2022 Toyota Camry vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

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 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 Camry TRD apart from its predecessors. Despite its aggressive styling, the Camry's design was not universally appealing, with some finding the bright blue paint and go-fast bodywork a bit over the top. Inside, the Camry TRD featured a driver-oriented centre console and an unusual dashboard layout, though the red gauge illumination and accents were considered tacky by some.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Sentra carried over its sleek, modern design from its 2020 redesign, resembling a downsized Altima. The Sentra's exterior was praised for its low-slung, coupe-like appearance, a significant improvement over earlier models. While our test model sported a sedate grey paint, the Sentra offered a range of bold colours, including blue, burnt orange, and Scarlett Ember. Inside, the Sentra's interior was a highlight, with a modern yet simple layout that combined form and function. The front cabin featured a touchscreen rising from the dash, serving as the visual centrepiece, and the controls were user-friendly, contributing to an upscale feel.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD was equipped with a robust 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering an impressive 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, the Camry TRD offered a thrilling driving experience. It featured a Sport transmission mode, paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode to enhance throttle response and steering effort. Despite its powerful engine, the Camry TRD achieved a fuel consumption rating of 9.4 L/100 km in combined driving, slightly better than expected. The car's track-tuned dynamics, including stiffer suspension and larger brakes, contributed to its solid and secure feel on the road.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, on the other hand, was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. While not as powerful as the Camry, the Sentra's engine provided satisfactory performance for both city and highway driving. The CVT managed power well, offering smooth acceleration. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its cornering capabilities were commendable for a non-performance-oriented car. The suspension effectively absorbed most road imperfections, making the Sentra a comfortable choice for commuting and road trips.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD offered a sporty driving position with fabric seat inserts and a tall centre console, providing comfort and stability during spirited driving. However, the TRD model lacked rear-seat air vents and a 60/40-split folding back seat, resulting in a fixed rear seatback. The Camry's trunk space was limited to 428 litres, smaller than some competitors, but it compensated with generous in-cabin storage, including a large bin under the centre armrest.

In comparison, the 2022 Nissan Sentra provided 404 litres of trunk space, which could be expanded with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench. While the Sentra's trunk lacked a power-opening feature, it could be remotely opened via the key fob or a dashboard button. The Sentra's interior offered 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 provided plenty of storage options.

The 2022 Toyota Camry came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Camry XSE and TRD models upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen with additional subscription services and a 9-speaker JBL premium audio system. While the sound quality was bass-heavy, it was decent for the price point. However, the Camry TRD lacked dynamic connected navigation and voice recognition technology.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra also offered a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with SV and SR trims upgrading to an 8-inch screen. The system featured easy menu navigation, conventional hard buttons, and volume and tuning dials. However, the graphics could use updating, and the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback compared to some competitors.

The 2022 Toyota Camry was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The Camry TRD and XSE models also came with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Camry received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra boasted a solid list of standard safety features, such as forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. Our test model included additional features like a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control. The Sentra earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, with high ratings for its driver-assistance features.