2020 Nissan Altima vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, despite its alien-like exterior design, offered a more appealing look when equipped with SE or XSE trim and the Celestite paint colour. The redesigned model improved its interior quality significantly, replacing cheap plastics with soft-touch surfaces, although the transmission shifter reminded drivers of its economy car status. The Corolla's pricing started at $18,990 for the base L trim with a manual transmission, with the XSE trim reaching $28,490 before fees.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Altima, particularly in the Platinum trim, presented a sleek and refined appearance with 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels. The interior was praised for its ergonomic simplicity and quality materials, although it was limited to black or gray colour schemes. The Altima's pricing began at $30,028, with the Platinum trim capping at $37,028, excluding fees. The car's design was mostly well-received, with only minor styling critiques.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower for the L, LE, and XLE trims, paired with a CVT. The SE and XSE trims featured a more powerful 169-horsepower, 2.0-litre engine, and a more sophisticated CVT with paddle shifters. The Corolla XSE provided a sporty driving experience with a smooth ride, thanks to its independent rear suspension. However, the lack of a turbocharger limited its acceleration capabilities. Fuel efficiency for the XSE was rated at 7.7 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 on the highway.

The 2020 Nissan Altima came with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower, paired with a CVT and standard all-wheel drive. The Altima's ride and handling were enhanced by Intelligent Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control, providing a smooth and stable driving experience. The CVT was designed to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, although it occasionally produced sudden power surges. The Altima's performance was well-suited for a variety of driving conditions.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, while smaller than a Camry, offered adequate space for a family of four. However, the lack of rear air-conditioning vents and USB ports, along with low seating positions, were drawbacks. The trunk provided 371 litres of space, accommodating several pieces of luggage. Interior storage was limited, with small cupholders and few storage bins.

The 2020 Nissan Altima featured NASA-inspired seats for superior comfort, although it lacked a front passenger seat height adjuster and ventilated front seats. Heated front seats and side mirrors were standard, with optional rear air conditioning vents. The Altima offered substantial in-cabin storage and a 436-litre trunk, complete with grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla included the Entune 3.0 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, but not Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen and familiar controls. Higher trims featured an 8-inch display and additional connectivity options. The Entune 3.0 Plus added advanced features, but Android users might find the system lacking.

The 2020 Nissan Altima boasted a nearly perfect infotainment system with an 8-inch display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available features included SiriusXM, navigation, and a Bose audio system. NissanConnect Services offered connected technology with various plans, although the voice recognition system required specific commands.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring advanced driver-assistance systems like pedestrian detection and lane tracing assist. The Corolla received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2020 Nissan Altima included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a driver attention monitor as standard. Higher trims offered additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and ProPilot Assist. The Altima received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.