2021 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

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 you moved up the trim levels, interior materials improved, offering a more premium feel.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, although featuring all-new body panels, retained a familiar silhouette that was longer and lower than its predecessor. Its styling was classic GTI, with a smooth hood and a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake. The signature red accent line across the front added drama, especially with the optional light bar. Aerodynamic enhancements included redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling. The GTI's sporty look was complemented by red brake calipers and varying wheel sizes depending on the trim. Inside, the GTI was driver-centric, with a centre stack angled towards the driver and innovative controls. The rear offered ample legroom, making it suitable for family use.

The 2021 Nissan Altima in Canada was equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. It featured Nissan’s Xtronic CVT and standard all-wheel drive, which 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's suspension setup included McPherson struts in front and a multi-link rear, providing decent feedback and feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI boasted a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This power was sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GTI's fuel consumption was estimated at 9.3 L/100 km city, 7.0 highway, and 8.3 combined with the automatic transmission. The GTI featured a retuned suspension with stiffer rear springs and various drive modes, enhancing its handling and cornering capabilities. The Performance trim offered an adaptive damping system for even more precise control.

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 and centre console. The rear seats were spacious, with a 60/40 split-folding design, and the trunk provided 436 litres of cargo space.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI balanced performance with practicality, offering 564 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 977 litres with the seats folded. The driver-centric interior featured a centre stack angled towards the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for easy control of headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was generous, making it comfortable for passengers, and the GTI was well-suited for family use.

The 2021 Nissan Altima came with standard tech features like keyless entry, pushbutton start, and an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 7-inch advanced Drive-Assist display. Higher trims offered a Bose audio system and Nissan Door to Door Navigation. NissanConnect Services provided additional features like a WiFi hotspot and emergency crash notification.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a fully digital driver information display with customizable gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen on the base trim and a 10-inch display with navigation on higher trims. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Performance trim offered a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system. Volkswagen's Car-Net system provided remote access and vehicle monitoring via smartphone.

The 2021 Nissan Altima was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot warning. The Platinum grade included ProPilot Assist for semi-autonomous highway driving. The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick + rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured IQ.Drive, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic models. Park Distance Control was standard on all trims, with Park Assist available on the Performance trim. The GTI had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.