2022 Toyota Camry vs Nissan Altima

Families searching for the perfect car have a compelling option in midsize sedans. The 2022 Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima are two of the most popular selections, with each offering plenty of features ideal for daily drivers or longer road trips alike. Whether you're shopping around for your next ride, these models should remain at top-of-mind as prime contenders when it comes to style and dependability.

Prospective car buyers face an important decision when determining whether the Camry or Altima is best suited for their needs. To aid them in this process, we've detailed how these two popular models compare across various performance specs, styling features and more - to ensure drivers end up with a vehicle perfectly tailored for them.

 

The Powertrain

Toyota’s standard Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine is a popular pick among Camry buyers. It’s rated to churn a more than sufficient 203 horsepower. During performance testing, the four-cylinder Camry clocked a competitive 0-60 mph time of 8.2 seconds. An eight-speed automatic transmission comes equipped on every Camry trim.

Like the Camry, the Nissan Altima comes standard with a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. However, it does not pack quite as much muscle. Nissan tunes the engine to push out 188 horsepower. Because the Altima weighs around 100 pounds less than the Camry, acceleration is quite similar. Drivers can expect the Altima to clock a 0-60 mph time of around 8.3 seconds. Instead of a traditional automatic transmission, the Altima uses an automatic continuously variable transmission.

Folks who want more excitement on the road will be interested in the Toyota Camry’s available V6 engine. It boosts performance by kicking out 301 horsepower and around 267 lb-ft of torque. With the extra muscle under the hood comes swifter acceleration. Road tests show the V6-powered Camry is capable of hitting 60 mph in as rapidly as 5.8 seconds.

Quick on its feet, the Altima's VC-Turbo technology brings 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque to the table. Capable of sprinting from 0–60 in mere seconds, this dynamic engine is at no disadvantage compared to the Camry’s optional V6 powertrain.

Drivers fond of zippy gear shifting will appreciate the Camry's dependable automatic transmission. For those looking to maximize fuel economy, Nissan offers a seamless CVT option in the Altima which many find nonintrusive and reliable - one of top picks for its class.

Fortunately for folks who regularly travel on snowy roads, both of these sedans offer an optional AWD system. Although opting for all-wheel drive results in a slightly less efficient performance, the enhanced traction on slippery streets is well worth it. Keep in mind that only the base engines can be mated to an AWD system.

In regard to fuel economy, the four-cylinder Camry can to deliver up to an EPA-calculated 28 mpg in town and 39 on the open highway. Selecting the Camry’s V6 engine lowers efficiency to 22 mpg in town and 33 mpg on the open highway. Both of the sedan’s available engines develop peak power using regular gasoline.

When equipped with its base engine, the Altima has an identical fuel economy rating of 28 mpg town/39 mpg freeway. Estimates for the turbocharged Altima stand at 25 mpg town/34 mpg freeway. However, drivers seeking the best performance must feed the turbocharged engine premium gasoline. While regular gasoline can be safely used, horsepower and torque are decreased.

These cars can stop quickly during emergencies. However, larger brakes come equipped on the race-inspired Camry TRD. This equates to an even shorter stopping distance.

The Camry has long established itself as the gold standard for family vehicles, and experts give it a whopping 4.0 out of 5.0 in terms of its ability to withstand the test of time - an impressive feat. Whilst not quite reaching those heights, the Altima still puts up a good fight with 3.0 rating; both cars also benefit from lengthy powertrain warranties lasting 60 000 miles or more – providing assurance your investment is safe no matter what you throw at them.

Drivability

Enjoy a top-notch driving experience in either the Camry or Altima sedans. Delivering exceptional stability, these vehicles offer smooth and effortless maneuvering - though going for the Camry promises an even more exhilarating ride with its enhanced steering feedback. Test drivers have noted that this makes them feel far greater connectedness to their journey!

For those who seek a more thrilling driving experience, the midsize sedans Camry SE and Altima SR offer spirited rides on winding roads. But when it comes to raw performance power, nothing beats Toyota's racy Camry TRD; its sport-tuned suspension, thicker underbody braces, superior tires (plus an option for a sport exhaust) give it an added edge – perfect for carving up curves with confidence!

Of these two sedans, the 2022 Toyota Camry offers the most pleasing ride. Even the Camry’s available sports-tuned suspension doesn’t subject travelers to a rough ride. While the Nissan Altima’s ride isn’t terribly bad, passengers will feel a greater number of impacts when driving over bumps.

The Altima is generally a quiet car. However, some automotive reviewers have found the Camry’s cabin to be even more hushed. Excellent insulation helps keep outside noise to a minimum.

When it comes to everyday comfort, these cars are closely matched. Nissan’s space-age Zero Gravity front seats come standard on every new Altima. Automotive evaluators consider these fatigue-reducing seats to be among the best in the industry. While the Camry’s front seats feel cozy, the Altima’s seats are likely more relaxing on long trips.

As expected, both sedans make winter commutes more comfortable by offering front-seat heating and a heated steering wheel. Unfortunately, the Altima does not offer ventilated front seats. Folks who desire this feature will be happier with the Camry.

Although the Altima may offer the most front legroom, there’s noticeably more space in the Camry’s backseat. Rear passengers will enjoy an extra 2.8 inches of legroom. Parents who have growing children can take advantage of the additional space. While the Camry has a total trunk volume of 15.1 cubic feet, Nissan lists the Altima with a total trunk volume of 15.4 cubic feet.

With the Camry, drivers enjoy an unrivaled 360-degree view. While visibility from the Altima's front window is adequate, its back windshield unfortunately causes a few blind spots to appear.

When it comes to user-friendliness, Toyota's Entune infotainment system and Nissan Connect are two of the best. Both offer intuitive controls with uncomplicated menus for quick access to various features. The Camry offers a 7" standard touch display that is easily surpassed by Toyata’s optional 9", while the Altima tops out at an 8".

Safety

The 2022 Toyota Camry is leading the pack when it comes to safety: its perfect score in frontal and side crash tests from the federal government provides drivers with outstanding peace of mind. In comparison, the highly-rated Nissan Altima earned five stars overall by NHTSA, but only four out of five stars on their demanding frontal test – a reminder that not all cars provide equal protection.

Both of these sedans earned Top Safety Pick+ credentials from the IIHS. However, the Camry received a higher score in front-crash prevention. A better headlight rating gives the Camry another advantage over the Altima. Like the Camry, the Altima can be upgraded with a 360-degree camera system.

These two competitors come equipped with confidence-raising safety technologies. While both cars provide automatic emergency braking on every trim, only the Camry provides lane-keeping assist and smart cruise control as standard equipment. On the other hand, driver drowsiness monitoring is exclusively found on the 2022 Nissan Altima. Blind-spot warning, which helps drivers to detect unseen motorists, is offered on both sedans.

The Altima’s most exclusive features is Nissan’s ProPilot Assist system. It’s more advanced than the Camry’s adaptive cruise control system. Not only can ProPilot Assist steer the Altima under certain conditions, but it can also control acceleration. Drivers will be able to experience less stress on active highways.

Which Has the Best Value?

Prices for the 2022 Toyota Camry begin at an estimated $25,400. By comparison, Nissan lists the Altima with a starting MSRP of $24,750. Altima buyers stand to save around $650.

With these sedans having a similar price tag, both are considered to be strong values. A smartphone-friendly touchscreen interface with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity comes standard on both cars. While dual-zone automatic climate control and a power-adjustable driver’s seat are on the Camry’s list of standard equipment, Nissan charges extra for these desirable amenities. However, only the Altima receives standard keyless entry with push-button ignition.

For automotive aficionados looking for a performance-focused experience behind the wheel, the Altima SR Turbo and Camry XSE provide an exciting drive. Both boast stiffer suspensions to carve corners with confidence, along with more power underhood than their basic trims offer. Plus, these versions feature bold styling accents that help them stand out from other models on the road - all at very competitive prices starting around $30k!

 

Which is Better?

The Altima and the Camry both offer drivers a tranquil driving experience, with comparable fuel economy. However, the Altima's VC-Turbo engine outdoes its competitor in efficiency without compromising on power - giving motorists savings of up to 5% at their local pump. Though seemingly negligible now, savvy buyers may also opt for the long term reliability that comes packaged with Toyota's renowned Camry line.

Drivers who desire the performance capabilities of a legitimate sports sedan will lean towards the Camry TRD. Its race-engineered upgrades take handling to the next stage. While the Altima SR feels poised, don’t expect it to offer the athleticism of the Camry TRD.

When it comes to exterior styling, it’s a toss up between these sedans. Nissan's signature V-Motion grille is one of the Altima's most eye-catching design cues. Meanwhile, a lowered stance and wider performance tires accentuate the Camry's TRD powerful stance. Both cars can be equipped with a blacked-out appearance package and larger 19-inch wheels.

The Altima's Zero Gravity seats reduce fatigue, but those with larger families may appreciate the Camry’s extra rear legroom. Also of note is that the comfortable and smooth ride offered by the Camry outmatches its competitor in this category - a feature sure to please drivers looking for an even more pleasant experience on long trips!

With both cars offering a wealth of high-tech amenities, drivers can enjoy seamless operation with either the Nissan Connect infotainment system or Toyota's Entune. Music lovers will have plenty to rejoice over; a nine-speaker premium audio system provides an immersive soundscape for any journey. Seeking even more benefits? The Camry offers wireless phone charging and head-up display technology that further enhances convenience on the road!

Offering unparalleled safety, the 2022 Toyota Camry is a leader in its class. It has achieved perfect scores across all major crash tests and offers better protection than the competition - like the Altima - putting passengers first when it comes to road security.

With its superior long-term reliability, enhanced driving pleasure, and more spacious rear seating area compared to the Nissan Altima 2022 model year sedan, Toyota Camry is clearly a clear winner in this comparison. Although few buyers may have reservations about purchasing an Altima - both vehicles deliver commendable rides that are sure to please!