Nissan Altima vs Toyota Corolla Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid presented a refreshed look with its new all-wheel-drive option, except for the base LE trim. The hybrid system saw a power boost, and subtle style updates were made to the grille patterns and rear bumpers. The exterior design was more appealing than previous generations, with a sculpted front end featuring wraparound headlights and a sporty trapezoidal grille. However, the side and rear remained conventional. Inside, the Corolla Hybrid was minimalistic, with an abundance of hard plastics and barely padded armrests, which could be uncomfortable on long drives. The XSE trim added SofTex synthetic leather, but the overall interior quality fell short compared to competitors like the Honda Civic and Mazda 3.

The 2024 Nissan Altima maintained its familiar design with a new grille introduced in 2023. It was available in four trims in Canada, all with standard all-wheel drive. The Altima's styling was conservative, but features like LED projector headlights and dual exhaust pipes added some flair. Inside, the Altima felt outdated, with soft yellow lights and wood trim reminiscent of older cars. However, the seats were comfortable and supportive, and the layout was practical with easy-to-reach controls. The leather upholstery was underwhelming, and there was a noticeable presence of cheap plastic parts. Despite this, the Altima offered a comfortable and spacious interior.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid was powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with hybrid drive, producing 134 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. This was an increase from the previous model. The Corolla Hybrid LE trim featured an additional 40-hp electric motor for on-demand AWD. Acceleration was quick from a standstill, but power built slowly, taking around nine seconds to reach 100 km/h. The engine was noisy under heavy acceleration, and passing required significant effort. The hybrid offered a dedicated EV mode, but it was challenging to maintain. Braking was consistent, and handling was adequate, though not sporty. Road noise was present, and larger bumps impacted the cabin noticeably.

The 2024 Nissan Altima was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 96 km/h in about 7.5 seconds. The Altima's AWD system provided power to the rear wheels when needed, contributing to its fuel efficiency. The steering was light, but the low centre of gravity minimized body roll. The brakes were predictable, and the CVT managed power well, though it produced a droning noise under heavy acceleration. Nissan's noise insulation was generally good, but the Altima required gentle driving to keep engine noise at bay.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid offered ample front space, though the steering wheel's limited telescoping range might not suit taller drivers. The large windows provided excellent visibility. The interior was simple, with basic climate controls and well-placed steering-wheel buttons. Storage was adequate, with a small tray for phones and moderately sized cupholders. Rear seats accommodated average adults, but headroom was limited. The trunk had a capacity of 371 litres, with rear seats folding for additional space, though not flat.

The 2024 Nissan Altima provided impressive interior space, with front seats offering more room than some competitors. The rear seat had 895 millimetres of legroom, matching the Kia K5. Trunk space was 437 litres, with a wide opening for easy loading. The 60/40-split folding rear seat allowed for additional cargo space. The Altima's interior was practical, with comfortable seats and well-placed cupholders and cubbies.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid featured an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen with on-screen controls and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was responsive, with improved voice commands and over-the-air updates. It could pair two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, but the JBL audio system was not available in Canada.

The 2024 Nissan Altima came with an 8-inch touchscreen, but the SR Premium and Platinum trims featured a 12.3-inch display with crisp graphics and static icons for easy navigation. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were available with the larger screen. The nine-speaker Bose stereo was underwhelming, and the SiriusXM interface appeared cluttered. NissanConnect offered remote features through the MyNissan app.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover protection. The IIHS awarded the standard Corolla sedan a Top Safety Pick+. The Corolla Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more.

The 2024 Nissan Altima also earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it scored four stars in frontal crash tests. The IIHS did not award the 2024 model a Top Safety Pick+ due to poor side-impact test results. The Altima's ADAS included collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist was standard on all trims except the base S.