2021 Nissan Altima vs 2022 BMW 3 Series

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. Inside, the dashboard was uncluttered, featuring a standard 8-inch touchscreen display. As one moved up the trim levels, the interior materials improved, offering a more premium feel.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i xDrive, exuded a sporty and dynamic appeal. It featured a special-order Barbera Red paint and Cognac-colour SensaTec upholstery, enhancing its upscale look. The M Performance exterior design treatment included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and blue brake calipers, complemented by 19-inch wheels. Inside, the perforated SensaTec upholstery mimicked leather, and the dashboard's technical design focused on driving enjoyment. The 3 Series maintained its reputation for quality materials and a design that prioritized performance over luxury.

The 2021 Nissan Altima was equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. It featured Nissan’s Xtronic CVT and 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 when needed. 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 included McPherson struts in front and a multi-link rear, providing decent feedback and feel.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. It paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, featuring Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control. The xDrive AWD system was standard, enhancing its performance capabilities. The M340i accelerated to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, offering a thrilling driving experience. Its M Sport suspension and variable sport steering contributed to its precise handling and dynamic driving dynamics, making it a standout in the sports sedan category.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity front seats, praised for their comfort on long drives. Standard features included power adjustment and front seat heating, with leather appointments and position memory available on higher trims. The cabin offered ample storage, including a large glovebox, centre console storage, and door pockets. The rear seats provided sufficient headroom and legroom for two adults, with a 60/40 split-folding design for added trunk access. The trunk capacity was 436 litres.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i offered power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support and a perfect driving position. Rear seat passengers had adequate legroom, though the centre seat was less practical. The cabin featured a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. Interior storage was decent, and the trunk offered 481 litres of cargo space. The back seat's 40/20/40-split folding design added utility, though a sports wagon variant would have been preferable for some.

The 2021 Nissan Altima came with standard tech features like Nissan Intelligent Key, remote engine start, Bluetooth, and an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 7-inch advanced Drive-Assist display. Higher trims included SiriusXM satellite radio and a Bose audio system. Navigation and NissanConnect Services were available on select trims, offering features like WiFi hotspot and emergency crash notification.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series featured the optional Digital Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. BMW iDrive 7.0 was intuitive, offering multiple control options, including gesture control. Standard tech included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, with a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system available. The Connected Package Pro included BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, enhancing the car's tech capabilities. Safety features like a surround-view camera system and autonomous parking were part of the Advanced Driver Assistance Package.

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. ProPilot Assist was available on the Platinum grade, offering features like adaptive cruise control and intelligent lane intervention. The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick + rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, with features like forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning. The Traffic Jam Assistant and Emergency Stop Assistant were available for semi-autonomous driving. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, ensuring its safety credentials.