2021 Nissan Altima vs 2021 Honda Accord

The 2021 Honda Accord was a staple in the midsize sedan market, known for its stylish yet practical design. Honda refreshed the Accord for 2021, introducing a wider, restyled grille that gave the car a more sculpted appearance. The Accord's LED headlights and lowlights provided excellent visibility, while the new alloy wheel designs added a touch of sophistication. The interior was equally impressive, with high-quality materials and a range of features that made it a comfortable and enjoyable ride. The Accord's cabin was spacious, offering ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, and the trunk provided a generous 473 litres of cargo space.

The 2021 Nissan Altima, on the other hand, boasted a sleek, aerodynamic profile with its coupe-like roofline and bold V-Motion grille. The Altima's design was modern, with standard LED lighting and alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches. Inside, the Altima featured Nissan's Zero Gravity front seats, which were praised for their comfort on long drives. The cabin offered plenty of storage options, including a large glovebox and centre console storage bin. The rear seats were spacious, with enough room for two adults or three for shorter trips, and the trunk provided 436 litres of cargo space. The Altima's interior was well-equipped with convenience features, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Honda Accord offered two engine options, catering to different driving preferences. The standard engine was a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder, delivering 192 pound-feet of torque and paired with a CVT. This engine was available on the SE, Sport, EX-L, and Touring trims. For those seeking more power, the Accord Sport 2.0 and Touring 2.0 featured a 2.0-litre turbo-four engine, producing 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Accord's fuel economy varied depending on the engine, with the 1.5-litre engine achieving 7.2 to 7.5 L/100 km combined, while the 2.0-litre engine consumed 9.1 L/100 km combined. The Accord's driving dynamics were engaging, with smooth braking and responsive steering, although it lacked the athleticism of some competitors.

The 2021 Nissan Altima in Canada came with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT. A standout feature of the Altima was its standard all-wheel drive, which provided added traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. The Altima's fuel consumption was rated at 7.9 to 8.1 L/100 km combined, depending on the trim level. The Altima's suspension system, featuring McPherson struts in the front and a multi-link rear, offered a comfortable ride, while the electric-powered steering provided decent feedback. However, the Altima's performance was more about comfort and stability than sporty driving dynamics.

The 2021 Honda Accord was designed with practicality in mind, offering a spacious and comfortable interior for five passengers. The front seats provided ample headroom and legroom, while the rear seats were equally accommodating. The Accord came with a range of standard convenience features, including dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and push-button start. The rear seats featured a 60/40 split, allowing for easy access to the trunk, which offered 473 litres of cargo space. The cabin layout was intuitive, with all essential controls within easy reach of the driver, and the infotainment system was easily accessible for both the driver and front passenger.

The 2021 Nissan Altima's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with Nissan's Zero Gravity front seats providing excellent support on long journeys. The front cabin offered plenty of storage options, including a large glovebox, centre console storage bin, and door pockets. The rear seats were spacious, with enough room for two adults or three for shorter trips, and the trunk provided 436 litres of cargo space. The Altima's interior was well-equipped with convenience features, making it a practical choice for families. The rear seats also featured a 60/40 split, allowing for easy access to the trunk.

The 2021 Honda Accord was well-equipped with technology, featuring an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with physical volume and tuning knobs. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Higher trims added features like satellite radio, a wireless phone charger, a 10-speaker premium audio system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Touring and Touring 2.0 trims came with an onboard navigation system, rain-sensing wipers, and a head-up display, providing a comprehensive suite of tech features for drivers.

The 2021 Nissan Altima also offered a robust set of tech features, with an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen infotainment system and a 7-inch advanced Drive-Assist display. Standard features included Nissan Intelligent Key keyless entry, remote engine start, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added SiriusXM satellite radio, a Bose audio system, and Nissan Door to Door Navigation. The Altima also offered NissanConnect Services, providing a range of connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and emergency crash notification.

The 2021 Honda Accord was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including vehicle stability assist, brake assist, a rearview camera, and LED daytime running lights. The Honda Sensing suite included lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Accord received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a Top Safety Pick+ rating and a five-star overall safety rating, respectively.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of active and passive safety features, including automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, and lane-departure warning. The Platinum grade offered ProPilot Assist, which included features like intelligent forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The Altima also received top safety ratings, with a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS.