2021 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Subaru WRX

The 2021 Nissan Altima presented a bold and cohesive design, characterized by its V-Motion grille, which was a signature feature across Nissan's sedan lineup. The grille varied between chrome and dark chrome finishes, depending on the trim level, and was complemented by the Nissan logo at its centre. The Altima's silhouette was sleek, with a coupe-like roofline that contributed to its aerodynamic profile. Despite its modern features like LED lighting and alloy wheels, the Altima's design was slightly old-fashioned due to its extended overhangs and short dash-to-axle ratio. However, the vehicle's fit and finish were exceptional, with a choice of six exterior colours, each with unique names and some requiring an additional cost.

Inside, the Altima's dashboard was designed for simplicity and functionality, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen display positioned for optimal safety and convenience. The instrument panel was thoughtfully designed to minimize glare, enhancing visibility in various lighting conditions. While the base model was somewhat basic, higher trims offered improved materials and added stitching, providing a more premium feel. The interior was a testament to the adage of getting what you pay for, with enhancements in comfort and aesthetics as one moved up the trim levels.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru WRX was more understated in its styling, despite being wider than its predecessor. The front end was subtle, with a small hexagonal grille and signature hood scoop, flanked by sharp LED headlights. The side profile was cleaner, with black plastic cladding that served both aesthetic and aerodynamic purposes. The cladding featured a hexagonal pattern to reduce turbulence, a nod to the WRX's rally heritage. The rear design was more dramatic, with flared fenders and a large bumper, while the taillights had a unique magma-like appearance when lit. The WRX's overall look was smoother and more streamlined, though the cladding could be distracting on brightly coloured models.

Inside, the WRX saw significant improvements, with better fit and finish and sporty elements like a D-shaped steering wheel and aluminum-alloy pedal covers. The seats were comfortable and supportive, with various upholstery options depending on the trim. The interior design set the WRX apart from other Subaru models, aligning it more closely with its modern counterparts.

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. This engine was paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT, providing a smooth driving experience. Notably, the Altima offered all-wheel drive as standard in Canada, a feature not commonly found in its segment. The AWD system was front-wheel biased but could send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels when needed. Fuel consumption for the base model was rated at 9.1 L/100 km city, 6.5 highway, and 7.9 combined, with slightly higher figures for the SR and Platinum trims. The Altima's suspension setup included McPherson struts in the front and a multi-link rear, contributing to a balanced ride.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, on the other hand, featured a new 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. While the power increase was modest compared to the previous generation, the WRX's performance was still commendable. The car came standard with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a CVT. The manual transmission was favoured by enthusiasts for its precise and satisfying operation, while the CVT offered faster shift times and variable torque distribution. The WRX's suspension was enhanced by the Subaru Global Platform, providing improved ride quality and reduced body roll. The car's handling was tested on challenging mountain roads, where it demonstrated agility and stability.

The 2021 Nissan Altima boasted Nissan's Zero Gravity front seats, which were praised for their comfort on long drives. The seats offered power adjustment and heating as standard, with additional features like position memory and leather upholstery available on higher trims. The cabin was well-equipped with storage options, including a large glovebox, centre console bin, and door pockets. The rear seats were spacious, accommodating two adults comfortably, and could fold flat in a 60/40 split to expand the trunk's 436-litre capacity.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, while lacking a hatchback option, offered a slightly increased cargo capacity of 354 litres, expandable with the rear seat's 60/40 split-fold function. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, with various upholstery options across trims. The WRX's interior was practical and well-suited for daily commuting, with standard AWD enhancing its appeal as a versatile vehicle.

The 2021 Nissan Altima came with a comprehensive suite of standard tech features, including keyless entry, remote engine start, Bluetooth, and a rear-view camera. 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 also included NissanConnect Services with various trial packages for enhanced connectivity.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru WRX featured an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen on Sport trims and above, offering a modern and visually impressive interface. The system included physical controls for essential functions, though Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration had some limitations. The base trim had a unique dual-screen setup, while an 11-speaker Harman Kardon stereo was available on higher trims.

The 2021 Nissan Altima was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-departure warning. The Platinum trim offered ProPilot Assist for enhanced highway driving assistance. The Altima received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2022 Subaru WRX's safety features varied by transmission. CVT models came with Subaru's EyeSight suite, offering advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Manual models lacked EyeSight due to technical limitations. However, all WRX models benefited from the Subaru Global Platform's improved crash safety and standard airbags.