2021 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a reputation for its youthful, almost rebellious aesthetic. It was the Subaru model that sported piercings and tattoos, so to speak. Compared to the more aggressive WRX STI, the standard WRX appeared relatively subdued, lacking the race-ready rear wing of its sibling. Its wedge-like front end and short trunk lid gave it a speedy look even when stationary, enhanced by aerodynamic bodywork and a functional hood scoop.

Inside, the WRX's cabin was utilitarian, resembling other Subaru compact cars from the past decade. Introduced in 2015, the WRX's interior felt dated compared to competitors like the VW GTI, which debuted around the same time but looked fresher. The WRX's cockpit prioritized function over form, resulting in a prevalence of hard plastics that contributed to its immature reputation. The base WRX came with 17-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims added features like leather upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a 7-inch infotainment screen.

The 2022 Nissan Altima had evolved significantly since its 1993 debut. Initially featuring bland styling, the Altima underwent a transformation with its third-generation model in 2002, adopting a sportier look that continued into the sixth generation. The 2022 Altima was available in five trims: S, SV, SR, SL, and Platinum. It featured Nissan's V-Motion grille, a low, wide stance, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline, though the latter was seen as unnecessary.

Our test car, an SR with the Midnight Edition package, included gloss black accents, 19-inch wheels, and a moonroof, enhancing its sporty appearance. The interior boasted comfortable Zero Gravity front seats, a well-organized instrument panel, and high-quality materials, though lower trims lacked this premium feel. The Altima's dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, with a 15.4 cubic foot trunk and a 16.2-gallon fuel tank, making it a competent but not standout choice among midsize sedans.

The 2021 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine layout allowed for a low center of gravity and compatibility with an AWD system. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. Despite its power advantage over rivals like the Civic Si (205 hp) and VW GTI (228 hp), the WRX required precise rev management to extract its full potential.

The manual transmission, however, was a letdown due to its vague clutch feel, making the CVT a more practical choice despite its lack of enthusiast appeal. The WRX featured Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, enhancing cornering precision. While the WRX excelled on winding roads with its well-weighted steering, its stiff ride was less comfortable compared to the Civic Si and GTI.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered two four-cylinder engine options: a 2.5-liter unit with 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine with 248 hp and 273 lb-ft. The base engine was available with FWD or AWD, while the VC-Turbo was limited to the SR trim with FWD. All Altimas came with Nissan's Xtronic CVT, with paddle shifters on the SR trim.

The VC-Turbo engine, introduced in 2019, could adjust its compression ratio for performance or efficiency. While our test car had the base engine, the VC-Turbo was noted for its power, though it lacked refinement. The base engine's performance was mediocre, with uninspiring acceleration and noticeable engine noise. However, the Altima's suspension provided a smooth, composed ride, and the cabin was impressively quiet, offering a refined driving experience.

The 2021 Subaru WRX featured a conventional sedan layout with a 12-cubic-foot trunk. This was more than the Civic Si coupe but less than the sedan and far behind the VW GTI's cargo space. The WRX's interior packaging felt dated, with limited in-door bottle holders and a center console that could obstruct shifting with the manual transmission.

The WRX offered a comfortable driving position with excellent visibility. The rear seats could accommodate four adults comfortably, making it a practical choice for a compact sedan. However, its age showed in its less clever interior design compared to newer models.

The 2022 Nissan Altima provided comfortable seating for four to five passengers, with easy-to-use controls and a decent-sized trunk. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, with a 15.4-cubic-foot trunk and a 16.2-gallon fuel tank. However, the high rear shelf compromised rear visibility, and the trunk's metal bar supports could crush items when closing the lid.

Despite these minor complaints, the Altima's interior was well-organized, with high-quality materials in higher trims. It offered a comfortable and practical space for daily commuting and family use.

The 2021 WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch screen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls. Our Limited test model included navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, though the overall tech felt dated.

The 2022 Nissan Altima's entry-level S trim featured a 5-inch multi-function display and a 7-inch color touchscreen with basic connectivity options. Higher trims had a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The SL trim added a nine-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and remote engine start.

The Altima also offered advanced tech like active noise cancellation, traffic sign recognition, and an Around View Monitor. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. Our test vehicle's tech worked flawlessly, handling voice commands and Apple CarPlay seamlessly.

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with advanced safety features. Subaru's EyeSight system, including adaptive cruise control and emergency braking, was available on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Other options included adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, but only on the Limited trim. All WRX models had a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist technologies, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. Higher trims added Safety Shield 360, which included rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Altima received high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" designation.