2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2023 Nissan Altima

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata had evolved significantly from its early days when it closely resembled the Honda Accord. Over time, Hyundai infused the Sonata with its own unique flair, resulting in a distinctive design that was both bold and polarizing. The seventh-generation Sonata, introduced in 2020, featured a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and a sloped rear roofline, which made it stand out in the midsize sedan segment. Inside, the Sonata offered a spacious cabin with seating for five, and while the material quality was average, the layout was functional and user-friendly. The Sonata N Line variant added sporty elements, such as a body kit and unique interior touches, enhancing its appeal to those seeking a more aggressive look.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Altima maintained a more conservative approach to design, with updated front styling and new wheel designs that improved its visual presence. The Altima's interior was straightforward and easy to use, with controls laid out logically and comfortable Zero Gravity seats. However, the interior was marred by hard plastics, and some design choices, like the floor mat snaps, were less than ideal. The Altima's trunk offered 437 litres of cargo space, which was smaller than some competitors but still practical. Overall, the Altima's design was functional, but it lacked the boldness and flair seen in the Sonata.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided adequate performance for everyday driving. The Sonata also offered a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, which was available on the Sport and Luxury trims. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the Sonata featured a drive mode selector for added versatility. The Sonata N Line, however, was the standout performer with its 290-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, sport suspension, and tuned exhaust, delivering a thrilling driving experience. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, and while the ride and handling were competent, the N Line's performance was particularly engaging.

The 2023 Nissan Altima, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and featured standard all-wheel drive, which was a unique offering in the midsize sedan segment. The Altima's performance was adequate, but the CVT's programming aimed to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, which some drivers appreciated. The Altima's ride was firm, and while it handled well in the mountains, the steering lacked engagement. The Altima's fuel economy was reasonable, but the heavier versions of the car struggled with efficiency. Overall, the Altima was easy to drive in urban environments, but it lacked the dynamic character found in some of its rivals.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata boasted a spacious cabin with 2,956 litres of passenger space, classifying it as a "Full-size Car" by Natural Resources Canada. Front-seat headroom and legroom were among the best in the segment, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The Sonata's trunk offered 453 litres of cargo space, making it one of the larger options in its class. The Sonata also featured Remote Smart Parking Assist, a convenient feature for navigating tight parking spaces.

The 2023 Nissan Altima's interior was simple and comfortable, with controls that were easy to understand and use. The Zero Gravity seats provided exceptional comfort, although the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Altima's trunk offered 437 litres of cargo space, which was smaller than some competitors but still practical. Interior storage was reasonable, with various bins and trays for small items. However, some design choices, like the floor mat snaps, were less than ideal. Overall, the Altima's interior was functional, but it lacked the spaciousness and innovative features found in the Sonata.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of infotainment options, with base models featuring an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rear-view camera. Higher trims, like the N Line and Ultimate Hybrid, upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and wireless charging. The Bose audio system was particularly impressive, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Nissan Altima came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims, like the SR Premium and Platinum, featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a wireless charging pad. The Altima also offered a Bose nine-speaker audio system, which performed well for some music genres but not others. The new infotainment system represented a significant improvement over previous versions, with a better user interface and graphics.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Sonata received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests. However, the Sonata's LED reflector headlights received a "Marginal" rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Nissan Altima featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, which included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Altima also offered ProPilot Assist on higher trims, adding adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, although it received a "Poor" rating in the updated side-impact test.