2021 Nissan Altima vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, with its redesigned exterior, was not initially celebrated for its aesthetics, often compared to a less-than-appealing alien visage. However, when equipped with the SE or XSE trim and the Celestite paint color, the Corolla transformed into a more attractive compact sedan. The interior saw significant improvements, with Toyota replacing the previous model's cheap plastics with soft-touch surfaces, enhancing the perceived quality. Despite these upgrades, the Corolla's transmission shifter reminded drivers of its economy car roots, lacking the solid feel found in competitors like Hyundai or Kia. The Corolla's pricing started at $19,600, with various trims available, including a hybrid version promising 52 mpg in combined driving.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Altima boasted a strong family identity with its bold V-Motion grille and sleek, aerodynamic profile. The Altima's design was modern, with standard LED lighting and wheel options ranging from 16-inch steel to 19-inch alloy. The fit and finish were exceptional, with a variety of exterior colors available, some at a premium cost. Inside, the Altima featured an uncluttered dashboard with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display, offering a user-friendly experience. The interior materials improved with higher trims, providing a more luxurious feel. The Altima's design, while slightly old-fashioned, remained contemporary and appealing.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower for its L, LE, and XLE trims, paired with a CVT and 16-inch wheels. The SE and XSE trims provided a more exciting 169-hp, 2.0-liter engine, a sophisticated CVT with paddle shifters, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Corolla XSE's driving dynamics were well-tuned, offering a smooth ride with its independent rear suspension. However, the lack of power, especially in dynamic driving situations, was a drawback. The Corolla XSE struggled with acceleration, particularly when passing or climbing. Fuel economy was decent, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg city, 38 highway, and 34 combined, though real-world testing showed slightly lower results.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured a 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT. It offered FWD as standard, with AWD available. The fuel economy was 28 mpg city, 39 highway, and 32 combined for FWD, and slightly lower for AWD. The standout was the VC-Turbo engine in the SR VC-Turbo trim, delivering 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a lively performance, with a fuel economy of 25 mpg city, 34 highway, and 29 combined. The Altima's suspension and steering offered decent feedback, making it an engaging drive.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, despite being a compact car, offered a spacious interior, officially rated as midsize by the EPA. However, the lack of rear air-conditioning vents and USB ports was a downside, especially during hot weather. The front seats were comfortable, but the low seating position was not favored by all. Storage space was limited, with small cupholders and few storage bins. The trunk offered 13.1 cubic feet of space, accommodating several bags and a compact stroller.

The 2021 Nissan Altima excelled in comfort with its Zero Gravity front seats, praised for their long-distance comfort. The front cabin provided ample storage, including a large glovebox and center console. The second row was roomy, with a 60/40 split for trunk access. The trunk itself offered 15.4 cubic feet of space, accommodating a significant amount of luggage.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came with the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay but lacking Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen and familiar controls. Various trials for navigation and connectivity services were available, though the standard setup sufficed for most users.

The 2021 Nissan Altima included a comprehensive set of tech features as standard, such as Nissan Intelligent Key, remote engine start, and Bluetooth. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on most trims. The infotainment system featured a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the model, with additional USB ports and a Bose audio system on higher trims. The Altima also offered advanced navigation and connectivity services with trial periods.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like pedestrian detection, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. The system was generally refined, though the lane-departure warning was considered irritating. The Corolla received a 5-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist was available for highway driving assistance. The Altima also offered an Intelligent Around View Monitor for easier parking. It received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick + rating from the IIHS.