2021 Nissan Altima vs 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback, a compact car that had undergone a redesign half a decade prior, continued to evolve with subtle styling tweaks. The changes included body-color crossbars on the air intakes, a new grille, and smoked headlights, which collectively enhanced its visual appeal. The Sport Touring trim, with its Platinum White Pearl paint, stood out with glossy black detailing, often mistaken for the more aggressive Type R model. Inside, the Civic offered a mix of stitched leather and quality materials, though hard plastics were still present. The six-speed manual gearbox, previously exclusive to the Sport trim, was now available in the Sport Touring, priced at $28,980. Despite its cost, the Civic Hatchback provided a more affordable alternative to the Type R, with a base MSRP starting at $21,650 for the LX trim.

The 2021 Nissan Altima showcased a strong family identity with its bold V-Motion grille, available in chrome or dark chrome, depending on the trim. Its sleek, aerodynamic profile was accentuated by a sloping roofline and taut body folds, though its stance appeared slightly old-fashioned due to the overhangs and short dash-to-axle distance. Modern features like LED lighting and alloy wheels kept the Altima contemporary. The fit and finish were exceptional, with a range of nine exterior colors, some requiring an additional cost. Inside, the Altima boasted an uncluttered dashboard with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display, improving with higher trims. The base model felt basic, but as you moved up, the interior materials and features enhanced the overall experience.

The 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback, particularly in Sport and Sport Touring trims, was not to be confused with the Civic Si. It featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 174 horsepower in LX, EX, and EX-L trims, and 180 horsepower in Sport and Sport Touring trims. Torque varied with the transmission, offering 162 lb-ft with the CVT and 177 lb-ft with the manual. The Civic Hatchback delivered a refined and quiet driving experience, with a softer ride and wider seats compared to the Si. It was fun to drive, especially on winding roads, and achieved an EPA rating of 32 mpg combined, with real-world testing showing 32.7 mpg.

The 2021 Nissan Altima offered a choice between two powertrains. Most models featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. Fuel economy was impressive, with up to 32 mpg combined for FWD models. The standout was the VC-Turbo engine in the SR VC-Turbo trim, delivering 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine used variable compression technology for power and efficiency, achieving 29 mpg combined. The Altima's suspension and steering provided a decent driving experience, with the VC-Turbo offering a sportier feel.

The 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a practical alternative to SUVs, with 25.2 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly more than the HR-V Touring. While it lacked the HR-V's maximum volume, the Civic compensated with better acceleration and fuel efficiency. The low seating position made entry and exit less convenient, but the heated leather front seats provided comfort. The center console was a highlight, offering versatile storage options. Rear seat comfort was good, though the lack of air-conditioning vents and tinted glass could make it uncomfortable in hot weather.

The 2021 Nissan Altima excelled in comfort with its Zero Gravity front seats, praised for their long-distance comfort. Upper trims added power adjustments, memory, leather, and heating. The cabin featured ample storage, including a large glovebox, center console, and door pockets. The second row was spacious, accommodating two adults comfortably, and the 60/40 split-folding seats allowed for trunk access. The trunk itself offered 15.4 cubic feet of space, making it practical for everyday use.

The 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback featured a stylish dashboard with digital instrumentation and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in most trims. The Sport Touring trim included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, and a premium sound system. While it lacked a tuning knob and advanced voice recognition, it offered automatic climate control and Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock for convenience.

The 2021 Nissan Altima came well-equipped with standard tech features, including Nissan Intelligent Key, remote engine start, Bluetooth, and more. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on most trims, with an 8-inch touchscreen on all but the base model. Higher trims offered additional USB ports, a Bose audio system, and Active Noise Cancellation. Nissan Door to Door Navigation and NissanConnect Services were available on upper trims, enhancing connectivity and convenience.

The 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback included the Honda Sensing suite as standard, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Civic received top crash-test ratings but did not earn a Top Safety Pick due to poor headlight performance.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360 on SV trims and above, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. ProPilot Assist was available for highway driving assistance. The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick + from IIHS.