Starting at
Starting at
100.6 | Passenger Volume (cu.ft.) | 99.9 |
43.8 | Legroom (in) | 42.1 |
15.4 | Cargo Space (cu.ft.) | 15.1 |
Looking around you on the road, you can't help but notice all of the options you have to choose from when it comes to your vehicle, from large and in-charge trucks to SUVs in all shapes and sizes. But what about a regular sedan? You may not have a need for three rows of seating, power liftgates, and hulking truck beds. What you need is a vehicle that's efficient, safe, and easy to maneuver into the tight parking spaces at work. That's where two of the best options come to mind: the Nissan Altima and the Toyota Camry. Both are known to be crowd-pleasers, offering drivers exactly what they need, but in looking closely at the details, one far outperforms the other. When comparing the 2022 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Toyota Camry in the areas of performance, interior style, and safety, you'll find that there's a clear favorite on the road.
The Altima made its grand entrance in 1993 at the height of the sedan's reign. With a powerful engine and athletic handling, the Altima quickly appealed to a vast number of drivers. As the years have gone on, the Altima hasn't slowed down, and for 2022, you'll be able to enjoy enhancements to make this midsize sedan better than ever. From new appearance packages to design upgrades, you'll be mesmerized by the 2022 model.
The Camry, getting its start in 1983, is also a beloved member of the automotive world, with a reliability and a pleasing driving demeanor that far surpasses much of its competition. You'll find that 2022 models showcase a few minor tweaks, like new paint colors and small design elements. If you're wondering if the Camry can keep up with the Altima when it comes to your everyday ride, it's time to take a virtual test drive in each to pick your winner.
What has really placed the Altima on the map is its one-of-a-kind VC-Turbo engine, which showcases remarkable efficiency and performance that goes above and beyond your expectations. This available 2.0L VC-Turbo four-cylinder provides the Altima with an astounding 248 horsepower to make for one thrilling ride, no matter where you're traveling. Unlike most engines, which operate at a fixed compression ratio, the Altima's VC-Turbo continuously adapts to changes in your drive. It switches to a lower compression ratio when you hit the gas pedal to give it the power it needs to spring forward, and when it's time to harness maximum efficiency during highway jaunts, it produces a higher compression ratio to improve fuel economy. In addition to the VC-Turbo, the Altima's base 2.5L four-cylinder engine is also ready to impress you with incredible efficiency, getting 39 MPG on the open highway.
You won't find the level of advanced innovation in the Camry, as Toyota engines tend to lag behind the competition. Upgrading to the optional 3.5L V6 will deliver a more riveting ride, but again, it's nothing like the VC-Turbo and its ever-evolving compression ratio. The 8-speed automatic transmission makes up for a little bit of the Camry's sleepy acceleration, providing a smooth and refined ride with firm handling and ample responsiveness. With similar numbers to the Altima when it comes to fuel economy, the Camry does a good job of getting you to where you're going efficiently, but if you're expecting a thrilling ride, you'll want to look elsewhere.
For many Illinois drivers, it's to be expected that the weather will be unpredictable, especially during the winter, which is why you need the right vehicle to accompany you everywhere you need to go. Rest assured that the 2022 Nissan Altima will be able to offer you the safety and assurance you need in any road conditions with its legendary all-wheel drive capabilities. Available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive constantly adapts to the terrain beneath your tires, allocating power to all four wheels for maximum traction or just two wheels for undeniable efficiency. The 2022 Toyota Camry also offers all-wheel drive, with its system working by distributing 50% of torque to its rear wheels when it senses the front wheels losing traction.
In the end, the Altima and its VC-Turbo engine, as well as its Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, beat out the Camry when it comes to performance. Unfortunately, the Camry's base engine is lacking in overall quality, and its AWD capabilities are not on the same level as the Altima's. When you want to take advantage of a spirited ride, optimal performance on any road condition, and a driving experience that's a step above the rest, the 2022 Nissan Altima is a top pick for many drivers.
Many drivers, who are interested in sedans, are commuters or regular travelers seeking out optimal efficiency and comfort during their drive, which is exactly what can be found in the 2022 Nissan Altima. From a Memory Seat System to ample legroom, getting comfortable inside the Altima's spacious cabin is a breeze. With the ability to store seat and mirror positions for multiple drivers, stepping inside the Altima and being greeted by a cabin space specifically tailored to you can be expected. Plus, with ultra-comfortable front seats, you'll be able to sink into a feeling of bliss during any journey. Modern appointments, high-end materials, and an aura of excellence can be found inside the Altima, especially in upper-level trims, making it the ideal car to relax and get comfortable in for your daily commute to work.
When taking a closer look at the Camry, you'll notice that there's a stark contrast between its base models and higher-level trims. Entry-level trims are filled with cheap pieces and plain materials, while more expensive trims can be found with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and premium materials throughout. Like the Altima, the Camry provides a spacious feel, but that doesn't make up for the fact that its base models lack serious style and comfort.
You may not need a large cargo bay in your vehicle, like those found in trucks and SUVs, but it does help to have enough space to accommodate any gear that may be joining you on your journey. The Altima makes it easy to handle more, with a 60/40 split rear seat, plus 15.4 cu.ft. of trunk space to stash work materials, travel gear, groceries, strollers, and anything else you may be hauling for the day. With the rear seats folded, you'll be able to maximize the space even more, making for a sedan that can handle it all.
The Camry also offers plenty of space to accommodate you, your passengers, and your gear, but not quite as much as the Altima. Its trunk is able to handle 15.1 cu.ft. of cargo, which is less than many of its rivals. You're also able to enjoy configurable seating, but that doesn't take away from the fact that in order to take advantage of ample comfort and style, you're forced to upgrade to top-level trims. We'd like to see more designer elements in entry-level trims to keep this car more affordable and in line with its competitors. Because of this, our pick is the Altima due to its cozy ambiance inside and its effective use of interior space.
The 2022 Nissan Altima has your journey covered from front to back with the outstanding Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of advanced safety and assistance features. From Rear Automatic Braking, which comes in handy backing out of parking spaces, to a Blind Spot Warning system to help you see better around your vehicle while maneuvering through traffic, the Altima takes your safety very seriously. Choosing ProPILOT Assist will take your drive to the next level, acting as your second set of eyes on the road. Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you while also keeping you centered in your lane, ProPILOT Assist is the ultimate assistant on the road. For even more driving enjoyment, opt for the Intelligent Around View Monitor and see your journey like never before, with crystal clear bird's-eye views to prevent accidents and help you stay more confident anywhere you travel.
Toyota arms the Camry with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of safety features, which is very much in line with what you can expect to find in rivals. You'll find favorites, like Lane Departure Alert and a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection; however, what you won't find are semi-autonomous driving capabilities. This places Toyota a bit behind the pack, with most of its competitors offering some sort of semi-autonomous driving assistance feature in their arsenals. On a high note, you will find an available surround-view camera and Rear Cross Traffic Alert to help make it easier to maneuver in and out of traffic and packed parking lots.
Today's drivers are looking for vehicles that make their travels better. Both the 2022 Nissan Altima and the 2022 Toyota Camry showcase safety suites that place them ahead of many other sedans, with both models earning recognition as an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. The downfall of the Camry comes from its lack of semi-autonomous driving capabilities to make for a more secure ride, no matter where you're traveling. Having an extra set of eyes watching out for you makes a world of difference, especially if you're preoccupied with work, the kids, or anything else the day tosses your way.