2021 Nissan Altima vs 2021 Honda Civic

The 2021 Honda Civic continued the legacy of its predecessors by offering a design that was both familiar and polarizing. Over the years, Honda had introduced segment-defining models, and the 10th-generation Civic was no exception. It was available in various formats, including the sedan, hatchback, and the performance-oriented Type R. The 2021 model year saw the discontinuation of the two-door coupe and a temporary hiatus for the Civic Si. The Civic sedan, available in LX, EX, Sport, and Touring trims, offered a spacious interior akin to a midsize car from a decade ago. The Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, presented a striking appearance, though opinions on its styling varied. Inside, the Civic's cabin featured quality materials and thoughtful design, though the infotainment system's 7-inch screen showed its age.

The 2021 Nissan Altima, with its bold V-Motion grille and sleek, aerodynamic profile, presented a modern yet slightly traditional appearance. Its coupe-like roofline and taut body lines contributed to its attractive stance, though the proportions gave it a mildly old-fashioned look. The Altima's fit and finish were exceptional, with deep paint and rich chrome details. Available in six exterior colours, the Altima offered a range of options for personalization. Inside, the Altima's dashboard was uncluttered, with an 8-inch touchscreen display positioned for optimal visibility. The interior materials improved with higher trims, offering a more premium feel. The Altima's design and features made it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and well-equipped sedan.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between two engines. The base models, including the LX, EX, and Sport trims, were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT driving the front wheels. However, the turbocharged 1.5-litre engine, standard on the Touring trim, delivered 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, providing a more spirited driving experience. The Civic's sophisticated suspension and steering offered excellent ride and handling, though the CVT's performance was less satisfying, with a tendency to drone. Despite this, the Civic's fuel economy was impressive, averaging 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres on a test loop, outperforming official estimates.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Altima in Canada came with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT and featured standard all-wheel drive, a rarity among mid-size sedans in Canada. The AWD system was front-biased but could send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels when needed. The Altima's fuel consumption ratings were competitive, with the base model achieving 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.5 on the highway. The Altima's suspension and steering provided a comfortable and responsive driving experience, though the VC-Turbo engine was not available in Canada.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan offered a low seating position, which could be challenging for entry and exit but provided a comfortable driving experience once inside. The driver's seat featured eight-way power adjustment, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Civic's interior was spacious, with ample rear seat room and excellent thigh support. The centre console offered remarkable storage space, and the trunk provided 428 litres of cargo capacity, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan's Zero Gravity front seats, praised for their comfort on long drives. Power adjustment and front seat heating were standard, with additional features available on higher trims. The Altima's cabin offered ample storage, including a large glovebox, centre console bin, and door pockets. The rear seats were roomy, with a 60/40 split-folding design for trunk access. The Altima's trunk capacity was 436 litres, providing generous storage for a mid-size sedan.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology offerings were somewhat dated, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and basic connectivity features. The Touring trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen with a 10-speaker audio system, HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the voice recognition system was unsophisticated, and the premium sound system was a notable improvement over the standard setup.

The 2021 Nissan Altima came well-equipped with standard tech features, including keyless entry, pushbutton start, and remote engine start. The 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen infotainment system was standard, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered additional features like a Bose audio system and Nissan Door to Door Navigation. The Altima's technology package was comprehensive, with a range of connectivity and convenience features.

The 2021 Honda Civic was equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. This included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Civic also featured LaneWatch, a camera-based blind-spot monitoring system, though it had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot warning. The Platinum grade offered ProPilot Assist, a suite of highway driving aids, and an Intelligent Around View Monitor for easier parking. The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick + rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.