2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2022 Nissan Altima continued to build on its legacy of sporty design, a trend that began with its third-generation model. The sixth-generation Altima featured a low, wide stance, tall doors, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline, although the latter was seen as an unnecessary design element. The SR Midnight Edition, which was tested, added a gloss black sport grille, LED fog lights, and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, enhancing its sporty appeal. The interior boasted comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-laid-out instrument panel, though the quality varied across trim levels.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta maintained a conservative design, typical of Volkswagen's approach, but lacked the symmetry and balance of previous models. The Jetta Highline, tested in Platinum Grey Metallic, offered an upscale feel with ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, and larger digital screens. Despite its bland appearance, the Jetta's interior was functional, with a spacious cabin and trunk, making it suitable for a family of four. The Jetta's design was visually inoffensive, appealing to those seeking a straightforward, no-nonsense sedan.

The 2022 Nissan Altima in Canada was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT and standard all-wheel drive. While the AWD was a unique feature for a midsize sedan, the Altima's acceleration was mediocre, accompanied by noticeable engine noise. However, the Altima excelled in ride comfort and cabin quietness, thanks to its excellent suspension and Active Ride Control, offering a refined driving experience.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels. The Jetta's performance was characterized by zippy acceleration and nimble handling, though the 8-speed automatic transmission exhibited a delay in response. The Jetta Highline's Sport mode improved driving dynamics but impacted fuel economy, averaging 7.8 L/100 km. Despite these quirks, the Jetta's accurate steering and predictable handling made it enjoyable to drive, especially on mountain roads.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered comfortable seating for four, with a decent-sized trunk of 437 litres. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, neither excelling nor lagging in passenger space or cargo capacity. However, the high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility, and the trunk's metal bar supports required careful packing to avoid crushing items.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, straddling the compact and midsize segments, provided ample space for four adults and a generous trunk of 399 litres. The Jetta Highline featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. While the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, the Jetta's large doors and supportive rear seats ensured easy access and comfort. The interior offered plenty of storage options, including a large centre bin and glove compartment.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came with a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, a Bose premium audio system, and ProPilot Assist, which provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Altima's tech features worked seamlessly, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta Highline featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the infotainment system had some usability quirks, the Car-Net service offered valuable features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote engine start. The Beats Audio system, however, was less satisfying compared to previous Fender systems.

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 a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS, highlighting its strong crash protection and advanced safety technologies.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta offered standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, with additional features like blind spot monitoring and Travel Assist available on higher trims. While the Jetta's driver-assistance systems performed well, it received mixed safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but lower scores for frontal-impact protection and headlights from the IIHS.