2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2020 Nissan Altima

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a masterclass in understated design. It appeared as an ordinary 5-door hatchback, but its honeycomb grille, red accents, and twin exhaust outlets hinted at its hidden prowess. The Rabbit Edition trim, priced at $28,895, featured gloss black 18-inch wheels, a rear roof spoiler, and side mirror caps, adding a touch of flair. Inside, the GTI's dashboard, instrumentation, and controls were straightforward, exuding quality. The Clark Plaid cloth upholstery in the S and Rabbit Edition trims added a whimsical touch to the otherwise conservative styling.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Altima Platinum, priced at $37,825, boasted a clean and contemporary design. The 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels enhanced its appeal, though some details like the door handle placement and body-color lower diffuser panel were questionable. The interior was ergonomically simple, with a high-mounted touchscreen infotainment system, clearly legible climate controls, and traditional transmission shifter. The materials quality was on par with the midsize sedan segment, dressed up with matte chrome detailing and simulated wood trim.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a thrill to drive, thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which produced 228 horsepower at 4,700 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. The VAQ limited-slip differential, standard on all trims, maximized traction and reduced understeer. The GTI's handling was impressive, with its Bridgestone Potenza RE97AS P225/40R18 tires contributing to its agility. Acceleration was swift, reaching 60 mph without needing third gear. The ride was stiff due to the sport suspension, but the progressive, variable-ratio steering provided precise control. The GTI's brakes, borrowed from the Golf R, were sensitive and effective. Fuel economy was rated at 27 mpg combined, though real-world testing yielded 25.1 mpg.

The 2020 Nissan Altima offered a different kind of performance with its optional turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The VC-Turbo engine, paired with a CVT, provided a balance of power and efficiency, averaging 26.2 mpg in testing. The Altima's ride and handling were enhanced by Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control, making it responsive and smooth. The CVT mimicked a traditional automatic but could produce sudden power surges. The Altima's suspension and steering setup ensured a comfortable and engaging drive, though it lacked the sporty edge of the GTI.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a versatile vehicle, accommodating both family and cargo needs. The front seats were height-adjustable with robust bolsters, and the dashboard layout was clear and functional. Storage was ample, with a large glove box, deep door-panel bins, and a smartphone tray. The backseat offered acceptable comfort, though leg space was tight. The trunk's 22.8 cubic feet capacity seemed optimistic, but with the rear seats folded, it expanded to 52.7 cubic feet, providing practical cargo space.

The 2020 Nissan Altima prioritized comfort with NASA-inspired front and back seats, though it lacked a front passenger height adjuster and ventilated seats. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a remote engine starter were available for cold climates. The Altima offered substantial in-cabin storage but lacked a wireless charging pad. The trunk provided 15.4 cubic feet of space, with optional grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle for convenience.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI's infotainment system varied by trim. The S and Rabbit Edition featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirror Link. The SE trim offered an 8-inch display, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a Fender premium sound system. The Autobahn trim added a navigation system and a semi-autonomous parking assistant. The Rabbit Edition's system was basic but functional, though pairing issues with Apple CarPlay and Pandora were noted.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's infotainment system was nearly perfect, with an 8-inch display, physical and virtual buttons, and stereo knobs. Standard features included Bluetooth, a text-messaging assistant, Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available upgrades included satellite radio, navigation, a Bose premium audio system, and NissanConnect Services. The connected services offered various plans with features like automatic collision notification and remote door lock access. The door-to-door navigation function was particularly useful, though the voice recognition system needed improvement.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert as standard on the Rabbit Edition. The SE trim added Car-Net Safety & Security, while the Autobahn trim included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and an active blind-spot monitoring system. All GTIs featured an automatic post-collision braking system. The GTI received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though it had an Acceptable rating for front passenger protection in the small overlap frontal impact test.

The 2020 Nissan Altima included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking standard on the base S trim. Higher trims added pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, and automatic high-beam assistance. Additional safety features included a driver monitoring system, road-sign recognition, and a surround-view camera. ProPilot Assist offered semi-autonomous driving aids but was found to be unreliable. The Altima received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.