2022 Nissan Sentra vs Altima

Numerous individuals in the market for a new automobile will explore Nissan's most recent assortment. Both the 2022 Nissan Sentra and the 2022 Nissan Altima prove to be solid picks. While the midsize Altima competes in the midsize class, the Sentra is classified as a compact model.

Folks who desire enhanced performance and an extra number of premium features will likely favor the Altima. On the other hand, car shoppers on a tighter budget may lean more towards the Sentra. In this head-to-head comparison, we'll take a closer examination of how these popular Nissan models stack up against each other.

Size and Styling

Of these two sedans, the 2022 Nissan Altima is clearly the larger model. It's nearly 193 inches long. By comparison, the 2022 Nissan Sentra is roughly 182.7 inches long. Commuters who live in a big city may appreciate the Sentra's more compact design, which helps make it less hectic to park in tight spots.

The Altima and the Sentra share some similar exterior styling cues. A "floating roof" design adds an extra degree of sleekness. On the front, Nissan's trademark V-Motion grille adds a special touch. Upgraded LED headlights are available on the higher trim levels.

Both cars offer a racier SR trim level. Upsized sports wheels and a rear spoiler help create a more aggressive look. A blacked-out Midnight Edition appearance package is also on the list of options. Dual exhaust finishers are available on the Altima. On the other hand, only the Sentra offers an optional black roof.

Most drivers will find the Sentra's overall interior space to be perfectly adequate. The available front legroom is almost identical. However, there's an extra 0.5 inches of rear legroom in the Altima. A wider design also ensures more hip space when traveling with three passengers in the back. Nevertheless, neither car has an exceptionally spacious backseat. Most midsize competitors are more spacious than the Altima, thus making it less suitable for bigger families.

A bigger trunk does enable the Altima to carry just a bit more gear. It provides about 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space. By comparison, there's around 14.3 cubic feet of storage space in the Sentra's trunk.

These sedans are closely matched in terms of outward visibility. Even when taking curves, visibility out of the front shield remains good. Like the Altima, the Sentra features thick rear roof pillars that can block the driver's view at times.

Drivability

Nissan decided to only offer the new Sentra with a single powertrain. The Sentra uses a small, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 149 horsepower. To maximize fuel economy, Nissan links this engine to a continuously variable automatic transmission. While this gearless transmission operates smoothly, it's not as engaging as a traditional automatic transmission.

Most test drivers describe the Sentra's overall performance as being adequate. This compact sedan clocks a 0-60 mph time of around 8.3 seconds, which is average for the segment. While the Sentra isn't a thrill machine, most people will find it to be a satisfying car for daily commuting.

The Altima uses a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. Output is a decent 188 horsepower. Like its smaller sibling, this sedan features a continuously variable automatic transmission. Expect acceleration to be similar to that of the Sentra.

For Altima fans who crave a more exuberant driving experience, Nissan offers its exclusive VC-Turbo four-cylinder engine. Production rises to a more formidable 248 horsepower. Road tests show the turbo-powered Altima is capable of recording a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. While this cutting-edge engine rivals the performance of a traditional V6 engine, variable-compression technology enables it to offer better fuel economy.

Among the Altima's biggest advantages over the Sentra is its optional AWD system. It's virtually a bare necessity for owners who live in the country's Snowbelt region. When road conditions become dicey, the AWD system will instantaneously seek to boost traction. Unfortunately, only the Altima's less powerful base engine gives buyers access to all-wheel drive.

Both cars have the ability to deliver admirable gas mileage. EPA fuel economy estimates for the Sentra stand at 29 mpg town/39 mpg freeway. When equipped with its base engine, the Altima has an equally impressive fuel economy rating of 28 mpg town/39 mpg freeway. Efficiency drops to around 26 mpg town/36 mpg freeway when opting for all-wheel drive.

Even the Altima's more potent VC-Turbo engine can return up to 25 mpg town/34 mpg freeway. While drivers won't need to fill the tank with premium gasoline, the use of regular unleaded will reduce the engine's peak power.

Of these two models, the 2022 Nissan Sentra offers the best ride. In fact, many people consider the Sentra's ride to be among the segment's most comfy. It feels smooth and composed on most road surfaces.

While the Altima's ride is not terrible, it is a bit rougher. Passengers can anticipate feeling a greater number of impacts when traveling over the harsh pavement. Some of the Altima's rivals do a better job of absorbing bumps.

In regard to handling capabilities, the Altima is a step above the Sentra. It inspires a great deal of confidence when encountering sweeping curves. Although the Altima's steering feel is a bit vague, drivers will truly appreciate this sedan's excellent stability.

Nissan equips the Altima's SR trim with a sport suspension, which promotes an even more athletic performance. A special feature called Intelligent Trace Control is also found on the Altima SR. It further enhances the car's agility on winding roads by applying light braking pressure to individual wheels. While the Altima SR is not a hardcore performance sedan, owners can have a bit more driving fun.

From the moment you step into its cabin, it's clear that compared to the Nissan Altima, the Sentra is not as agile. This due in part to its softer suspension setup which also produces more road noise. With features like Active Noise Cancellation technology for a quieter ride and responsive handling, drivers can expect an opulent journey with the luxurious Altima - but if this isn't your primary concern then few commuters will find issue driving either car.

Drivers who want the best braking performance will be happier with the Altima. It posted an average 60-0 mph stopping distance of 120 feet. When braking from 60 mph, the Sentra takes around 131 feet to come to a complete halt. Most of the Sentra's key rivals manage to stop quicker.

Comfort, Options, and Performance

The 2022 Nissan Altima and Sentra both offer advanced Zero Gravity seats that are designed to keep the occupant's body in balance. With this feature, long drives become a much more comfortable experience! Enjoy resting easier on your journeys knowing you're supported by Nissan’s innovative seating tech.

A similar number of optional amenities are available for these models. Front-seat heating modes and a heated steering wheel make traveling during the winter more relaxing. Remote engine start is another convenient cold-weather feature. Meanwhile, available two-zone automatic climate control enables front passengers to set separate temperatures. Keep in mind that only the Altima offers rear air vents and driver's seat memory settings.

The Altima has certain benefits, but it doesn't dominate over the Sentra in luxury. In fact, the later stands out from many other compact sedans by offering quilted leather seating. Both cars share a flat-bottom steering wheel which creates an exciting and dynamic experience when behind the wheel.

These models feature the same NissanConnect infotainment system. While the standard 7.0-inch touchscreen is easy to operate, buyers can upgrade to a bigger 8.0-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration technologies come with both units. Unfortunately for road trippers, Nissan does not offer the Sentra with a built-in navigation system. The Altima's available Door to Door Navigation system can provide up-to-date traffic info.

Music fans may want to upgrade these sedans with a Bose premium audio system. They can look forward to experiencing a more fulfilling soundtrack. A Wi-Fi hotspot is available for folks who desire a mobile internet connection.

Safety

Both cars received five out of five stars in overall crash protection from the federal government. While the Sentra's IIHS Top Safety Pick award is impressive, the Altima was chosen as an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It's important to note that only the Altima comes standard with rear disc brakes for enhanced stopping power. Cheaper drum brakes are found on the base Sentra.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra and the 2022 Nissan Altima offer some highly beneficial safety technologies. Standard driving aids on the Sentra include a blind-spot monitor, front/rear automatic braking, and lane departure awareness. Every Sentra trim also receives a Rear Door Alert, which helps remind drivers of children and pets sitting in the rear.

Nissan does not list blind-spot monitoring and rear automatic braking on the Altima's list of standard equipment. These active safety features come with the base model's optional Driver Assist package.

As expected, a backup camera is found on both cars. However, buyers have access to Nissan's 360-degree Around View Monitor camera system. Built-in Moving Object Detection enhances the driver's sense of awareness when maneuvering in crowded areas.

With the Sentra offering smart cruise control and the Altima providing Nissan's advanced ProPILOT Assist system, motorists can enjoy increased safety and comfort on their journeys. Unlike its predecessor, ProPILOT assists drivers by keeping them centered in their lane while also controlling acceleration and braking - significantly reducing fatigue during long trips.

Which Model to Choose?

Car shoppers who are not looking to break the bank will love the Sentra's affordability. Prices for the 2022 Nissan Sentra start at a more than reasonable $19,950. Meanwhile, Nissan lists the new Altima with a starting MSRP of $24,900.

The Sentra and Altima offer similar levels of performance. However, drivers looking for a bit more pep can look to the powerful VC-Turbo engine in the Altima SR model which provides stronger acceleration than its counterpart. To top it off, this model also boasts improved handling thanks to tech like Intelligent Trace Control that ensures an agile driving experience no matter how winding your route may be.

Regardless of size, the 2022 Nissan Altima takes on snowy roads with confidence. Its optional AWD system delivers superior traction when winter weather hits, making it a dependable choice for those navigating icy terrain - far more reliable than its Sentra counterpart's FWD setup. And while there may not be drastic differences in comfort and amenities between these models, such as front-seat heating modes being available across both cars - families should still appreciate that extra legroom given by the Altima's back seat.

With Sentra, clients receive an array of value-added safety technologies as standard. For the ultimate in peace of mind and advanced performance on the road, only Altima boasts ProPILOT Assist - a top tier adaptive cruise control system that puts it ahead of its peers.