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 for the year. This eye-catching hue, exclusive to the performance-tuned TRD model, drew unexpected attention from onlookers, a rarity for the traditionally understated Camry. The 2022 updates also included standard heated side mirrors and dual-zone automatic climate control for most trims, along with a new Ice Edge paint option. The SE Hybrid trim introduced a Nightshade Edition package, adding a sleek, blacked-out aesthetic. With 13 versions available, the Camry offered a range of choices, from the base LE to the upscale XSE, with pricing spanning from just over $26,000 to nearly $37,000. The TRD model, equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, aerodynamic body kit, and distinctive styling elements, stood out for its sporty appeal, though its aggressive design was not universally appreciated. Inside, the Camry TRD featured a driver-oriented layout, though some design choices, like red gauge illumination, were less favorable.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, carrying over its 2020 redesign, presented a modern, coupe-like exterior reminiscent of a smaller Altima. This design marked a significant improvement over previous models, offering a refined execution of Nissan's design language. While our test model sported a subdued gray paint, the Sentra was available in vibrant colors like blue, burnt orange, and Scarlet Ember, with options for a contrasting black roof. Inside, the Sentra excelled with a simple yet functional layout, highlighted by a central touchscreen and upscale vent design. The Sentra offered three trims: S, SV, and SR, each with varying features. The base S trim included essentials like a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the SV and SR trims added enhancements like larger wheels, premium upholstery, and advanced infotainment systems. The SR trim, particularly with the Midnight Edition package, added sporty elements and tasteful ambient lighting, making the Sentra a well-rounded choice for those seeking style and practicality.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD was powered by a robust 3.5-liter 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 Sport mode and paddle shifters for an engaging driving experience. Despite its performance focus, the Camry TRD achieved an EPA-rated 25 mpg in combined driving, with real-world tests averaging 24.8 mpg. The TRD model featured track-tuned dynamics, with enhanced torsional rigidity, stiffer suspension components, and larger brakes. Its 19-inch matte-black alloy wheels and sport dual exhaust system contributed to its performance credentials. While the Camry TRD excelled in speed and handling, its front-wheel-drive setup occasionally led to tire squeal. Nevertheless, the car felt solid and planted, with communicative suspension and excellent brake modulation, making it a fun yet comfortable ride.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not a powerhouse, the Sentra's engine provided satisfactory low-end acceleration and highway performance. The CVT managed power effectively, offering smooth acceleration. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its cornering capabilities were commendable for a non-performance-oriented vehicle. The suspension handled most road imperfections well, though it struggled with harsher conditions. Overall, the Sentra was a reliable choice for commuting and everyday driving, offering consistent performance across various settings.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD featured front seats with red accents and TRD logos, though they lacked additional bolstering compared to the standard Camry SE. Despite this, the sporty driving position and supportive fabric seat inserts provided comfort during spirited driving. The Camry's back seat accommodated two adults comfortably, though the TRD model lacked rear-seat air vents and a folding rear seatback, limiting cargo flexibility. The trunk offered 15.1 cubic feet of space, smaller than some competitors, but in-cabin storage was generous, with a large center armrest bin and ample stash space.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing many small sedans, though slightly less than the Kia Forte. The Sentra's 60/40 split-fold rear bench allowed for expanded cargo capacity, though the ledge created by the bench could hinder loading larger items. The trunk could be opened remotely via the key fob or a dashboard button. Inside, the Sentra provided spacious seating for both rows, with ample headroom and legroom in the front and decent space in the rear. The front row featured large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, while the center console offered plenty of storage options.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system included Safety Connect and WiFi Connect subscription services, with trial periods available. An optional 9-inch touchscreen upgrade added Remote Connect, Service Connect, and a 9-speaker JBL premium audio system, known for its bass-heavy sound. While the Camry TRD lacked dynamic connected navigation and voice recognition, it supported Siri and Google Assistant through smartphone integration. Other Camry models offered additional features like a head-up display and surround-view monitoring, but these were not available on the TRD.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity. The SV and SR trims upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen, maintaining the same smartphone integration. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with hard buttons and dials for easy navigation. However, the graphics could benefit from an update, and the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback, especially as competitors like the Honda Civic offered these features on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Camry was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Camry TRD also came with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While the lane-departure warning system occasionally issued false alerts, the adaptive cruise control system was generally effective, though it sometimes reduced speed unnecessarily in curves. Safety Connect was standard, offering collision notification, emergency assistance, and a stolen vehicle locator. The Camry received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered a robust set of standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, and blind spot monitoring. Our test model included additional features like a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control. While the adaptive cruise control maintained a significant distance from the car ahead, its abrupt braking could be disconcerting. The Sentra earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, along with a "Superior" rating for its driver-assistance features, securing a "Top Safety Pick" award.