2021 Toyota Prius vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Toyota Prius retained its distinctive boomerang-shaped hood and roofline, a design choice that had been part of its identity for over 15 years. Despite advancements in aerodynamic vehicle design, the Prius continued to sport this unique look, which many found unappealing. The interior was equally unconventional, featuring a strip of displays mounted in the center of the dashboard, a toggle lever for transmission controls, and a narrow center console. The gloss-black trim was a magnet for dust and fingerprints, adding to the car's quirky aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Sentra, redesigned in 2020, carried over its modern, low-slung, coupe-like exterior into 2022. The design was a significant improvement over previous models, aligning with Nissan's current design language. The interior was a highlight, combining form and function with a simple yet modern layout. The front cabin featured a touchscreen rising from the dash, serving as the visual centerpiece. The Sentra was available in various bold colors, adding to its appeal.

The 2021 Toyota Prius focused on fuel efficiency, with the L Eco version achieving an impressive 56 mpg in combined driving according to the EPA. Other front-drive models earned a 52 mpg combined rating, while AWD-e versions managed 49 mpg. The Prius 2020 Edition averaged 47.5 mpg on the testing loop, slightly below EPA estimates. It paired a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 53-kilowatt electric motor, producing a total system output of 121 horsepower. The Prius excelled in urban and low-speed driving, thanks to its electric-only driving capability at speeds under 25 mph and various driving modes to maximize efficiency.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not outstanding, the engine provided solid low-end acceleration and satisfactory performance both in city and highway settings. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its suspension handled most road conditions well, making it a reliable choice for commuting and road trips.

The 2021 Toyota Prius offered more interior space than expected, comfortably seating up to five people. The test vehicle included an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the low seating position made entry and exit challenging, and the SofTex synthetic leather upholstery tended to trap sweat. The rear seats provided adequate space for adults but lacked air-conditioning vents. Cargo space varied by trim, ranging from 24.6 to 27.4 cubic feet behind the back seat and up to 50.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra provided 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench. However, the rear bench created a ledge, complicating the loading of larger items. The trunk could be remotely opened via the key fob or a button on the dash. The Sentra's two rows of seating offered ample headroom and legroom, with the front row featuring large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders. The center console provided additional storage options.

The 2021 Toyota Prius came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring stereo-volume and tuning knobs, and shortcut buttons. Standard equipment included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. However, the stereo speaker sound quality was poor, and road noise often overwhelmed it. The Limited trim offered a 10-speaker JBL premium sound system, navigation, and a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen, but it lacked the Android Auto upgrade.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity. The SV and SR trims upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, with conventional hard buttons and volume and tuning dials. However, the graphics needed updating, and the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback.

The 2021 Toyota Prius was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) as standard, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and road-sign recognition. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Safety Connect services were also standard, offering features like automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. The Prius received favorable marks from the IIHS but lacked a NHTSA rating for 2021.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came with standard driver-assistance features such as forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, driver drowsiness monitoring, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Additional features included a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control. The Sentra earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating from the IIHS, along with a "Top Safety Pick" award.