2021 Nissan Altima vs 2020 Toyota Camry

When the 2020 Toyota Camry aimed to restore its former glory, it did so with an emphasis on quality and appeal. The generation before had felt cheaper and outdated compared to its competitors like the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. But with renewed attention to detail, the Camry established itself anew. The styling of the 2020 version was expressive, with a bold front fascia and taut lines that provided a sporty look, even without the TRD model's wing and aerodynamic body kit. It borrowed elements from BMW's design, like the character line across the doors and the upturned kink of the C-pillar, offering a sense of sportiness.

The material quality inside was impressive, especially with uniformly nice materials and a driver-focused dashboard. The TRD model featured red trim accents, including seatbelts that invoked the sports car feel of a Porsche or a Ferrari. The higher trims, with their leather and wood, aimed to provide an experience on par with an entry-level Lexus. Despite these luxuries, the Camry was reasonably priced, starting at $25,380.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Altima showcased a strong family design identity with its V-Motion grille, which varied between chrome and dark chrome depending on the trim. The Altima's overall shape was attractive with a sloping, coupe-like roofline, giving it a sleek profile. The design relied more on folds than curves, imparting a taut essence to the body. Although some might have found its proportions a bit old-fashioned, modern elements like standard LED lighting and alloy wheels from 16-19 inches kept the look fresh.

Interior quality in the Altima was exceptional, particularly the paint and chrome details. With nine exterior colors, each with descriptive names like "Scarlet Ember Tinticoat" and "Sunset Drift ChromaFlair," the Altima allowed for personalized styling. The dash was laid out intelligently with an 8-inch touchscreen on most models, while base models got a 5-inch screen. Stitching on higher trims added a touch of luxury, enhancing the overall feel of the cabin.

The 2020 Toyota Camry offered four powertrains: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with FWD or AWD, a 3.5-liter V6 with FWD, and a hybrid powertrain. The 3.5-liter V6 delivered 301 hp and was well-paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a smooth and powerful driving experience. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivered 203 hp (206 hp in XSE trim), and its lighter front end contributed to a more engaging driving dynamic, particularly in the sporty XSE trim.

The Camry TRD featured a specially-tuned suspension and beefed up brakes, catering to those seeking a firmer, more responsive drive. AWD models, borrowing technology from the RAV4, could send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels under slippery conditions. This didn’t compromise trunk space or passenger volume, a thoughtful redesign that balanced performance with practicality. Fuel economy was competitive, especially for the four-cylinder models, with a combined rating of 31 mpg for FWD and 28 mpg for AWD.

On the 2021 Nissan Altima, two key powertrain options defined its performance. Most trims came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Xtronic CVT. This setup offered good fuel efficiency, rated at 32 mpg combined for FWD and 29 mpg combined for AWD. The AWD system, which was front-biased but could send up to 50% torque to the rear wheels, improved traction under less optimal road conditions.

The standout engine was the VC-Turbo, available only on the SR VC-Turbo trim. This 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine offered 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, with the ability to adapt compression ratios dynamically. This resulted in a lively performance while maintaining efficiency, with a combined fuel economy rating of 29 mpg. The Altima’s lightweight construction and sport-tuned suspension made it an engaging drive, though the difference between standard and sport suspensions wasn't significantly noticeable in everyday driving.

The 2020 Toyota Camry excelled in user-friendly design. Legroom and hip room in the front increased from its predecessor, making it comfortable for the driver and front passenger. Most controls were logically placed, including a pair of cupholders, a cell phone tray, and a reasonably sized storage bin in the center console. However, rear-seat legroom reduced, offering less space compared to rivals like the Honda Accord. The trunk, at 15.1 cubic feet, was smaller than many competitors, providing just enough space for daily needs but less flexibility for larger items.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity front seats, known for their comfort on long drives. Higher trim levels offered power adjustments, memory functions, leather upholstery, and seat heating. The cabin provided ample storage options, including a large glovebox, center console storage bin, cupholders, and door pockets. The rear seat was spacious enough for two adults or even three for shorter distances, with a 60/40 split folding to maximize cargo flexibility. The trunk provided 15.4 cubic feet of space, slightly larger than the Camry, giving it an edge in cargo capacity.

In 2020, Toyota enhanced the Camry's tech features, adding Android Auto to its lineup to complement existing Apple CarPlay support. Though the standard infotainment system felt somewhat dated, it was functional with a quick and responsive touchscreen. Hard buttons provided easy access to key functions, making it user-friendly. The standard screen size was 7 inches, with an optional upgrade to an 8-inch screen. Most models included USB-A ports for charging and an optional Qi wireless charging pad, though USB-C was notably absent.

The 2021 Nissan Altima included robust tech features across its lineup. Standard equipment on all models included Nissan Intelligent Key with pushbutton start, Bluetooth, cruise control, home-link, rear-view camera, Siri Eyes Free, and Google Assistant Voice Recognition. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on all trims except the base S. The Altima's infotainment system featured a 7-inch screen on the base model and an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen on others. Higher trims offered multiple USB ports, including USB-C, and a premium Bose audio system. Nissan Door to Door Navigation with a five-year trial of Premium Traffic was standard on the Platinum and optional on other trims. The inclusion of Active Noise Cancellation further improved cabin comfort for models with the VC-Turbo engine.