2021 Nissan Altima vs 2021 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Nissan Altima showcased a strong family identity with its bold V-Motion grille, available in chrome or dark chrome, adorned with the Nissan logo. Its sleek, aerodynamic profile was enhanced by a sloping "coupe-like" roofline, though its stance appeared slightly old-fashioned due to the short dash-to-axle distance. Despite this, modern features like LED lighting and alloy wheels kept its look contemporary. The Altima's fit and finish were exceptional, with deep lustrous paint and rich chrome details, available in six exterior colours with premium options. Inside, the dashboard was uncluttered, featuring a standard 8-inch touchscreen display, and the interior materials improved with higher trim levels.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, entering its eighth generation, boasted an athletic exterior with crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille. Its expressive headlights and muscular wheel arches added to its agile appearance. Available in six exterior colours, the Sentra offered two-tone paint schemes on SR trims. Inside, the Sentra featured a layered dash with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on SV and SR trims. The interior was practical, with a flat-bottomed steering wheel and roomy second row, though better suited for two passengers. The trunk offered 404 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40 split-folding second row for additional storage.

The 2021 Nissan Altima in Canada was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an Xtronic CVT. Notably, it came with standard all-wheel drive, a rarity among mid-size sedans in Canada. The AWD system was front-wheel biased but could send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.1 L/100 km city, 6.5 highway, and 7.9 combined for the base model. The Altima featured four-wheel independent suspension and electric-powered steering, providing decent feedback and feel.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with front-wheel drive and an Xtronic CVT. Manual transmission options were available for the S and SR trims, offering discounts. Weighing between 1,349 to 1,411 kilograms, the Sentra delivered adequate performance for commuting. Fuel consumption was 8.0 L/100 km city, 6.0 highway, and 7.1 combined for S and SV models. The Sentra's suspension and steering provided tidy road manners and cornering, with 149 hp offering a balance of efficiency and purpose.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Zero Gravity front seats, praised for comfort on long drives. Standard features included power adjustment and front seat heating, with leather and memory options on the Platinum grade. The front cabin offered ample storage, including a large glovebox, centre console bin, and door pockets. The rear seats were roomy, accommodating two adults comfortably, with a 60/40 split-folding design for trunk access. The trunk capacity was 436 litres.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was well-organized, with an 8-inch touchscreen on SV and SR trims. It featured traditional controls, open cupholders, and ample storage, including a large glove compartment and door pockets. Connectivity options included USB ports and a 12-volt port. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort, with heated seats standard. The SR Premium grade offered a power-adjustable driver's seat and a moonroof. The Sentra's trunk held 404 litres, with a split-folding second row for additional cargo space.

The 2021 Nissan Altima came with standard tech features, including keyless entry, remote engine start, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. All models had an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen and a 7-inch Drive-Assist display. Higher trims included SiriusXM, a Bose audio system, and Nissan Door to Door Navigation. NissanConnect Services offered a range of features, including a WiFi hotspot and emergency crash notification.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra offered standard audio with four speakers, upgraded to six with SiriusXM on SV and SR trims. A premium Bose system was available on the SR Premium. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with Bluetooth and hands-free text messaging. The S trim had a 7-inch touchscreen, while SV and SR had an 8-inch display. Navigation was not available, but smartphone integration provided access to apps.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, and more. ProPilot Assist on the Platinum grade offered highway driving assistance. An Intelligent Around View Monitor was available on Platinum. The Altima received a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick + from IIHS.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra included a comprehensive airbag system, tire pressure monitoring, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. Standard features included forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning. Adaptive cruise control was available on SV and SR trims. The Sentra received a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.