2021 Nissan Altima vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its SE and XSE trims, was noted for its appealing design, featuring sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite metallic paint added a beautiful blue undertone, enhancing its attractiveness. However, some design elements, like the hood shut line and the over-styled rear bumper, were seen as detracting from its overall aesthetic. The Corolla offered a range of trims, including the more anonymous L, LE, and XLE, as well as a hybrid version, providing options for those seeking better fuel efficiency. The sporty SE and XSE trims came with a more powerful engine and sportier features, with the XSE's interior showcasing significant improvements in materials and design, offering a clean and minimalist look.

The 2021 Nissan Altima presented a strong family identity with its bold V-Motion grille and sleek, aerodynamic profile. Its design featured a sloping roofline and taut body lines, though its stance was considered mildly ungainly due to the overhangs. Modern touches 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, with an 8-inch touchscreen display and improved materials in higher trims. The Altima's interior was praised for its comfort and practicality, with ample storage and convenience features, making it a solid choice for a family sedan.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE models were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. The Dynamic Shift CVT, paired with paddle shifters and a Sport driving mode, offered a decent driving experience, with the XSE's CVT being one of the better examples of its kind. The Corolla's TNGA platform contributed to its enjoyable driving dynamics, with electric steering, vented front brakes, and a multi-link rear suspension. Despite its modest power, the Corolla XSE provided predictable handling and was engaging enough for a compact car. Fuel efficiency was rated at 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with real-world testing showing an average of 7.6 L/100 km.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT. The standout feature was its standard all-wheel drive, offering better traction and stability compared to front-wheel-drive competitors. The Altima's fuel consumption was rated at 9.1 L/100 km city and 6.5 highway, with slight variations in higher trims. The Altima's suspension setup provided a comfortable ride, and its electric-powered steering offered decent feedback. However, the more advanced VC-Turbo engine was not available in Canada, limiting performance options.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered several interior upgrades, including SofTex leatherette seats, heated front and rear seats, and an eight-way power driver's seat. These features enhanced comfort and provided a commanding driving position. However, rear seat headroom and legroom were somewhat limited, and the climate control lacked rear vents. The Corolla's trunk offered 371 litres of cargo space, which was average for its class.

The 2021 Nissan Altima was equipped with Nissan's Zero Gravity front seats, praised for their comfort on long drives. Standard features included power adjustment and front seat heating, with additional options like leather appointments and a heated steering wheel in higher trims. The Altima's cabin offered ample storage, with a large glovebox, centre console, and door pockets. The rear seats were spacious, with enough room for two adults comfortably, and the trunk provided 436 litres of cargo space, making it more practical for carrying larger loads.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came with a comprehensive infotainment package, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth as standard. The SE trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XSE added Service Connect and Safety Connect. Remote Connect offered features like remote engine start and vehicle finder. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation, though the radio knobs could be more accessible.

The 2021 Nissan Altima included standard tech features like keyless entry, pushbutton start, and remote engine start. The 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen and 7-inch Drive-Assist display were standard, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 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, enhancing the Altima's tech offerings.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The addition of rear side-impact airbags and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert improved safety. The Corolla received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though new ratings were pending due to the added airbags.

The 2021 Nissan Altima came 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 highway driving assistance. The Altima also featured an Intelligent Around View Monitor for easier parking. It received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick + rating from the IIHS.