2022 Nissan Altima vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its SE and XSE trims, was noted for its attractive 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 appeal. However, the design had some quirks, such as the hood shut line that visually truncated the front end, and the over-styled rear bumper. The Apex Edition amplified these design peculiarities. For those seeking a more understated look, the Corolla L, LE, or XLE offered a more anonymous presence on the road. The Corolla Hybrid provided an affordable path to better fuel efficiency, sharing its powertrain with the Toyota Prius.

The 2022 Nissan Altima continued the brand's tradition of sporty styling with its sixth-generation model. Available in SE, SR Midnight Edition, and Platinum trims, the Altima featured a V-Motion grille, a low, wide stance, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. The SR Midnight Edition, with its gloss black accents and Gun Metallic paint, elevated the Altima's sporty appearance. Inside, the Altima boasted comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-laid-out instrument panel, though lower trims lacked the premium feel of higher trims. The Altima's design was both sporty and refined, appealing to those who appreciated a more aggressive aesthetic.

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 surprisingly engaging driving experience. The XSE's CVT used a mechanical first gear to eliminate drivetrain slip, and its ten programmed ratios helped mask typical CVT traits. Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture, the Corolla offered a low centre of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics. With electric steering, vented front brakes, and a multi-link rear suspension, the Corolla XSE provided predictable handling and a fun driving experience. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with an average of 7.6 L/100 km on a mountainous route.

The 2022 Nissan Altima featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. While the VC-Turbo engine was not available in Canada, the standard all-wheel drive was a notable feature for a midsize sedan. The Xtronic CVT, paired with paddle shifters on the SR trim, struggled with acceleration, resulting in a fair amount of engine noise. However, the Altima excelled in ride comfort, thanks to its excellent suspension and Active Ride Control. The cabin was impressively quiet, offering a refined driving experience despite the lacklustre performance.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered numerous interior upgrades, including SofTex leatherette seats, heated rear seats, and an eight-way power driver's seat. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, but the seat cushion provided good support. Rear seat comfort was adequate, though headroom and legroom were tight. The Corolla's trunk offered 371 litres of cargo space, with no interior handle to close the trunk lid.

The 2022 Nissan Altima provided comfortable seating for four, with easy-to-use controls and a decent-sized trunk. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, with a 437-litre trunk and the largest fuel tank among its competitors. However, the high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility. The trunk's metal bar supports could crush items when closing the lid, requiring careful packing.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla featured an impressive infotainment package, with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth as standard. The SE trim had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XSE included Service Connect, Safety Connect, and Remote Connect. The XSE also offered SiriusXM, navigation, and Destination Assist. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the radio knobs could be difficult to grasp.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came with a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and two USB ports. Higher trims offered navigation, remote engine start, and a Bose audio system. The Altima's tech, including ProPilot Assist and an Around View Monitor, worked flawlessly, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla boasted Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Corolla earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The addition of rear side-impact airbags required re-testing for new ratings.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. The Altima received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS. Its crash avoidance and mitigation features were highly rated, making it a safe choice for a midsize sedan.