2022 Nissan Almera vs Toyota Vios Comparison: Spec Sheet Battle

For years now, the Toyota Vios is arguably the most popular subcompact sedan in the Philippine market. For that matter, it was also the best-selling in the country for the first half of 2021. Also in 2020, the Vios received an updated version with a revised front end and more on-board tech.  

Competing against the popular Vios is of course the Nissan Almera. Like the Toyota-made model, it’s been around for a long time, and it is also a common sight on local roads. For quite some time though, Nissan Philippines didn’t release any significant changes to the said model. But fast forward to October 2021, when the marque introduced the all-new fourth-generation Almera. 

So, how does the new Nissan Almera fare against the Toyota Vios when it comes to specs? Let’s find out by comparing the new Almera VL N-Sport CVT against the Vios GR-S CVT as both are priced above the Php 1 million mark. 

Which is better on paper? Is it the new Nissan Almera or the Toyota Vios? 

In terms of size, the new Almera VL N-Sport 1.0 CVT is 4,530mm long, 1,740mm wide, and 1,460mm in height. Its wheelbase then stretches to a length of 2,620mm, and it has a ground clearance of 135mm. 

The all-new 2021 Nissan Almera N-Sport

Meanwhile, the Vios GR-S comes with a length of 4,467mm, a width of 1,730mm, and a height of 1,475mm. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,550mm, and a ground clearance of 133. 

The Toyota Vios GR-S

In summary, both the Almera VL N-Sport and Vios GR-S are both the longest examples in their variant lineup. The Nissan model however, is a bit longer and wider than the Toyota. It also has a significantly longer wheelbase, and more ground clearance. The difference in the latter measurement is negligible. 

Which do you think has the better-looking rear end? Is it the new Almera?

Moving on to exterior equipment, both of these subcompact sedans are kitted out with LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, and LED taillights. Both also get front fog lamps, and power-folding side mirrors. 

Beyond those features, the Almera VL N-Sport and the Vios GR-S are also the sportiest-looking in their respective variant lineups. Both are dressed with sharper-looking body kits, black-colored exterior trim pieces, and they also get rear spoilers. Both also ride on a set of 16-inch alloy wheels.

>> Find the best Nissan Almera 2017 for sale Philippines

Or do you prefer the design of the Vios GR'S' rear end?

Inside, both the Almera VL N-Sport and the Vios GR-S have a predominantly black interior. These two can also seat up to five, and both come standard automatic air-conditioning, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, a push-to-start button, and a manually adjustable driver’s seat. 

The 2022 Nissan Almera's interior

Both also come with TFT multi-function displays, but the one on the Almera is larger at seven inches. The Vios meanwhile, get a 4.2-inch TFT display. 

For seat materials, the top-spec Almera uses leather. The Vios also has leather, but it is also combined with suede. Both do get contrast stitching. 

The Almera VL N-Sport does get a tilt and telescopic steering column while the Vios GR-S is adjustable for tilt only.  

As for infotainment systems, the Almera VL N-Sport gets an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, USB, and auxiliary jack connectivity. It is then linked to a six-piece speaker system.  

Inside the Toyota Vios GR-S

In comparison, the Vios GR-S comes with a smaller 6.75-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and auxiliary jack. Apart from having more connectivity options, the said headunit also gets a six-piece speaker system. 

For power, the fourth-generation Nissan Almera uses a new 1.0-liter turbocharged inline-3 gasoline engine. At maximum, it can generate up to 99 horsepower and 152 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to its front wheels through an Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). For the top-of-the-line Almera VL N-Sport, the said CVT can also be controlled manually using paddle-shifters. 

The fourth-generation Almera's 1.0-liter inline-3 turbocharged gasoline engine

On the other side of the coin, the Toyota Vios GR-S utilizes a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated inline-4 gasoline four-banger. It can produce up to 106 horsepower and 140 Nm of torque. It also uses a CVT with a paddle-shifter manual-mode, and it is also a front-wheel-driven model. Of note, the said CVT on the Toyota sedan has ten simulated gears. 

As one can see, the Vios’ 1.5-liter still makes more horsepower than the Almera’s 1.0-liter turbo engine. But you also have to take note that the Almera delivers more when it comes to torque. 

The Vios' 1.5-liter inline-4 naturally-aspirated gasoline engine

For suspensions, both cars use a MacPherson strut for the front, and a torsion beam for the rear. For braking, the Almera and the Vios are equipped with front disc brakes. The rear brakes on the Nissan model however are drum-type brakes, whereas the ones on the Vios are also disc brakes. Both also have hand-operated manual parking brakes.  

Lastly, the Almera gets an idling start/stop feature which is not present on the Vios. 

When it comes to safety, this is where the Almera VL N-Sport trumps the Vios GR-S. That’s because it comes standard with the Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite. For those unaware, this set of features includes a 360-degree view monitor, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot detection, and rear-cross traffic alert. 

Sure, Toyota does have its own driver-assist suite, but those features are unavailable on the Toyota Vios.  

For standard safety equipment though, both the Almera VL N-Sport and Vios GR-S offers anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, hill-start assist, stability control, ISOFIX child seat tethers, as well as a reverse camera. 

For airbags, both the top-spec Almera VL N-Sport gets six, while and the top-spec Vios GR-S comes with seven. The Vios also has speed-sensing door locks that are not available on the Almera. 

>>> See list of 2nd hand Almera for sale here

To conclude, the 2022 Nissan Almera VL N-Sport is superior to the Vios GR-S when it comes to driver-assist features. For that matter, it is indeed the first car in its segment and price range to get features like autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear-cross traffic alert, etc. Then again, both sedans are somewhat on-par with each other when it comes to passive safety features (airbags), and interior comfort.  

The Almera has matured into a good-looking, feature-loaded sedan

As for performance, it is obvious that the Vios still trumps the Almera in the horsepower department. As for torque though, the Nissan has caught up with the Toyota in that regard.  

So, which one’s the more handsome car? Well as usual, let’s leave that up to you. For that matter, why don’t you give each of them a test drive if you’re in the market for a competent subcompact sedan? 

Design-wise, the Vios GR-S is dripping in sportiness

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