2022 Nissan Altima vs 2023 Nissan Altima

The 2022 Nissan Altima continued the brand's tradition of sporty design, featuring a low, wide stance and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. The SR Midnight Edition, in particular, stood out with its gloss black accents, 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and a single panel moonroof, enhancing the Altima's already sporty appearance. Inside, the Altima offered comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-organized instrument panel, providing a premium feel, especially in higher trims. However, the floating roof design was seen as unnecessary, and the quality of materials varied significantly across different trim levels.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Altima introduced updated front styling with a revised grille and new wheel designs, enhancing its visual presence, particularly in higher trims with 19-inch wheels. The interior maintained a mainstream feel with hard plastics, but the new simulated wood dashboard trim and double-stitched seams added a touch of sophistication. Despite these improvements, the stylish wheel design was prone to damage, and the interior's hard plastics reminded drivers of its mainstream sedan status. The 2023 model continued to offer standard all-wheel drive in Canada, maintaining its unique position in the market.

The 2022 Nissan Altima in Canada was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the standard all-wheel drive was a notable feature, acceleration was mediocre, and engine noise was prominent during acceleration. However, the Altima impressed with its smooth ride and quiet cabin, thanks to Nissan's Active Ride Control, offering a refined driving experience despite its lacklustre performance.

For 2023, the Altima retained the 2.5-litre engine, now producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The CVT was programmed to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, and paddle shifters were included in the SR Premium trim for added driver engagement. Fuel economy ratings varied slightly across trims, with the SR Premium averaging 8.6 L/100 km. The 2023 Altima offered adequate performance, but the ride was firm, and road noise was noticeable at highway speeds. Rear visibility was poor, and the brakes showed signs of overheating under certain conditions, highlighting some of the model's limitations.

The 2022 Altima provided comfortable seating for four, with a decent-sized trunk and easy-to-use controls. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its competitors, offering a balanced approach without excelling in any particular area. However, rear visibility was compromised by the high rear shelf and sloping roofline, and the trunk's metal bar supports could crush items if not careful when closing the lid.

In 2023, the Altima's interior was simple and comfortable, with logical control layouts and exceptionally comfortable Zero Gravity seats. The test vehicle featured dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and heated front seats, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The sticky leather upholstery and awkward floor mat design were minor inconveniences. Rear seat comfort was good, with ample legroom and headroom, but the trunk space remained at 437 litres, smaller than some competitors. The lack of a grip or handle for the trunk lid was a minor oversight.

The 2022 Altima came with a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch 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 provided advanced driver assistance features. The technology worked flawlessly, enhancing the driving experience with convenient features like traffic sign recognition and an Around View Monitor.

In 2023, the Altima introduced a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system in higher trims, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. The system represented a significant improvement with a superior user interface and appealing graphics. NissanConnect Services required a subscription, and the Bose audio system was available in higher trims. The new infotainment system was a highlight, though the Bose system's performance varied depending on the music genre.

The 2022 Altima was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. It received high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation. The Altima's child-seat anchors also received the highest "Good+" rating, underscoring its commitment to safety.

For 2023, the Altima continued to offer the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, with additional features like ProPilot Assist in higher trims. The system worked well but required refinement for smoother operation. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the front passenger frontal impact safety rating was four stars. The IIHS awarded the 2023 Altima a Top Safety Pick+ designation, but it received a Poor rating in the updated side-impact test.