2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2022 Subaru WRX

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, in its eighth generation, presented a bold and athletic exterior, a significant departure from its earlier, more conservative designs. The V-Motion grille, expressive headlights, and a choice of vibrant paint colours, including two-tone options, gave it a modern and dynamic appearance. The interior was spacious, with a layered dash and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering a comfortable and practical driving experience. The Sentra's design was both functional and stylish, with features like a flat-bottomed steering wheel and ample trunk space, making it a well-rounded compact sedan.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru WRX, while wider than its predecessor, maintained a subtle front end with its signature hood scoop and hexagonal grille. The side profile was cleaner, with functional black plastic cladding that improved aerodynamics. The rear featured dramatic fender flares and quad tailpipes, giving it a sporty look. Inside, the WRX saw significant improvements in fit and finish, with sporty elements like a D-shaped steering wheel and carbon-fibre-pattern trim. The WRX's design was more streamlined, with a focus on performance and practicality, appealing to those seeking a sporty yet functional vehicle.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It featured front-wheel drive and an Xtronic CVT, with manual transmission options available in Canada. Weighing between 1,349 to 1,411 kilograms, the Sentra offered adequate performance for daily commuting, with fuel consumption rates of 8.0 L/100 km city and 6.0 highway for S and SV models. The Sentra's driving experience was enhanced by its independent suspension and dual-pinion electric steering, providing tidy road manners and a balance of power and efficiency.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, on the other hand, featured a new 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer engine, delivering 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a CVT. The WRX's performance was highlighted by its precise manual transmission and improved suspension, thanks to the Subaru Global Platform. Despite its heavier curb weight of 1,621 kilograms, the WRX handled well on challenging roads, though some drivers desired more power. The CVT offered faster shift times, but the manual transmission remained the preferred choice for enthusiasts.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring well-placed controls and a traditional gear selector. It offered ample storage options, including a large glove compartment and big door pockets. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort for long drives, with heated seats standard and power-adjustable options available. The Sentra's interior was spacious, with a trunk capacity of 404 litres and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, making it a versatile choice for everyday use.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, while lacking a hatchback option, offered a slightly increased cargo capacity of 354 litres, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for added flexibility. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, available in various upholstery options. The WRX's interior was practical, with standard all-wheel drive enhancing its appeal as a commuter vehicle. The combination of comfortable seating and a forgiving clutch made it a practical choice for those seeking a performance-oriented sedan.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a straightforward audio system, with options for a premium Bose system in higher trims. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with a 7-inch touchscreen in the base model and an 8-inch touchscreen in higher trims. While navigation was not available, smartphone integration provided access to navigation apps, ensuring drivers stayed connected and informed.

The 2022 Subaru WRX offered a more advanced infotainment system, with an 11.6-inch touchscreen in Sport trims and higher. The system, shared with other Subaru models, was user-friendly and visually impressive, though Android Auto integration was less seamless. Base trims featured a unique dual-screen setup, while higher trims offered an 11-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system. The WRX's technology package was a significant improvement over previous models, providing a modern and connected driving experience.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. It offered advanced driver assistance features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control in higher trims. The Sentra received high safety ratings, including a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

The 2022 Subaru WRX's safety features varied by transmission. CVT-equipped models included Subaru's EyeSight suite, offering advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Manual transmission models lacked EyeSight but included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert in higher trims. The WRX's new platform improved crash safety, and it came standard with seven airbags, enhancing its safety credentials.