What To Know
- The Nissan Altima and Ford Focus are two popular compact sedans that offer a blend of practicality, performance, and affordability.
- The Nissan Altima comes with a more comprehensive suite of standard amenities, including a larger touchscreen display and automatic climate control.
- The Ford Focus is more affordable than the Nissan Altima, but the Altima offers more standard features and a more powerful engine.
The Nissan Altima and Ford Focus are two popular compact sedans that offer a blend of practicality, performance, and affordability. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of these vehicles to help you make an informed decision about which one best meets your needs.
Performance and Handling
Engine Options:
- Nissan Altima: 2.5L inline-4 (188 hp, 180 lb-ft) or 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 (248 hp, 273 lb-ft)
- Ford Focus: 2.0L inline-4 (168 hp, 150 lb-ft) or 1.5L turbocharged inline-3 (181 hp, 190 lb-ft)
The Nissan Altima offers more powerful engine options, providing better acceleration and overall performance. However, the Ford Focus’s smaller engines are more fuel-efficient.
Transmission:
- Nissan Altima: CVT or 6-speed manual
- Ford Focus: 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual
The Nissan Altima‘s CVT offers smooth and efficient shifting, while the Ford Focus’s 8-speed automatic provides more responsive gear changes.
Handling:
- Nissan Altima: Front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive
- Ford Focus: Front-wheel drive
Both vehicles offer agile handling, but the Nissan Altima‘s available all-wheel drive system provides enhanced traction in inclement weather conditions.
Comfort and Convenience
Interior Space:
- Nissan Altima: 101.9 cu. ft. of passenger volume
- Ford Focus: 93.5 cu. ft. of passenger volume
The Nissan Altima boasts a more spacious cabin, offering more legroom and headroom for passengers.
Amenities:
- Nissan Altima: Standard infotainment system with 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control
- Ford Focus: Standard infotainment system with 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, manual climate control
The Nissan Altima comes with a more comprehensive suite of standard amenities, including a larger touchscreen display and automatic climate control.
Safety Features:
- Nissan Altima: Standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 (includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring)
- Ford Focus: Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 (includes automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring)
Both vehicles offer a comprehensive range of safety features, but the Nissan Altima’s Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite is more advanced and includes additional technologies.
Fuel Economy
- Nissan Altima: 28 mpg city / 39 mpg highway (2.5L engine), 25 mpg city / 34 mpg highway (2.0L engine)
- Ford Focus: 27 mpg city / 38 mpg highway (2.0L engine), 29 mpg city / 41 mpg highway (1.5L engine)
The Ford Focus offers slightly better fuel economy, especially with its 1.5L turbocharged engine.
Price and Value
- Nissan Altima: Starting at $24,550
- Ford Focus: Starting at $19,995
The Ford Focus is more affordable than the Nissan Altima, but the Altima offers more standard features and a more powerful engine.
Which Vehicle Is Right for You?
The Nissan Altima is a better choice for drivers who prioritize performance, spaciousness, and safety. Its powerful engine options, roomy cabin, and advanced safety features make it a compelling choice for families and commuters alike.
The Ford Focus is a more economical option for budget-conscious buyers who value fuel efficiency and affordability. Its smaller engine and compact dimensions make it ideal for city driving and solo commuters.
Key Points: The Ultimate Choice
Ultimately, the best choice between the Nissan Altima and Ford Focus depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you seek a well-rounded sedan with ample space, performance, and safety, the Nissan Altima is the clear winner. However, if affordability and fuel economy are your top priorities, the Ford Focus is a solid choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which vehicle has a better warranty?
A: Both vehicles offer a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Q: Is the Nissan Altima available with all-wheel drive?
A: Yes, all-wheel drive is available as an option on the Nissan Altima.
Q: Does the Ford Focus have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
A: Yes, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features on all Ford Focus models.
Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious trunk?
A: The Nissan Altima has a larger trunk with 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to 13.2 cubic feet in the Ford Focus.
Q: Is the Nissan Altima more expensive to maintain?
A: According to RepairPal, the Nissan Altima has slightly higher estimated maintenance costs than the Ford Focus over a 10-year period.