2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2021 Toyota Camry

The 2021 Toyota Camry aimed to break away from its past reputation of being a generic sedan by incorporating more dynamic styling elements. The design featured flared wheel arches and sleek headlights and taillights, which helped to visually widen the car. However, the SE and XSE trims were criticized for their excessive use of fake vents, adding unnecessary visual clutter. The LE and XLE trims offered a slightly cleaner grille design, though it remained quite large. The Camry's interior mirrored the exterior's chaotic styling, with a mix of contrasting materials and trim elements that lacked a cohesive design theme. Despite this, the seats were comfortable, and the car provided excellent outward visibility.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, in its eighth generation, presented an athletic exterior with crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille. The Sentra's design was further enhanced by expressive headlights and a selection of vibrant paint colours, including two-tone options for the SR trim. Inside, the Sentra offered a well-organized layout with a layered dash and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on higher trims. The interior materials were a step up from previous models, and the flat-bottomed steering wheel added a sporty touch. The Sentra's second row was spacious for its class, though best suited for two passengers. The trunk offered 404 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for added versatility.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque in FWD models, and slightly less in AWD versions. The XSE trim featured a dual-exhaust system, increasing output slightly. A 3.5-litre V6 engine was also available, delivering 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Camry Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with electric assist for a total of 208 horsepower. The Camry's chassis provided a good balance between handling and ride quality, making it enjoyable to drive, even without the sporty TRD package.

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 FWD and an Xtronic CVT, with a six-speed manual transmission available in Canada for certain trims. The Sentra's lightweight design contributed to its adequate performance for city driving. Fuel consumption was efficient, with figures 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 well-tuned suspension and responsive steering, providing tidy road manners and enjoyable cornering.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered generous rear headroom and legroom, though front space was slightly below average. The front seats were adjustable and comfortable, with excellent visibility. Cargo space was 428 litres, which was average for its class. The Camry featured analog controls for key functions, though some were a long reach from the driver's seat. Dual-zone automatic climate control was available on higher trims.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was well-organized, with a traditional gear selector and ample storage options, including large door pockets and a big glove compartment. The Sentra featured Nissan's Zero Gravity front seats, providing comfort on long drives. Heated front seats were standard, with power-adjustable options available on higher trims. The Sentra's interior was designed for practicality, with well-placed controls and connectivity options.

The 2021 Toyota Camry came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. A 10-inch head-up display was available on select trims. The infotainment system was functional but lacked standout features.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen, with an 8-inch version on higher trims. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The SV and SR trims offered SiriusXM satellite radio, with a premium Bose audio system available on the SR Premium. Navigation was not available, but smartphone integration provided access to navigation apps.

The 2021 Toyota Camry earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. It came with the TSS 2.5+ package, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. New features included enhanced forward-collision warning and a Rear Seat Reminder. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra also received high safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS. It featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. The Sentra's tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert was a notable feature, providing convenience and safety.