2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2024 Nissan Altima

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta presented a traditional four-door sedan option that, while affordable, faced competition from more stylish or utilitarian alternatives. Available in S, Sport, SE, SEL, and GLI trims, the Jetta's pricing ranged from $20,665 to $31,585, excluding destination charges. The GLI model, known for its sportier dynamics, was not the focus of this review. The Jetta SEL, tested in Platinum Gray Metallic with a Volcano Brown and Titan Black interior, had an MSRP of $29,480. Its conservative design, typical of Volkswagen, aimed for timeless appeal but lacked the symmetry and balance of previous generations. Inside, the Jetta SEL offered an upscale feel with features like ambient lighting, leather upholstery, and advanced digital displays, providing a sense of luxury under $30,000.

The 2024 Nissan Altima, a familiar name since 1993, maintained its sixth-generation design with minor updates like a new grille in 2023. Available in S, SV, SR, and SL trims, the Altima offered FWD as standard, with AWD available on SV, SR, and SL trims. The SR trim also featured the advanced VC-Turbo engine. The test vehicle, an Altima SL with AWD, sported Garnet Pearl Metallic paint and 19-inch alloy wheels, exuding a conservative yet refined look. The SL trim included chrome accents and gunmetal gray badging, while LED headlights and dual exhaust pipes added a touch of flair. Inside, the Altima's design felt dated, but the seats were notably comfortable. The cabin featured practical elements like a wireless phone charger and ample storage, though some materials felt cheap.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta delivered a German driving experience with its 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with FWD, offered zippy acceleration and nimble handling, especially in urban settings. The Jetta's suspension absorbed road imperfections well, and its brakes provided a confident feel. However, the automatic transmission exhibited a delay in response, leading to unexpected surges in power. The manual transmission likely offered better control, and using the Sport mode helped mitigate this issue, albeit at the cost of fuel efficiency. The Jetta SEL achieved an EPA rating of 33 mpg combined, though real-world testing averaged 30 mpg. Despite its quirks, the Jetta SEL impressed with its accurate steering and predictable handling, especially on mountain roads. The all-season tires provided excellent grip and communication.

The 2024 Nissan Altima featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, offering adequate performance for most drivers. The Altima SR VC-Turbo variant provided a more thrilling option with 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, though it lacked AWD compatibility. The test car's AWD system, suitable for winter conditions, operated efficiently by distributing power to the rear wheels as needed. The Altima's EPA ratings were 26 mpg city, 36 highway, and 30 combined, with the VC-Turbo variant slightly lower. The Altima's steering felt light, but its low center of gravity minimized body roll. The brakes were predictable, and the CVT managed power well, though it produced a droning noise under heavy acceleration. Overall, the Altima offered a balanced driving experience with good noise insulation.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, once considered small, now comfortably accommodated a family of four. It straddled the line between compact and midsize sedans, offering generous interior space and a cavernous trunk with 14.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Jetta SEL featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, but the car's higher seating position made entry and exit easy. The rear seats provided ample legroom and comfort, with heated seats as a rare feature in this segment. Storage options were plentiful, with a large center bin, glove compartment, and door panel storage. The trunk's shape and opening facilitated easy loading of luggage, and the 60/40-split folding rear seat added versatility.

The 2024 Nissan Altima offered impressive interior space, with front seats providing more room than some competitors. The rear seat, with 35.2 inches of legroom, matched the Kia K5 but fell short of others like the Accord. The Altima's trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of space, surpassing some rivals, and featured a wide opening for easy loading. The 60/40-split folding rear seat allowed for additional cargo flexibility. The Altima's interior was user-friendly, with comfortable seats and well-placed storage options, making it a practical choice for daily use.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SEL featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrumentation panel and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system included proximity sensing, volume knobs, and shortcut tiles for easy navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM 360L. However, the infotainment system required multiple inputs for simple tasks like changing radio stations. The voice recognition system was basic unless upgraded with Car-Net connected services. Car-Net offered a Wi-Fi hotspot and five years of complimentary access to features like remote engine start and SOS emergency calling. The Beats Audio premium sound system was underwhelming compared to previous Fender systems.

The 2024 Nissan Altima's infotainment system varied by trim, with most models featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. The SL and SR VC-Turbo trims boasted a 12.3-inch display with crisp graphics and intuitive navigation. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, with wireless versions available on the larger screen. The SiriusXM interface appeared cluttered, and the nine-speaker Bose stereo was disappointing. NissanConnect, standard on higher trims, allowed remote access via the MyNissan app, offering features like remote start and emergency calling.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SE and SEL came with IQ.Drive, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, performing well on challenging roads. Emergency Assist, a rare feature in this class, could safely stop the car if the driver became unresponsive. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but scored four stars in frontal-impact protection. The IIHS rated its safety as Poor in a new frontal-impact test and criticized its headlights.

The 2024 Nissan Altima earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with strong side-impact and rollover test results. However, it scored four stars in frontal crash tests. The IIHS did not award the 2024 model a Top Safety Pick+ due to poor side-impact test performance. The Altima's standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 included features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered a 360-degree monitor and traffic-sign recognition. ProPilot Assist, available on select trims, provided semi-autonomous driving assistance.