2023 Toyota Prius vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2022 Nissan Altima had evolved significantly since its inception, with the sixth-generation model showcasing a sportier and sharper design. The Altima was available in three trim levels in Canada: SE, SR Midnight Edition, and Platinum. The SR Midnight Edition, in particular, stood out with its gloss black accents and sporty features, enhancing the Altima's already dynamic appearance. The interior boasted comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-organized instrument panel, though the quality varied across trims. The Altima's design, while appealing, had some quirks, such as the floating roofline, which some found unnecessary.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Prius underwent a complete makeover, finally offering a stylish exterior that matched its efficient performance. The new design featured a blend of curves and edges, giving it a futuristic look. The Prius was longer, lower, and wider, with wheels pushed to the corners for better handling. Inside, the Prius offered a solid and well-finished cabin, with a pair of screens for the driver and a dashboard-mounted infotainment system. While the interior focused more on function than form, it remained a comfortable space for occupants.

The 2022 Nissan Altima in Canada came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive was standard, a rarity for a mainstream mid-size sedan. The Altima's performance was a mixed bag, with mediocre acceleration and noticeable engine noise due to the CVT. However, the Altima excelled in ride comfort and cabin quietness, thanks to its excellent suspension and Active Ride Control.

The 2023 Toyota Prius featured a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a more powerful electric motor and lithium-ion battery, delivering 196 total horsepower in AWD models. This was a significant improvement over the previous model's 121 horsepower. The Prius offered impressive fuel economy, with ratings of 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving. The new Prius felt more athletic and responsive, with improved acceleration and handling. While engine noise was noticeable during hard acceleration, the overall driving experience was comfortable and engaging.

The 2022 Nissan 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 standing out 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.

The 2023 Toyota Prius, despite its larger exterior, had a slightly smaller interior in some dimensions. Headroom was reduced due to the sloping roofline, but legroom increased, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The Limited trim featured a fixed glass roof, enhancing the cabin's openness. Cargo space was 575 litres, with some underfloor storage. Visibility was generally good, though the loss of the split rear window affected rear visibility.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came equipped with a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system. It offered Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a range of other features. Higher trims included navigation, a Bose premium audio system, and Nissan's ProPilot Assist system, which provided advanced driver assistance.

The 2023 Toyota Prius featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a larger 12.3-inch screen on the Limited trim. The Prius offered a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, though it was criticized for being too busy. The Limited trim included wireless smartphone charging, an 8-speaker JBL audio system, and a digital rearview mirror. Subscription-based connectivity bundles were available, offering various remote and safety features.

The 2022 Nissan 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 2023 Toyota Prius came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane-departure alerts. The Proactive Driving Assist system impressed with its minimal intrusion. The Prius also included stability control, traction control, and eight airbags. It received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.