2022 Nissan Altima vs 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more upscale presence compared to its predecessor, with a slightly longer body and wheelbase, maintaining the same height but widening by about 2.5 centimetres. This change, along with a wide, angular grille inspired by the VW Arteon sport sedan, gave the Jetta a more dramatic and upscale appearance. Inside, the angular design language continued, creating a spacious and attractive cabin that was both functional and comfortable. The base Comfortline trim was well-equipped, featuring 16-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, heated front seats, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims like the Highline and Execline added features such as leatherette seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a digital instrument cluster.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, part of the sixth-generation model, continued with its sporty design, featuring Nissan's V-Motion grille, a low, wide stance, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. The SR Midnight Edition, with its gloss black accents and 19-inch wheels, enhanced the Altima's sporty look. Inside, the Altima offered comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-laid-out instrument panel, though lower trims lacked the premium feel of higher ones. The Altima's dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, with a 437-litre trunk and a large fuel tank. However, rear visibility was compromised by the high rear shelf and sloping roofline.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.4-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine, producing 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Despite having 3 fewer horsepower than its predecessor, the engine felt more responsive, thanks to its tuning and the new 8-speed automatic transmission. The Jetta handled both city and highway driving well, with smooth and sporty steering and a refined ride quality. Fuel efficiency was impressive, with the manual transmission using 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined and the automatic burning 7.1 L/100 km combined.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Altima came with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. While the engine's performance was mediocre, the Altima's road manners were commendable, with a smooth and quiet ride. The standard all-wheel drive was a notable feature for a midsize sedan, paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT. However, the CVT struggled with acceleration, and engine noise was noticeable during this process. The Altima's suspension and cabin quietness were highlights, offering a comfortable and composed driving experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta offered comfortable front seats suitable for long trips, with adequate rear-seat legroom and headroom. The trunk space was 399 litres, average for its class. The interior layout was practical, with a touchscreen positioned for easy access and a blend of real buttons and dials for controls, enhancing functionality.

The 2022 Nissan Altima provided comfortable seating for four, with easy-to-use controls and a decent-sized trunk of 437 litres. Its dimensions were average for its class, and while it didn't stand out in terms of passenger space, it offered the largest fuel tank among its competitors. However, rear visibility was compromised by the high rear shelf and sloping roofline, and the trunk's metal bar supports could crush items when closing the lid.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta's base model included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Execline trim featured Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a customizable digital display that could project navigation information.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came with a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims included navigation, a Bose premium audio system, and Nissan's ProPilot Assist system, which assisted with acceleration, steering, and braking tasks.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta was equipped with front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Jetta received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to its headlights.

The 2022 Nissan Altima featured a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. It received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, with high ratings in crashworthiness and crash avoidance.