2022 Audi A4 vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2022 Audi A4 presented a simple, clean, and conservative exterior, which served as an ideal backdrop for its striking Tango Red paint and Black Edition package. The classic five-arm rotor-design wheels added a touch of automotive design perfection. Inside, the A4 maintained a similar aesthetic restraint, with a predominantly black interior accented by aluminum trim and metallic details. The high-quality materials and the 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation panel contributed to a sophisticated cabin, although the tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system seemed somewhat out of place.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Sentra, redesigned in 2020, carried over its modern, low-slung, coupe-like exterior into 2022. The Sentra's design was a significant improvement over its predecessors, aligning with Nissan's current design language. Despite our test model's sedate grey paint, the Sentra offered bold colour options. Inside, the Sentra shone with a modern yet simple layout, combining form and function. The front cabin featured a touchscreen as the visual centrepiece, and the controls were user-friendly, enhancing the overall upscale look.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered two engine options. The 40 TFSI model featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro Ultra all-wheel-drive. It achieved a fuel economy rating of 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving and accelerated to 100 km/h in about 6.5 seconds. The 45 TFSI model, which we tested, delivered 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, with a lowered sport suspension as part of the S-line package. It reached 100 km/h in approximately 5.4 seconds, with a fuel economy of 8.8 L/100 km. The A4's driving experience was joyful, with refined engine performance, solid torque delivery, and excellent handling, although the steering could have been more engaging.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. In Canada, it came with a standard six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, with an optional CVT. The CVT managed power well, providing satisfactory low-end acceleration and highway performance. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its cornering was sharp for a non-performance car. The suspension handled most road bumps effectively, making the Sentra suitable for commuting and road trips, though it struggled with harsher conditions.

The 2022 Audi A4, sitting low to the ground, was somewhat challenging to enter and exit due to its small door openings and snug cabin. However, once inside, the front seats offered exceptional comfort with soft leather, power adjustment, and a thigh-support cushion. The A4 featured a three-zone automatic climate control system, separate from the infotainment screen, and intuitive switchgear. The rear seats were comfortable for shorter trips, though legroom was limited. Interior storage was minimal, with the centre console bin occupied by a wireless charging pad. The A4's 340-litre cargo space was well-finished, with enclosed hinges and storage nets.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra provided 404 litres of trunk space, surpassing many small sedans. The trunk could be expanded with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench, though it created a ledge that could hinder loading larger items. The Sentra's trunk could be remotely opened via the key fob or a dashboard button. Inside, the Sentra offered spacious seating in both rows, with ample headroom and legroom in the front. The rear seats provided decent legroom and headroom. The front row featured large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, while the centre console offered ample cupholders and trays.

The 2022 Audi A4 featured the next-generation MIB3 version of Audi Multi-Media Interface (MMI) with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The screen supported common smartphone functions and provided acoustic feedback. The A4 included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Audi Connect services. The test car also had a navigation system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI was intuitive, with a Home button for easy navigation. The voice recognition was accurate but slow, and the lack of physical controls was not an issue due to the intuitive user experience.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity. The SV and SR trims featured a larger 8-inch touchscreen. The system was easy to navigate, with conventional hard buttons and volume and tuning dials. However, the graphics could use updating, and the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback, especially as competitors like the Honda Civic offered these features.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with availability increasing with higher trims. The A4 Technik included Audi Pre Sense with front and rear collision preparation, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Our test vehicle also had lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The A4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came with a solid list of standard driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind spot monitoring. Our test model included a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control. The Sentra earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, with high ratings for its driver-assistance features.