2021 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2021 Nissan Altima showcased a strong family identity with its bold V-Motion grille, available in chrome or dark chrome, depending on the trim level. Its overall shape was sleek and aerodynamic, thanks to a sloping "coupe-like" roofline. The body featured more folds than curves, giving it a taut and trim essence, although the short dash-to-axle distance and the overhangs at the front and rear wheels lent it a slightly old-fashioned look. Modern touches like standard LED lighting and alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches kept the design contemporary. The fit and finish were exceptional, with deep lustrous paint and rich chrome details, available in six exterior colours with creative names like "Super Black" and "Scarlet Ember Tintcoat." Inside, the dashboard was uncluttered, with an 8-inch touchscreen display conveniently placed for safety and convenience. The base model felt a bit stripped-down, but higher trims offered improved materials and stitching, enhancing the overall feel.

The 2022 Nissan Altima continued the evolution of its design, maintaining the hallmark V-Motion grille and a low, wide stance with tall doors and creased body lines. The sharply sloped "floating" roofline was a distinctive feature, though some found it unnecessary. The SR Midnight Edition, with its gloss black accents and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, added a sporty flair. Inside, the Altima boasted comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-laid-out instrument panel. The interior materials were of high quality, providing a premium feel, especially in higher trims. The 2022 model offered a more refined experience, with a focus on comfort and aesthetics, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and comfortable ride.

The 2021 Nissan Altima in Canada 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 was rated at 9.1 L/100 km city, 6.5 highway, and 7.9 combined for the base model, with slightly higher figures for the SR and Platinum trims. The Altima's suspension setup included four-wheel independent suspension with stabilizer bars, providing decent feedback and feel through its electric-powered steering.

The 2022 Nissan Altima also featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, but with slightly higher output at 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. The VC-Turbo engine was not available in Canada, but the standard all-wheel drive was a significant advantage. The Xtronic CVT was standard, with paddle shifters on the SR trim, though they were deemed unnecessary for a mainstream sedan. Performance was mixed, with mediocre acceleration and noticeable engine noise during acceleration. However, the Altima excelled in ride comfort and cabin quietness, thanks to its excellent suspension and Active Ride Control. The 2022 model offered a refined driving experience, albeit with limited performance.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan's acclaimed Zero Gravity front seats, providing exceptional comfort even on long drives. Standard features included power adjustment and front seat heating, with additional options like position memory and leather appointments on the Platinum grade. The front cabin offered ample storage, including a large glovebox, centre console storage 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 had a capacity of 436 litres, providing ample space for luggage.

The 2022 Nissan Altima was a competent midsize sedan, offering comfortable seating for four, easy-to-use controls, and a decent-sized trunk. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its competitors, with a trunk capacity of 437 litres. The Altima's high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility, but the rear camera display helped mitigate this issue. The trunk's metal bar supports required careful packing to avoid crushing items. Despite these minor complaints, the Altima provided a practical and comfortable interior for daily use.

The 2021 Nissan Altima came equipped with a range of standard tech features, including Nissan Intelligent Key keyless entry, pushbutton start, remote engine start, Bluetooth, and a rear-view camera. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen infotainment system and a 7-inch advanced Drive-Assist display. Higher trims offered additional features like SiriusXM satellite radio, a Bose audio system, and Nissan Door to Door Navigation with Premium Traffic.

The 2022 Nissan Altima featured a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SR trim added navigation and connected services, while the Platinum trim included a nine-speaker Bose premium audio system. Additional technologies included traffic sign recognition, an Around View Monitor, and Nissan's ProPilot Assist system, which provided advanced driver assistance features. The tech worked flawlessly, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Nissan Altima was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features, including automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and high-beam assist. The Platinum grade offered ProPilot Assist for highway driving assistance. The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Nissan Altima also featured a robust set of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The NHTSA awarded the FWD version a five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS gave it a Top Safety Pick+ designation. The Altima received high ratings for crashworthiness and crash avoidance, making it a safe choice for families.