2021 Nissan Altima vs 2021 Subaru WRX

The 2021 Subaru WRX was often noted for its youthful and somewhat rebellious design, characterized by its wedge-like front end and short trunk lid, which gave it a sporty appearance even when stationary. While it shared some aesthetic elements with the more aggressive WRX STI, the standard WRX appeared more subdued, lacking the race-ready rear wing of its sibling. Inside, the WRX's cabin was functional but not particularly refined, with an abundance of hard plastics that contributed to its less mature reputation compared to competitors like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si. The WRX offered three trims: Base, Premium, and Limited, each adding more features and options, such as larger wheels, heated seats, and advanced driver assistance systems.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Altima presented a more sophisticated and modern design, highlighted by its bold V-Motion grille and sleek, coupe-like roofline. The Altima's exterior was marked by taut lines and a contemporary stance, although its proportions were slightly traditional. The interior of the Altima was praised for its exceptional fit and finish, with a well-organized dashboard and a standard 8-inch touchscreen display. The Altima's cabin offered a range of materials and features that improved with higher trims, providing a more luxurious feel. The Altima's design was complemented by a variety of exterior color options, adding to its appeal.

The 2021 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine configuration allowed for a low center of gravity and was paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. Despite its power advantage over rivals like the Civic Si and VW GTI, the WRX required skillful rev management to fully exploit its performance. The manual transmission was criticized for its vague clutch feel, while the CVT, though not ideal for enthusiasts, kept the engine in its powerband effectively. The WRX's handling was enhanced by Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, providing precise cornering, though its ride was stiffer compared to competitors.

The 2021 Nissan Altima offered a choice between two engines. Most trims featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT. This setup provided respectable performance and fuel efficiency, with optional AWD available. The standout option was the VC-Turbo engine, exclusive to the SR VC-Turbo trim, delivering 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine utilized variable compression technology for a balance of power and efficiency. The Altima's suspension and steering provided a comfortable and engaging driving experience, with the VC-Turbo offering a sportier feel.

The 2021 Subaru WRX featured a traditional sedan layout with a trunk offering 12 cubic feet of cargo space. While this was more than the Civic Si coupe, it fell short of the sedan and the VW GTI's versatile hatchback design. The WRX's interior was somewhat dated, lacking modern conveniences like large bottle holders in the doors. However, it provided a comfortable driving position with good visibility and adequate space for four adults, making it practical for a compact sedan.

The 2021 Nissan Altima excelled in interior comfort and practicality, thanks to its Zero Gravity front seats, which provided exceptional comfort on long drives. The cabin offered ample storage options, including a large glovebox, center console storage, and door pockets. The rear seats were spacious enough for two adults, with a 60/40 split-folding design for added versatility. The Altima's trunk capacity of 15.4 cubic feet further enhanced its practicality, making it suitable for families and long trips.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch screen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a user-friendly interface despite dated graphics. The Limited trim offered an optional package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing a solid audio experience. However, the WRX's tech features were not cutting-edge, reflecting its older design.

The 2021 Nissan Altima was well-equipped with tech features, including a standard Nissan Intelligent Key with pushbutton start, remote engine start, and Bluetooth connectivity. Most trims featured an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard on all but the base S model. Higher trims offered additional features like a Bose audio system, Active Noise Cancellation, and Nissan Door to Door Navigation. The Altima's tech offerings were comprehensive and modern, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Subaru WRX offered limited standard safety features, with Subaru's EyeSight system available only on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. This system included adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning. Additional safety options like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on the Limited trim. All WRX models came with a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, a comprehensive suite of safety features standard on SV trims and above. This included automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist was available for enhanced highway driving assistance, and an Intelligent Around View Monitor was offered on upper trims. The Altima received high safety ratings, including a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick + from the IIHS.