2023 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI presented a familiar yet subtly refreshed design, maintaining its iconic hatchback silhouette. Despite the brand's claim of all-new body panels, the differences from its predecessor were subtle to the untrained eye. The car was longer and lower, with a stable silhouette, yet retained its nimble character due to the unchanged wheelbase. The front end featured a smooth hood and a honeycomb-patterned air intake, with a signature red accent line running between the LED headlights. Optional features like a light bar added drama to its appearance, especially at night. Aerodynamic enhancements included redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling, while red brake calipers and varying wheel sizes depending on trim added to its sporty appeal. The GTI was available in staple colors, with occasional vibrant options like Pomelo Yellow Metallic for the Autobahn trim. Inside, the GTI offered plaid cloth seats as standard, with leather options available, and retained the classic golf-ball shifter knob for manual models.

The 2023 Nissan Altima showcased a refreshed front styling with a revised grille and new wheel designs, enhancing its visual presence, particularly in higher trims with 19-inch wheels. The Altima SL trim, one of the upscale options, featured a more luxurious interior with Gray leather for a high-contrast look, though the simulated wood dashboard trim was less convincing. The Altima's interior was practical, with controls laid out logically and comfortable Zero Gravity seats. However, the use of hard plastics reminded drivers of its lower base price. The Altima's trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of space, smaller than some competitors but usefully shaped. The car's low ground clearance made entry and exit challenging, and the rear seat comfort was good, though lacking air conditioning vents in lower trims. Interior storage was reasonable, with some design flaws like difficult-to-release floor mats.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GTI's performance was enhanced by a retuned suspension, with a lighter front assembly and stiffer rear springs. Various drive modes allowed for customization, and the electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential improved handling. The GTI's fuel economy was estimated at 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with the manual transmission, slightly better with the automatic. The Autobahn trim featured an adaptive damping system for improved ride quality.

The 2023 Nissan Altima offered a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque in FWD models, slightly less in AWD versions. The engine was paired with a CVT, which mimicked a traditional automatic transmission. The Altima SR VC-Turbo trim featured a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, delivering up to 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel. The Altima's fuel economy ranged from 30 to 32 mpg combined, with the SR VC-Turbo achieving 29 mpg. The Altima's ride was firm, with some noise at highway speeds, and its handling was competent but lacked engagement. The SR and SR VC-Turbo trims had sport-tuned suspensions and additional control systems for improved performance.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI balanced performance and practicality, offering 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 34.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The driver-centric interior featured a center stack angled toward the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for easy control of headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was surprisingly generous, making the GTI suitable for family use.

The 2023 Nissan Altima's interior was straightforward and comfortable, with controls laid out logically. The Zero Gravity seats provided exceptional comfort, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Altima's trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of space, and interior storage was reasonable, though some design flaws were noted. Rear seat comfort was good, with ample legroom and headroom, but air conditioning vents were only available in higher trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a fully digital driver information display with customizable gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system included an 8.25-inch touchscreen in the S trim and a 10-inch display with navigation in higher trims. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Car-Net system offered additional features like remote access and emergency assistance, though some required a subscription.

The 2023 Nissan Altima's base S trim had limited technology, with a 5-inch display and basic Bluetooth functionality. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a new 12.3-inch touchscreen was available with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The SL and SR VC-Turbo trims featured a Bose nine-speaker audio system, which performed well for some music genres. The new infotainment system was a significant improvement, with a better user interface and graphics.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI came equipped with IQ.Drive, offering advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic models. Park Distance Control was standard, with Park Assist available on the Autobahn trim. The GTI had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Nissan Altima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, though it had a Poor rating in the updated side-impact test.