2022 Nissan Altima vs 2021 Honda Accord

The 2021 Honda Accord was a staple in the midsize sedan market, competing fiercely with rivals like the Toyota Camry, Mazda6, and Hyundai Sonata. For 2021, Honda refreshed the Accord's design, introducing a wider, restyled grille that gave the car a more sculpted appearance. The Honda Sensing safety system's radar unit was better integrated, enhancing the vehicle's aesthetic appeal. The Accord's exterior was further complemented by LED headlights and lowlights, which improved nighttime visibility. New alloy wheel designs were introduced for most trims, and a Sonic Gray Pearl paint option added a unique touch to the Sport and Touring models. Inside, the Accord offered a sophisticated interior with high-quality materials, even in lower trims, and a power moonroof was standard from the Sport trim upwards.

The 2022 Nissan Altima continued to build on its sporty design legacy, featuring Nissan's V-Motion grille and a low, wide stance. The Altima's exterior was marked by tall doors, creased body lines, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. The SR Midnight Edition, with its gloss black accents and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, added a sporty flair to the Altima's already dynamic look. Inside, the Altima boasted comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-organized instrument panel. However, the quality of materials varied across trims, with higher trims offering a more premium feel. The Altima's interior was functional, but its high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility.

The 2021 Honda Accord offered two engine options: a 192-horsepower 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a more powerful 252-horsepower 2.0-litre turbo-four. The 1.5-litre engine, paired with a CVT, provided 192 pound-feet of torque and was standard on most trims. The 2.0-litre engine, available on the Sport 2.0 and Touring 2.0 trims, delivered 273 lb-ft of torque and was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Accord's fuel economy varied, 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 pointed steering, although acceleration was not its strongest suit.

The 2022 Nissan Altima in Canada came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. While the Altima lacked the 2.0-litre VC-Turbo engine available in other markets, it offered standard all-wheel drive, a rarity in the midsize sedan segment. The Altima's performance was a mixed bag, with mediocre acceleration and noticeable engine noise. However, its suspension provided a smooth and comfortable ride, and the cabin was impressively quiet. The Altima's road manners were commendable, offering a refined driving experience despite its lacklustre engine performance.

The 2021 Honda Accord was designed with practicality in mind, offering comfortable seating for five and ample head-, hip-, and legroom. The Accord's interior featured dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a spacious 473-litre trunk. The rear seats had a 60/40 split, allowing for pass-through from the trunk. The cabin layout was driver-friendly, with all essential controls within easy reach. While small-item storage was limited, the Accord's overall interior design was well-executed.

The 2022 Nissan Altima provided comfortable seating for four adults, with a fifth seat suitable for short distances. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, with a 437-litre trunk that was smaller than some competitors. The Altima's high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility, but the rear camera helped mitigate this issue. The trunk's metal bar supports required careful packing to avoid crushing items. Despite these drawbacks, the Altima offered a competent and functional interior for daily use.

The 2021 Honda Accord came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, featuring physical volume and tuning knobs. Standard tech included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Higher trims added features like satellite radio, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The Touring trims offered an on-board navigation system, rain-sensing wipers, and a head-up display, enhancing the Accord's tech offerings.

The 2022 Nissan Altima featured a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard tech included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SR trim added navigation and remote engine start, while the Platinum trim boasted a nine-speaker Bose audio system. The Altima also offered ProPilot Assist, a driver-assist system that helped with acceleration, steering, and braking tasks. The Altima's tech suite worked seamlessly, providing a user-friendly experience.

The 2021 Honda Accord was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including vehicle stability assist, brake assist, and a rearview camera. The Honda Sensing suite added lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Accord received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating.

The 2022 Nissan Altima also offered a robust set of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Its crash avoidance and mitigation systems were rated highly, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.