2023 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2022 Nissan Altima continued the brand's tradition of sporty design, a significant evolution from its earlier, more conservative styling. The sixth-generation model featured a distinctive V-Motion grille, a low and wide stance, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. The Midnight Edition package added a touch of flair with gloss black accents and 19-inch wheels, enhancing the Altima's sporty appeal. Inside, the Altima offered a premium feel with its Zero Gravity front seats and high-quality materials, although lower trims lacked this level of refinement.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru WRX presented a bold and aggressive look, distinct from its Impreza roots. The WRX showcased a wide-body design with boxy fender flares and body cladding reminiscent of the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback. Its signature hood scoop remained functional, feeding air to the intercooler. The interior was basic but durable, with GT models featuring Recaro Performance Design front seats and Ultrasuede upholstery. The WRX's design clearly communicated its performance-oriented nature while maintaining Subaru's design language.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 188 horsepower and a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine delivering 248 horsepower. The VC-Turbo engine, available only on the SR trim with FWD, could adjust its compression ratio for performance or efficiency. Despite its advanced technology, the VC-Turbo lacked AWD compatibility. The base engine, paired with a CVT, provided a smooth ride but lacked brisk acceleration, especially with AWD. The Altima excelled in ride comfort and cabin quietness, thanks to its Active Ride Control.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine, generated 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offered more power than some competitors like the Volkswagen Golf GTI but less than the Golf R. The WRX featured AWD and a choice between a six-speed manual transmission or a Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT) CVT. The SPT/CVT provided quick throttle responses, mimicking a traditional automatic transmission. The WRX's drive mode select system allowed for customization, enhancing its well-mannered character. While not exuberant, the WRX delivered confident handling and grip on twisty roads.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, as a midsize sedan, provided comfortable seating for four to five passengers, with a decent-sized trunk of 15.4 cubic feet. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, offering a balanced approach to passenger space and cargo capacity. However, the high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility. The trunk's metal bar supports required careful packing to avoid crushing items.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, a compact sedan, offered practicality with slightly more front headroom and legroom than a Honda Civic Si. However, the Civic provided more rear-seat space. The WRX's trunk space was 12.5 cubic feet, smaller than some competitors. It featured a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and standard roof-rack mounts. The WRX excelled in outward visibility, thanks to low window-sill lines and thin roof pillars. However, it lacked a convenient spot for a smartphone, posing an ergonomic challenge.

The 2022 Nissan Altima featured a range of infotainment options, starting with a 5-inch display on the base S trim and an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. It offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a nine-speaker Bose audio system available on the SL trim. The Altima's tech included active noise cancellation and Nissan's ProPilot Assist system, enhancing driver convenience and safety. The infotainment system performed well, handling voice commands and smartphone integration seamlessly.

The 2023 Subaru WRX came with the Subaru Starlink infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Base models had dual 7-inch touchscreens, while higher trims featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. The larger screen provided clear visuals, though physical controls were missed. The interface was user-friendly, but SiriusXM required multiple steps and took time to load. Despite these minor issues, the WRX's infotainment system was functional and intuitive.

The 2022 Nissan Altima boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. The SV trim and above added Nissan's Safety Shield 360, enhancing safety with features like blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Altima received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" designation.

The 2023 Subaru WRX featured Subaru's EyeSight safety system, available with the CVT. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and forward collision warning. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking were available. The WRX received top scores in crash tests from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, ensuring a high level of safety for occupants.