2022 Nissan Altima vs 2023 Toyota Crown

The 2022 Nissan Altima had come a long way since its introduction in 1993. Initially, it featured uninspired and rounded front and rear exterior styling. However, significant changes were made with the third-generation model launched in 2002, adopting a sportier look that continued into the sixth-generation model by 2022. The 2022 Altima was available in five trim levels: S, SV, SR, SL, and Platinum. Its V-Motion grille, a hallmark of Nissan sedans and SUVs, took center stage in its design, complemented by a low, wide stance, tall doors, creased body lines, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline.

Our test car, an SR trim with a base 2.5-liter engine and AWD, was enhanced with the Midnight Edition option package, costing $1,750. This package included a gloss black sport grille, LED fog lights, 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a single-panel moonroof, a gloss black painted spoiler, and subtle black accents. It effectively heightened the Altima's sporty aesthetics. The interior boasted comfortable Zero Gravity front seats, a well-laid-out instrument panel, and high-quality materials, especially in upper trims. Lower trims presented a stark contrast with less premium materials.

The 2023 Toyota Crown, a full-size sedan with seating for five, rode four inches higher than its predecessor, the recently discontinued Toyota Avalon. It featured a massive but largely aesthetic front grille accentuated by a narrow slit with actual air inlets and angular wraparound headlights. Its stance was fortified by large wheels and tires, while a black trim piece along the bottom of the doors added to its balanced design. The rear styling was rounded with a bold taillight strip across a black trim element.

Inside, the Crown impressed with a digital instrument panel and a large horizontal touchscreen, though 1980s-era LED temperature displays disrupted its otherwise modern ambiance. The blend of hard and cushioned materials conveyed a near-luxurious feel. However, improved surface graining would have elevated it further. The two-tone color option available on the top Platinum trim, particularly appealing in red, demonstrated uncharacteristic audacity from Toyota.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered a choice between two four-cylinder engines. The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine produced 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, while the 2.0-liter variable-compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engine delivered 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. All Altima models came with Nissan's Xtronic CVT, although the VC-Turbo was only available on the SR trim with FWD. The advanced VC-Turbo engine could adjust its compression ratio to balance performance and efficiency but wasn't available with AWD. Our test car with the base engine felt mediocre during acceleration but impressed with its smooth suspension and quiet cabin, akin to Infiniti levels of refinement.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Crown offered two hybrid powertrains across its trims. The base hybrid paired a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 236 horsepower. The top Platinum trim added the Hybrid Max powertrain featuring a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and a more robust electric motor, generating 340 horsepower. The base hybrid used a CVT, while the Hybrid Max partnered with a six-speed automatic transmission, delivering a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. The base hybrid's CVT made high engine revs unavoidable, whereas the Max’s automatic transmission offered smoother gear shifts. An EV drive mode enabled electric-only propulsion for short distances.

The Crown prioritized comfort in its ride quality, with adaptive suspension available in the Platinum trim. Although engine noise was a concern, particularly in the base hybrid, the cabin remained generally quiet. The Crown excelled in confident, if not sporty, handling, with some intrusive driver aids that might appeal to less experienced drivers.

As a midsize sedan, the 2022 Nissan Altima was designed to cater to commuters and families, seating five people, though more comfortably for four. It had convenient controls, accessible rear seating, and a decent-sized trunk of 15.4 cubic feet. Compared to its main competitors, it occupied a centrist position in terms of dimensions, not standing out significantly in any one aspect. The high rear shelf did compromise rear visibility, and the trunk hinge design occasionally crushed items.

The 2023 Toyota Crown had fabric seats in the XLE trim, upgrading to full leather in Limited and Platinum trims. Its firm yet comfortable front seats offered good long-distance support, and the elevated ride height improved the driving perspective without offering an SUV-level view. Personal storage was ample, with practical features like a dual-hinged center console lid and a wireless phone charging tray. The rear seats provided generous legroom and adequate headroom despite a tapering roofline. A traditional trunk of 15.2 cubic feet, though smaller than competitors like the Kia Stinger, remained useful with its low, wide opening.

The 2022 Nissan Altima's tech offerings varied across trims. The entry-level S had a basic 7-inch touchscreen with essential connectivity features and a single USB port. Higher trims boasted an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system starting from the SL trim. Active noise cancellation and Nissan’s ProPilot Assist system were notable technologies, though not featured on our test vehicle.

The 2023 Toyota Crown came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen across all trims, featuring sharp graphics, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The base six-speaker audio system sufficed for general use, but the 11-speaker JBL system provided superior sound quality. Over-the-air updates kept software current, and a new voice-recognition system offered practical control. Additional tech included a Wi-Fi hotspot and a digital key feature on higher trims.

The 2022 Nissan Altima was lauded for its safety. Standard features across models included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and other driver aids like a rearview monitor and hill-start assist. From the SV trim upwards, Safety Shield 360 added further safety technologies. NHTSA gave the Altima five-star ratings, while the IIHS awarded it a "Top Safety Pick+" designation.

The 2023 Toyota Crown, while awaiting crash test results, came well-equipped with standard safety features like collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The Platinum trim included a semi-automated parking system. Proactive Driving Assist aids were somewhat intrusive but potentially useful for new drivers.