STI Limited trims, came with 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and advanced safety features.

The 2021 Nissan Altima showcased Nissan's family identity with its bold V-Motion grille, available in chrome or dark chrome. Its sleek, aerodynamic profile featured a sloping roofline and taut body lines, though its stance appeared slightly old-fashioned due to its short dash-to-axle distance. Modern touches like LED lighting and alloy wheels kept its look contemporary. The Altima's fit and finish were exceptional, with deep lustrous paint and rich chrome details. It offered nine exterior colors, some with premium pricing.

Inside, the Altima's dashboard was uncluttered and intelligently laid out, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display. The instrument panel featured a cowl to reduce glare. While the base model felt stripped-down, higher trims improved with better materials and added stitching. The Altima's interior was a testament to getting what you pay for, offering a comfortable and well-appointed cabin.

The 2020 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, producing 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 CVT included Subaru’s SI-DRIVE with multiple drive modes and paddle shifters. The manual transmission provided a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution, while the CVT offered a 45:55 split. 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-liter turbocharged engine with 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque, along with Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension. This made the STI even more agile in corners, though it came with a rougher ride. The WRX's handling was precise, with no body lean, but the ride could be jarring on imperfect roads.

The 2021 Nissan Altima offered two distinct powertrains. Most models featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The AWD system could send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels. Fuel economy was 28 mpg city/39 mpg highway/32 mpg combined for FWD, and 25 mpg city/35 mpg highway/29 mpg combined for AWD.

The Altima SR VC-Turbo trim featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with variable compression, producing 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine offered a lively performance, with fuel economy rated at 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/29 mpg combined. The Altima's suspension provided a comfortable ride, though the sport-tuned suspension on the VC-Turbo model didn't feel significantly different. The electric-powered steering offered decent feedback and feel.

The 2020 Subaru WRX's sedan layout provided excellent sightlines, with good rear and side visibility. The large windshield and slanted hood ensured terrific forward visibility. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage. The WRX offered plenty of first-row seating space and adequate rear-seat space for adults on short trips. However, its 12 cubic feet of cargo space was limited compared to other compact sedans, though similar to other sports cars.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity front seats, which were comfortable even on long drives. Upper trims offered power adjustment, position memory, leather appointments, and heated seats. The front cabin had ample storage, including a large glovebox, center console storage bin, and door pockets. The second row was roomy for two adults, with a 60/40 split-folding seat for trunk access. The trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an available 7-inch screen. The Starlink infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and was easy to use. The WRX also featured a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information.

The 2021 Nissan Altima included standard tech features like Nissan Intelligent Key with pushbutton start, remote engine start, Bluetooth, and a rear-view camera. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on all but the base S model. The base touchscreen was 7 inches, with an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen on higher trims. The Altima also offered a Bose audio system, Active Noise Cancellation, and Nissan Door to Door Navigation on upper trims.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features was available, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned top marks from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, standard on SV and above trims. This included automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and high-beam assist. ProPilot Assist was available for highway driving assistance. The Altima also offered an Intelligent Around View Monitor on upper trims. It received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick + rating from the IIHS.