2021 Honda Accord vs 2020 Nissan Altima

The 2020 Nissan Altima was available in Canada in three trim levels: S, SV, and Platinum. The Altima Platinum, which was the top-tier trim, featured 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels that enhanced its aesthetic appeal. The redesign from the previous year had refined the car's styling, although some details, like the door handles' placement and the rear diffuser panel's colour, were less than ideal. Inside, the Altima boasted a clean and contemporary design with an ergonomic layout. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with stereo knobs and clearly legible climate controls. The interior materials were on par with the midsize sedan segment, with matte chrome detailing and simulated wood trim adding a touch of elegance.

The 2021 Honda Accord, on the other hand, received a mid-generation refresh to keep up with its competitors. It was offered in six trim levels, including the Canada-exclusive SE trim. The Accord's styling updates included a wider, restyled grille and new alloy wheel designs, giving it a more sophisticated appearance. The interior was spacious, with ample head-, hip-, and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The Accord's cabin was well-designed, with all essential controls within easy reach. The trunk offered 473 litres of cargo space, surpassing most midsize sedans. The Accord's interior appointments varied by trim level, with higher trims offering leather-trimmed seats and additional tech features.

The 2020 Nissan Altima in Canada was equipped with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine producing up to 188 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). This setup aimed to make the Altima more appealing compared to SUVs. The Altima featured a strut front, multi-link rear suspension, dual-pinion electric steering, and 4-wheel-disc brakes. The ride and handling were enhanced by Intelligent Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control technologies. The CVT was designed to mimic a traditional automatic, though it could produce sudden power surges.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Accord offered two engine options. The standard engine was a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder, paired with a CVT. The more powerful option was a 2.0-litre turbo-four engine, producing 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Accord was front-wheel drive only, with no AWD option. The 1.5-litre engine was more fuel-efficient, while the 2.0-litre engine provided a more engaging driving experience. The Accord's braking system was upgraded for smoother engagement, and paddle shifters were available on Sport and Touring trims.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's seats were designed for comfort, inspired by NASA's weightlessness concept. However, it lacked a front passenger seat height adjuster and ventilated front seats. Heated front seats and side mirrors were standard, with an optional heated steering wheel. The Altima offered substantial in-cabin storage but lacked a wireless smartphone charging pad. The trunk provided 436 litres of space, with optional grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle.

The 2021 Honda Accord was designed for practicality, with seating for five and comfortable rear seats. It featured dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and push-button start. The rear seats had a 60/40 split and a centre armrest, allowing pass-through from the trunk, which offered 473 litres of cargo space. The cabin was well-organized, with all essential controls easily accessible. Small-item storage was better than some sedans, with a cubby at the front of the centre console.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's infotainment system featured an 8-inch display with physical and virtual buttons for easy navigation. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a text-messaging assistant. Available features included SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and a 9-speaker Bose audio system. NissanConnect Services offered connected services technology, with various plans for additional features. The voice recognition system required specific commands for desired results.

The 2021 Honda Accord's 8-inch infotainment touchscreen was responsive and attractive. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Higher trims added satellite radio, HD radio, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker audio system. The Touring trims featured an on-board navigation system, rain-sensing wipers, and a head-up display with various data.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's base S trim included forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and more. ProPilot Assist offered semi-autonomous driving features but was not entirely reliable. The Altima received a 5-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.

The 2021 Honda Accord came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including vehicle stability assist, brake assists, and a rearview camera. The Honda Sensing suite included lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and more. The Accord received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. It also featured LATCH connectors for child safety seats.