2023 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, largely unchanged since its 2020 redesign, presented a sleek and modern exterior reminiscent of a smaller Altima. Its low-slung, coupe-like design marked a significant improvement over earlier models, which had a more traditional sedan appearance. The Sentra was available in a variety of bold colours, including blue, burnt orange, and "Scarlett Ember," with options for a contrasting black roof. Inside, the Sentra's interior was a highlight, featuring a modern yet simple layout that balanced form and function. The controls were user-friendly, and the centre dash's trio of vents added an upscale touch, complemented by a prominent touchscreen.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Altima showcased updated front styling with a revised grille and new wheel designs, enhancing its visual presence, especially in higher trims with 19-inch wheels. Despite its stylish appearance, the Altima's interior was marred by hard plastics, though it offered comfort with Nissan's Zero Gravity seats. The Altima's interior was practical, with logically arranged controls and clear analog gauges. However, the low seating position and some design quirks, like the challenging floor mat snaps, detracted from its overall appeal. The trunk offered 437 litres of cargo space, smaller than some competitors, but its shape was practical for storage.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 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 Sentra's performance was consistent, offering satisfactory low-end acceleration and highway cruising. Its steering was well-weighted, and cornering was sharp for a non-performance car. The suspension handled most road conditions well, making it suitable for commuting and road trips.

The 2023 Nissan Altima, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and standard all-wheel drive. The Altima's performance was adequate, with torque arriving at 3,600 rpm. The CVT mimicked a traditional automatic transmission, and paddle shifters added driver engagement. However, the Altima's ride was firm, and road noise was noticeable at highway speeds. The steering lacked feedback, and the brakes showed signs of overheating under certain conditions. Despite these issues, the Altima offered commendable grip and cornering in mountainous areas.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra provided 404 litres of trunk space, expandable with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench. While the trunk lacked a power-opening feature, it could be opened remotely via the key fob or a dash button. The Sentra's interior offered spacious seating, with comfortable front seats and decent rear legroom. The front row featured large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, while the centre console provided ample storage.

The 2023 Nissan Altima's interior was simple and comfortable, with controls laid out logically. Nissan's Zero Gravity seats were exceptionally comfortable, though the sticky leather upholstery detracted slightly. The Altima offered dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and heated front seats. However, the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, making entry and exit challenging. Rear seat comfort was good, with ample legroom and headroom. Interior storage was reasonable, though some design choices, like the wireless charging pad's location, limited usability. The Altima's trunk offered 437 litres of cargo space, smaller than some rivals but practically shaped.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an 8-inch screen available on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with conventional hard buttons and volume/tuning dials. However, the graphics needed updating, and wireless connectivity was absent.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Altima offered an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a new 12.3-inch system available on higher trims. The larger screen included navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a wireless charging pad. The Altima's infotainment system was a significant improvement, with a superior user interface and graphics. The Bose nine-speaker audio system was available on higher trims, though its performance varied. The Altima also featured voice recognition technology, though it couldn't adjust the climate system.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. It earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.

The 2023 Nissan Altima also featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, with additional features like a rear-seat reminder system and Easy Fill Tire Alert. ProPilot Assist was available on higher trims, offering adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it had a Poor rating in the updated side-impact test.