2022 Nissan Sentra vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid continued to uphold its reputation as a reliable family sedan, a status it had maintained since the mid-1990s. Despite minimal changes from the previous year, the Camry Hybrid's exterior design was both futuristic and expressive, featuring a bold front end with a sneering face and muscular features. The base model was equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, while higher trims boasted 18-inch and 19-inch options. Inside, the Camry Hybrid offered a similarly modern aesthetic, with a sweeping dashboard design and a large infotainment touchscreen. The second row provided ample space and comfort, even for the middle seat, and the overall fit and finish were of high quality, with smooth paint and premium materials.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Sentra, redesigned in 2020, carried over its modern, low-slung, coupe-like exterior into 2022. It was a significant improvement over earlier models, aligning with Nissan's current design language. The Sentra was available in various bold colours, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Sentra's interior was a highlight, combining modern design with functional simplicity. The front cabin featured a touchscreen as the centrepiece, and the controls were user-friendly. The Sentra offered three trims—S, SV, and SR—each with varying features, including different wheel sizes, upholstery, and technology options. Special editions like the Midnight Edition added unique styling elements, further enhancing its appeal.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was designed for fuel efficiency rather than performance thrills. Its entry-level LE models achieved impressive fuel consumption ratings of 4.9 L/100 km in the city and 4.8 L/100 km on the highway. The hybrid system combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total of 208 horsepower. An electronically controlled CVT transmitted power to the front wheels, with paddle shifters available on SE and XSE models. The Camry Hybrid's handling was commendable, aided by a lower centre of gravity due to the battery placement. However, maintaining EV mode was challenging, and some drivetrain noise was noted.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. In Canada, it offered a six-speed manual transmission as standard, with a CVT available. The Sentra's performance was consistent, providing satisfactory low-end acceleration and highway capabilities. Its steering was well-weighted, and cornering was sharp for a non-performance car. The suspension handled most road conditions well, though it struggled with harsher bumps. Overall, the Sentra was well-suited for commuting and occasional road trips.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid excelled in providing a comfortable driving experience with its reasonable ride height and seating position. The interior offered ample storage options, including a spacious glove compartment and various nooks throughout the dash. The second row was roomy and easy to access, with generous bottle holders and map pockets. The Camry Hybrid's trunk space matched the standard Camry at 428 litres, with a passthrough for long items and foldable rear seats for larger cargo. Toyota's warranty coverage was comprehensive, including a 10-year/240,000-kilometre hybrid battery warranty.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered 404 litres of trunk space, expandable with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench. However, the rear bench created a ledge, making it challenging to slide larger items through. The trunk could be remotely opened via the key fob or a dash button. Inside, the Sentra provided spacious seating in both rows, with ample headroom and legroom. The front row featured large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, while the centre console offered plenty of storage for personal items.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology features, including a premium JBL audio system on the XLE model, featuring nine speakers and sophisticated audio algorithms. All models came with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the LE and a 9-inch on other trims. The Camry Hybrid also included a smart key system, push-button start, and a projected-path rearview camera. Higher trims offered additional features like a 10-inch head-up display and a bird’s-eye view camera.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an 8-inch screen available on SV and SR trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with conventional hard buttons and dials for easy navigation. However, the graphics were somewhat outdated, and the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback compared to competitors like the Honda Civic.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. It also came with Toyota’s Star safety system, 10 airbags, and a blind-spot monitor on all but the base LE trim. The Camry Hybrid received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. Additional features like a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control were available. The Sentra earned high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight ratings were lower.