2022 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Toyota Camry

The 2022 Toyota Camry, particularly in its TRD guise, represented a significant leap from its traditionally conservative styling. The Camry TRD featured an aggressive aerodynamic body kit and striking Cavalry Blue paint, which grabbed the attention of young onlookers who previously might not have given the Camry a second glance. This sporty makeover extended to red brake calipers and polished exhaust outlets that underscored the car's performance-oriented evolution.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Altima continued with its sharp, sporty aesthetic that has become more pronounced over the years. Available in several trim levels, the Altima's design was enhanced by the Midnight Edition package on the test model, which included a black painted grille and spoiler, creating a sleek, unified appearance. While the Altima's design also included modern touches like a "floating" roofline, its style was more refined and understated compared to the aggressively styled Camry TRD.

Toyota's 2022 Camry TRD was armed with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering a robust 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. It was not just about power; the model boasted enhanced driving dynamics with a track-tuned suspension and bigger brakes. This version of the Camry asserted its prowess on mountain roads, offering exhilarating drives without sacrificing ride comfort, making it an ideal blend of sportiness and practicality.

The Nissan Altima provided options between a standard 2.5-liter engine with 188 horsepower and a more powerful 2.0-liter VC-Turbo that output 248 horsepower. While the Altima also handled well, particularly praised for its ride quality and cabin quietness, it lacked the same level of sporty engagement provided by the Camry TRD. The CVT in the Altima, although efficient, did not provide the exciting driving response of the Camry's eight-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, the 2022 Toyota Camry TRD, despite its sporty on-road presence, did not significantly enhance interior functionality compared to the standard models. The Camry offered a relatively tight cargo space at 15.1 cubic feet, just barely surpassing smaller class sedans. In contrast, the Nissan Altima featured slightly better cargo capacity at 15.4 cubic feet, positioning it as a more practical option for families and travelers.

Both vehicles offered comfortable seating and intuitive layout, but the Altima was slightly more conservative in its approach to sportiness inside, favoring comfort and spaciousness without the excessive sport-themed aesthetics found in the Camry TRD.