Starting at
Starting at
| 188 | Horsepower (hp) | 206 |
| 180 | Torque (lb-ft) | 186 |
| 28/39 | Fuel Economy (city/hwy mpg) | 28/39 |
Although the SUV has become widely popularized in previous decades, many consumers look elsewhere for their various methods of transportation. Among these alternatives is the tried-and-true four-door sedan. For the consumer looking for a practical vehicle that will provide reliable transportation, be economical with insurance premiums, and be conservative with fuel consumption, it’s one of the best options. Among the manufacturers who have always strived to offer the best version of the sedan are Nissan and Toyota.
Both brands have an impressive track record of providing their customers with the best options. Nissan has always strived to be the best in providing technological innovation and design. On the other hand, Toyota has always taken pride in producing vehicles that are reliable and cost-effective. Today we’ll be looking at two models currently being offered to consumers. For Toyota, it’s the Camry. As for Nissan, they’re represented by the Altima. While both are highly revered by critics and consumers alike, only one can come out on top in this competition. It’s the 2022 Nissan Altima vs the 2022 Toyota Camry. Gentlemen, start your engines!
For the average consumer, there are quite a few factors to consider when it comes to having something agreeable for their daily commute. Getting from home to work and everywhere else is always a priority. Naturally, fuel consumption, cost-effectiveness, and reliability are always on the top of many drivers' lists. Camry and Altima have all of these traits and use them to their full potential. It would be easy to begin with the starting MSRP for both vehicles, but we’ll bypass that comparison because they’re both very close to one another. For those interested, the 2022 Toyota Camry starts at $25,845, whereas the 2022 Nissan Altima begins at $24,900.[a]
The comparison between the two vehicles begins with the powertrain. Toyota has long been a favorite brand among consumers, and upon examination of the variety they offer, it’s quite easy to see why. The 2022 Toyota Camry comes with nine levels of trim altogether. Among these levels of trim are a total of six different engine options. For the driver whose focus is performance, a 3.5L V6 with 301 hp comes standard on the upper trim levels. The 2.5L Hybrid powertrain generates 206 hp, but the most interesting aspect out of all of Toyota’s options is the 2.5L (non-hybrid) four-cylinder. The engine specs differ slightly depending upon which drivetrain you decide to utilize. For the standard front-wheel drive (FWD), Camry ratings fluctuate between 202-206 hp with 184-186 lb-ft of torque. Those who favor the versatility of all-wheel drive (AWD) are granted 202-206 hp and 182-186 lb-ft of torque.
While Toyota certainly doesn't mind spreading its options across multiple trim levels and engines, Nissan opts for a more streamlined approach to engine options, with the 2022 Altima offering two different powertrain options. This makes production easier for the manufacturer and the choice much easier for consumers. While Toyota placed emphasis on performance, Nissan stayed focused on practicality. The two available engines for the Altima are a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that generates 188 hp and a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder that uses Nissan’s Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) and possesses a horsepower rating of 248.
While the choices Nissan gives their customers are limited, the potential for saving money on gas is not. In testing conducted by the EPA, the Altima performed exceptionally well. The FWD version of the Altima equipped with the 2.5L achieved 28 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway, the same as the FWD Camry. The same engine with an AWD drivetrain still performed effectively with 26 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway, while the Camry gets 25 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. Even the turbocharged 2.0L engine on the Altima achieved 25 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, beating out the Camry's other 3.5L option in fuel economy. The EPA estimated that these engines would save the average consumer anywhere from $1,000-$2,000 on fuel costs over a period of five years. Horsepower might tickle the fancy of the performance-oriented, but everyone agrees that saving money at the pump is a top priority in today’s economy.
Over the course of their respective existences, Toyota and Nissan have had an eye for style and aesthetics. And while both the Camry and Altima are four-door sedans built for the practical use of the average consumer, they have a wide gap between one another when it comes to design. While the Camry was once thought of as just a sedan, that old perception has been considerably altered in recent years. In an attempt to separate itself from its past reputation as a practical vehicle, the exterior design has gone from contemporary to extravagant.
The front end alone looks like a body kit from a street race and not a family-oriented sedan. Here is where the Camry loses itself in a bit of pretentiousness. While the new design that the Camry boasts will certainly appeal to some, it makes the vehicle completely unrecognizable and even foreign to others. No two drivers are alike, and for those shopping for practicality, a stylish appearance might not agree with what they’re looking for.
The Altima, on the other hand, retains the look of a sedan but possesses just enough personality to make it stand out among its peers. The curves of its aerodynamic design do wonders for accentuating the sleek sophistication the vehicle has been known for. Among the features that many are certain to find attractive are the available Aluminum-alloy 19-inch wheels. The slightly elevated rear end also recreates the kind of style that fans of the hatchback will enjoy.
While the choice of which design is better all comes down to a matter of subjection, it’s easy to see why we ultimately chose the Altima. If the Camry’s redesign attempts to be a feast for the eyes, then the Altima takes a different route entirely. Nissan appeals to our sense of sophistication and class. The Altima seems to have much more in common with its high-grade European counterparts.
Now that we’ve looked at the exterior's extroverted nature, it’s time to open the driver’s side door and get behind the wheel. We’re always told that it’s inside that counts, and when it comes to what we drive, this is certainly true. Both vehicles have different exteriors, and the same observation can be made when we take a closer look at each vehicle.
The Toyota Camry, with its many trim levels across the board, certainly encourages its customers to go for the higher trim levels to achieve a comfortable driving experience. By all accounts, the quality of materials between trims is much like night and day. And even on the upper trim levels, the interior seems somewhat incohesive with the brand’s exterior design. The infotainment screen, while providing a gateway to some of the tech features offered up by Toyota, is crammed atop the center of the vehicle’s dash that seems more out of place than anything else. The exterior and interior are so different from one another that if one thinks the Camry’s exterior design is flashy and futuristic, the interior is bland and uninspiring.
The Altima, while having some similarities with European models, certainly extends this to the vehicle’s interior. Sleek, spacious, and symmetrical, the Altima’s infotainment screen nestles perfectly in the dashboard and firmly anchors the vehicle’s interior, which bears a slight likeness to one found in a Volkswagen or Audi. Both front and rear seats offer a considerable amount of legroom and comfort, and Nissan knows how to provide an even amount of space between all of the objects within to provide a comfortable experience. Both the Altima and Camry are evenly matched in trunk space, with 15 cu.ft. of space shared between the two.
For a sedan that has a European feel with a Nissan nameplate, get the Altima. And when it comes to getting behind the wheel of an Altima and going for a test drive, Newton Nissan of Gallatin is the choice that more people trust for all of their Nissan needs. Not only do we have the Altima available on our lot with the rest of the current Nissan fleet, but you’ll also find several used and Certified Pre-Owned vehicles that are held to the highest standards of quality. We’ll help you make the right choices with your next vehicle purchase and ensure you get exactly what you need at a rate you can afford. Just as Nissan has a tireless dedication to technological innovation, we never stop trying to help your purchase provide the most for you. Whenever you need a routine oil change, or that check engine light turns on, let us take care of it. We'll be with you at every step of the car-buying process and beyond.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
