2021 Subaru WRX vs 2020 Nissan Altima

The 2020 Nissan Altima came in various trims, including the base S, sporty SR, SV, SL, and Platinum. The test car was a Platinum model with a turbocharged engine, extra-cost paint, a rear spoiler, splash guards, floor and trunk mats, grocery bag hooks, and illuminated doorsill kick plates, totaling $37,825 with destination charges. The Altima Platinum featured 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels, which enhanced its appearance. The redesign from the previous year improved the car's styling, though some details like the door handles' placement and the body-color lower diffuser panel could have been better. The interior was clean and contemporary, with an ergonomic design, high-mounted touchscreen infotainment system, and clearly legible climate controls. The materials quality was on par with the midsize sedan segment, with matte chrome detailing and simulated wood trim adding a touch of elegance.

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a more youthful and aggressive aesthetic, often compared to its racier sibling, the WRX STI. The WRX featured a wedge-like front end and a short trunk lid, giving it a speedy appearance even when stationary. Aerodynamic bodywork and a functional hood scoop added to its sporty look. Inside, the WRX's design was function-first, with a cockpit that resembled other Subaru compact cars from the past decade. The interior had plenty of hard plastics, contributing to its less refined reputation compared to competitors like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si. The WRX came in Base, Premium, and Limited trims, with the Limited offering leather upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, LED fog lights, and adaptive steering-responsive LED headlights.

The 2020 Nissan Altima was equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing up to 188 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that powered the front wheels. An all-wheel-drive option was available with this engine. The test car featured the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, known as the VC-Turbo, which delivered 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. This engine was paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive, achieving an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in combined driving, though the test car averaged 26.2 mpg. The Altima's ride and handling were impressive, thanks to its strut front, multi-link rear suspension, dual-pinion electric steering, and 4-wheel-disc brakes. The car also featured Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control, enhancing ride quality and handling.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. The WRX's engine layout allowed for a low center of gravity, contributing to its balanced handling. The manual transmission, however, had a vague clutch feel, making the CVT a more practical option for keeping the engine in its powerband. The WRX also featured Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, which modulated torque distribution and applied slight braking on the inside wheels during cornering. This setup, combined with well-weighted steering, made the WRX a joy to drive on winding roads, though its stiff ride was less comfortable compared to the Civic Si and GTI.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's seats were designed with NASA-inspired technology for superior comfort, though the lack of a front passenger's seat height adjuster and ventilated front seats was a drawback. The Altima offered heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a remote engine starter with climate control operation, but heated rear seats were not available. The car provided substantial in-cabin storage space, though it lacked a wireless smartphone charging pad. The trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of space, with optional grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle for convenience.

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a conventional sedan layout with a trunk offering up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. This was more than the Civic Si coupe but less than the sedan and far behind the VW GTI's cargo capacity. The WRX's interior packaging was less clever compared to newer models, with limited in-door bottle holders and center console cupholders that could obstruct shifting. The WRX provided a comfortable driving position with good visibility and decent rear seat space, accommodating four adults with relative ease.

The 2020 Nissan Altima featured an 8-inch infotainment system with a flat display, stereo volume and tuning knobs, and physical and virtual buttons for easy use. Standard features included Bluetooth connectivity, a text-messaging assistant, Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available upgrades included satellite radio, a navigation system, a 9-speaker Bose premium audio system, and NissanConnect Services. The connected services technology offered various plans, including features like automatic collision notification, emergency calling, and smartphone alerts. The door-to-door navigation function was particularly helpful for navigating to final destinations on foot. However, the voice recognition technology required specific commands for accurate results.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls despite dated graphics. The Limited trim offered an option package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing excellent sound quality. While the WRX's infotainment system was not cutting-edge, it was functional and user-friendly.

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 received additional features like pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, and automatic high-beam assistance. Additional safety systems included a driver monitoring system, road-sign recognition, and a surround-view camera. ProPilot Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving aid, was available but proved difficult to trust during testing. The Altima received a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with the latest safety features. Subaru's EyeSight system, including adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning, was available on the Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking were optional on the Limited trim. All WRX trims included a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.