2023 Nissan Altima vs 2023 Toyota Crown

The 2023 Nissan Altima continued Nissan's long-standing tradition in the family car segment, offering a sizable four-door option even as the Maxima faced discontinuation. The Altima featured updated front styling with a revised grille, new wheel designs, and two new paint colors, enhancing its visual appeal, especially in higher trims with 19-inch wheels. However, the stylish wheels on the SL trim appeared vulnerable to damage. The Altima SL, one of the upscale trims, offered a luxurious feel with Gray leather for a high-contrast cabin appearance, though the interior still had plenty of hard plastic. The new simulated wood dashboard trim was not convincing, but double-stitched seams added a touch of refinement.

The 2023 Toyota Crown stood out with its elevated ride height, reminiscent of crossover vehicles, and a massive grille that was mostly aesthetic. Its distinctive front end, sporty aggression, and large wheels gave it a commanding presence. The rear featured a bold taillight strip, and the Platinum trim offered a two-tone color option. Inside, the Crown boasted a modern cabin with a digital instrument panel and a large touchscreen, though the 1980s-era LED displays for climate control were a bit jarring. The mix of hard plastics and cushioned touchpoints gave it a sturdy feel, and with improved surface graining, it could have been mistaken for an entry-level luxury vehicle.

The 2023 Nissan Altima offered a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a CVT, producing 188 horsepower in FWD models and 182 hp with AWD. The AWD system could deliver up to half of the engine's output to the rear wheels. The Altima SR VC-Turbo variant featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 236 hp on regular gas and 248 hp on premium, paired with a paddle-shifted CVT. Fuel economy ranged from 30 to 32 mpg, with the SL AWD averaging 27.4 mpg. The Altima's ride was firm, with poor rear visibility and some noise at highway speeds. In the mountains, it showed good grip but had lifeless steering and brake issues.

The 2023 Toyota Crown offered two hybrid powertrains: a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a hybrid motor for 236 hp and a Hybrid Max with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine for 340 hp. The base hybrid used a CVT, while the Hybrid Max had a six-speed automatic. The Crown's ride was tuned for comfort, with the Platinum trim adding an adaptive suspension. The cabin remained quiet, though the engine drone was noticeable. The Crown's electronic driver aids were sometimes intrusive, but the overall driving experience was enjoyable.

The 2023 Nissan Altima featured a simple and comfortable interior with logical controls and clear analog gauges. The Zero Gravity seats were exceptionally comfortable, though the leather upholstery was somewhat sticky. The Altima offered dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and heated front seats, but the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Rear seat comfort was good, with ample legroom and headroom. Interior storage was reasonable, though the trunk was smaller than some competitors at 15.4 cubic feet.

The 2023 Toyota Crown's interior varied by trim, with fabric seats in the XLE and leather in higher trims. The front seats were comfortable for long trips, though firm cushioning could cause discomfort. The driver's view was mostly unobstructed, and the taller ride height offered a better road view. The rear seats provided ample space, with a panoramic sunroof in higher trims enhancing the sense of space. The trunk, at 15.2 cubic feet, was small for a large sedan but still useful.

The 2023 Nissan Altima offered a basic 5-inch display in the S trim, with an 8-inch touchscreen in SV and SR trims. A new 12.3-inch touchscreen was available, offering navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Bose nine-speaker audio system was available in higher trims, though performance varied. The 12.3-inch system was a significant improvement, with a superior user interface and voice recognition.

The 2023 Toyota Crown came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base audio system was adequate, with an 11-speaker JBL system available in higher trims. The infotainment system supported OTA updates and had a voice-recognition system. A digital key feature was standard on the Platinum trim, allowing smartphone access.

The 2023 Nissan Altima came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. ProPilot Assist was optional, offering adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, though it had a Poor rating in the updated side-impact test.

The 2023 Toyota Crown's safety features included collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The Platinum trim added a semi-automated parking system. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist were well-tuned, though some new features were intrusive. Crash test results were not yet available.