2021 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Nissan Altima showcased a strong family identity with its bold V-Motion grille, available in chrome or dark chrome, adorned with the Nissan logo. Its overall shape was attractive, featuring a sloping, coupe-like roofline that contributed to a sleek, aerodynamic profile. The body design leaned more towards folds than curves, giving it a taut and trim essence. Despite a slightly old-fashioned look due to its stance, modern features like standard LED lighting and a range of wheel options kept it contemporary. The Altima boasted exceptional fit and finish, with deep lustrous paint and rich chrome details, available in nine exterior colors with some premium options. Inside, the dashboard was uncluttered and intelligently laid out, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display positioned for safety and convenience. As trim levels increased, so did the quality of interior materials, offering a more luxurious feel.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, redesigned in 2020, carried over its modern, low-slung, coupe-like exterior into 2022, resembling a downsized Altima. It was a significant improvement over previous models, aligning with Nissan's current design language. The Sentra offered bold color options, including a contrasting black roof for some hues. Inside, the Sentra excelled with a modern-yet-simple layout, combining form and function. The controls were user-friendly, and the trio of vents on the dash added an upscale touch. The front cabin featured a touchscreen as the visual centerpiece. The Sentra came in S, SV, and SR trims, each offering a range of features from basic to more advanced, including options like a Midnight Edition package with dark accents and ambient lighting.

The 2021 Nissan Altima offered a Jekyll-and-Hyde experience with its powertrains. Most configurations featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. The AWD system could send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels when needed. Fuel economy was respectable, with FWD models achieving 28 mpg city/39 mpg highway/32 mpg combined, and AWD models slightly lower. The standout was the VC-Turbo engine in the Altima SR VC-Turbo trim, offering 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. This turbocharged 2.0-liter engine used variable compression for power and efficiency, making it a lively performer. The Altima's suspension and steering provided decent feedback, with the VC-Turbo's sport-tuned suspension adding a touch of excitement.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. While not outstanding, the engine and transmission combination provided solid low-end acceleration and satisfactory highway performance. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and cornering was sharp for a non-performance car. The suspension handled most road conditions well, though it struggled with harsher bumps. Overall, the Sentra was a reliable choice for commuting and occasional road trips.

The 2021 Nissan Altima impressed with its Zero Gravity front seats, providing comfort on long drives. Upper trims offered power adjustments, memory settings, leather, and heating. The front cabin featured ample storage, including a large glovebox, center console bin, cupholders, and door pockets. The second row was roomy for two adults, with a 60/40 split-folding design for trunk access. The trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of space.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra provided 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench. However, the ledge created by the bench could hinder loading larger items. The trunk could be remotely opened via the key fob or a dash button. The Sentra's seating was spacious, with comfortable front seats and decent rear legroom. The front row featured large in-door trays and bottle holders, while the center console offered ample cupholders and storage.

The 2021 Nissan Altima came with standard tech features like Nissan Intelligent Key, remote engine start, Bluetooth, and more. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on most trims, with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen depending on the model. Higher trims offered additional USB ports, a Bose audio system, and advanced navigation options. Active Noise Cancellation was included with the VC-Turbo engine.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an 8-inch screen on higher trims. The system was user-friendly, with hard buttons and dials for easy navigation. However, the graphics could use updating, and wireless connectivity was lacking compared to some competitors.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, standard on SV and above, with features like automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. ProPilot Assist was available for highway driving assistance. The Altima received a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view monitor were available. The Sentra earned a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS, with high ratings for driver-assistance effectiveness.