2021 Nissan Altima vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, with its redesigned exterior, was not considered particularly attractive, resembling a modern Toyota's typical alien-like design. However, when equipped with SE or XSE trim and the Celestite paint colour, it presented a more appealing compact sedan look. The interior quality saw significant improvements, with soft-touch surfaces replacing the previously cheap plastics, although the transmission shifter reminded drivers of its economy car status. The Corolla's pricing started at $18,990, with various trims offering different features and power levels, including a hybrid option for those prioritizing fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Nissan Altima showcased a strong family identity with its bold V-Motion grille and sleek, aerodynamic profile. Its design included modern features like LED lighting and alloy wheels, maintaining a contemporary look despite some old-fashioned elements. The Altima's fit and finish were exceptional, with a range of exterior colours available. Inside, the dashboard was uncluttered, featuring a standard 8-inch touchscreen display. While the base model felt basic, higher trims offered improved materials and features, providing a more luxurious experience.

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 and 16-inch wheels. The SE and XSE trims featured a more powerful 169-horsepower, 2.0-litre engine, a sophisticated CVT with paddle shifters, and 18-inch alloy wheels. 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 was rated at 7.7 L/100 km city, 6.1 highway, and 7.0 combined, with real-world testing averaging 7.9 L/100 km.

The 2021 Nissan Altima in Canada came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an Xtronic CVT. Notably, it featured standard all-wheel drive, enhancing its appeal in the Canadian market. The Altima's fuel consumption ratings were 9.1 L/100 km city, 6.5 highway, and 7.9 combined for the base model. The Altima's suspension setup provided a comfortable ride, and its electric-powered steering offered decent feedback.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, while smaller than a Camry, accommodated a family of four for various trips. However, the lack of rear air-conditioning vents and USB ports, along with the low seating position, were drawbacks. The interior offered limited storage, and the trunk space measured 371 litres, sufficient for several bags. The Corolla's interior was comfortable for the driver, but taller passengers might find headroom lacking.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity front seats, praised for their comfort on long drives. The front cabin offered ample storage and convenience features, while the rear seats provided good headroom and legroom. The trunk capacity was 436 litres, accommodating a significant amount of cargo. The Altima's interior was well-equipped, with features improving as you moved up the trim levels.

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 offered additional features like advanced voice recognition and satellite radio trials. However, Android users might find the lack of compatibility limiting.

The 2021 Nissan Altima came with a comprehensive tech package, including keyless entry, remote start, Bluetooth, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen and 7-inch Drive-Assist display were standard, along with multiple USB ports. Higher trims featured additional services like navigation and a Bose audio system, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a suite of driver-assistance systems, including pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane tracing assist. The Corolla received a 5-star safety rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by IIHS.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, providing a comprehensive set of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-departure warning. The Platinum grade offered ProPilot Assist for enhanced highway driving assistance. The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick + rating from IIHS.