2022 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Toyota Camry

The 2022 Toyota Camry, particularly in its TRD variant, made a striking impression with its bold Cavalry Blue paint, a new addition exclusive to this performance-tuned model. This eye-catching hue, along with the aerodynamic body kit and sporty design elements like matte-black 19-inch wheels and red brake calipers, set the TRD apart from other Camry versions. Despite its aggressive styling, the Camry TRD's interior was less polarizing, featuring an unusual dashboard layout and driver-oriented centre console. However, the red gauge illumination and accents were considered tacky by some, reminiscent of outdated designs. The Camry TRD's dynamic tuning was appreciated, but its dramatic styling was seen as trying too hard to impress.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Altima continued its evolution from its bland beginnings to a sharper, sportier design in its sixth generation. The Altima's SR Midnight Edition, with its gloss black accents and sporty enhancements, elevated its already appealing looks. The interior boasted comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-organized instrument panel, offering a premium feel, especially in higher trims. While the Altima's exterior styling was praised, its interior dimensions and trunk space were average compared to competitors. The high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility, but the rear camera display helped mitigate this issue.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD was equipped with a robust 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, the Camry TRD offered a spirited driving experience. Its Sport transmission mode and paddle shifters enhanced the driving dynamics, while the TRD-tuned suspension and performance brakes contributed to a solid, planted feel on the road. Despite its sporty nature, the Camry TRD managed a respectable fuel consumption of 9.5 L/100 km in combined driving. However, the lack of all-wheel drive was a notable omission, as the front-wheel-drive setup could lead to wheel spin during aggressive acceleration.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. While the engine's performance was modest, the Altima's standard all-wheel drive was a standout feature in its class. The Xtronic CVT, while efficient, struggled to deliver brisk acceleration, accompanied by noticeable engine noise. However, the Altima excelled in ride comfort and cabin quietness, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and Active Ride Control. The Altima's road manners were commendable, offering a smooth and composed ride, though it lacked the performance edge of the Camry TRD.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD offered a sporty driving position with power-adjustable front seats, though the lack of additional bolstering was surprising. The rear seat accommodated two adults comfortably, but the fixed rear seatback limited cargo flexibility. The trunk space was modest at 428 litres, but the Camry compensated with generous in-cabin storage options. The absence of rear-seat air vents in the TRD model was a drawback, but the overall interior design was functional and driver-focused.

The 2022 Nissan Altima provided comfortable seating for four adults, with a spacious back seat and user-friendly controls. Its trunk capacity of 437 litres was slightly larger than the Camry's, though the high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility. The Altima's interior dimensions were average for its class, but its large fuel tank was a notable advantage. The trunk's metal bar supports required careful packing to avoid crushing items, but the Altima's overall practicality made it a competent choice for families and commuters.

The 2022 Toyota Camry came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The TRD and XSE trims featured a larger 9-inch display with additional subscription services and a JBL premium audio system. While the sound quality was decent, the lack of dynamic connected navigation and voice recognition in the TRD was a limitation. The Camry's technology was user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for easy access.

The 2022 Nissan Altima boasted an 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SR trim added navigation and connected services, while the Platinum trim featured a nine-speaker Bose audio system. The advanced drive-assist display offered convenient access to various functions, and the ProPilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Altima's technology suite was comprehensive, with features like traffic sign recognition and an Around View Monitor enhancing its appeal.

The 2022 Toyota Camry was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assist and collision avoidance features. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities, though the lane-departure warning system could be overly sensitive. The Camry TRD included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. The Camry received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered a robust array of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Altima's safety systems were complemented by automatic high-beam headlights, driver-attention warning, and hill-start assist. The Altima received a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.