2021 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Toyota Camry

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, with improved materials and stitching in higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Camry, particularly in the TRD model, turned heads with its eye-catching Cavalry Blue paint and performance-tuned design. Updates for 2022 included standard heated side mirrors and a new Nightshade Edition package for the SE Hybrid trim. With 13 versions to choose from, the Camry offered a range of engines, including a V6 and a hybrid powertrain. The TRD model stood out with its aerodynamic body kit, matte-black wheels, and red accents, though its styling was polarizing. Inside, the Camry featured an unusual dashboard layout and driver-oriented centre console, with some design choices like red gauge illumination and seatbelt embroidery being less appealing.

The 2021 Nissan Altima was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. It offered standard all-wheel drive, a rarity among mid-size sedans in Canada, with a front-wheel bias capable of sending up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels. Fuel consumption ratings were 9.1 L/100 km city, 6.5 highway, and 7.9 combined for the base model. The Altima featured a four-wheel independent suspension and electric-powered steering, providing decent feedback and feel.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD boasted a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. It featured a Sport transmission mode, paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode for enhanced performance. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.4 L/100 km combined, with real-world testing averaging 9.5 L/100 km. The TRD model offered track-tuned driving dynamics, with increased torsional rigidity, reworked suspension, and larger brakes. Despite its front-wheel drive, the Camry TRD delivered remarkable performance, feeling solid and planted on the road.

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 and memory options on higher trims. The cabin offered ample storage, including a large glovebox, centre console bin, and door pockets. The rear seats provided sufficient room for two adults, with a 60/40 split for trunk access, offering 436 litres of cargo space.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD's front seats, while lacking additional bolstering, provided a comfortable and sporty driving position. The back seat accommodated two adults comfortably, though the TRD model lacked rear-seat air vents and a folding seatback, limiting trunk access to 428 litres. Despite this, the Camry offered generous in-cabin storage, with a large centre armrest bin and other stash spaces.

The 2021 Nissan Altima came with standard tech features like keyless entry, remote start, Bluetooth, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims included a Bose audio system and Nissan Door to Door Navigation. NissanConnect Services offered various connected features, including a WiFi hotspot and emergency crash notification.

The 2022 Toyota Camry featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims like the TRD received a 9-inch display with additional subscription services and a JBL premium audio system. While lacking dynamic navigation, the Camry allowed voice control via smartphone integration. Other models offered a head-up display and surround-view monitoring, but not the TRD.

The 2021 Nissan Altima included Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-departure warning. The Platinum grade added ProPilot Assist for highway driving assistance. The Altima received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.

The 2022 Toyota Camry came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, featuring adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. Blind-spot monitoring was standard on the TRD and XSE trims. Safety Connect offered collision notification and emergency assistance. The Camry earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA.