What To Know
- The Nissan Altima with the four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.
- In terms of value, both the Altima and the Fusion offer a competitive package of features and performance at their respective price points.
- If you prefer a more comfortable ride, a spacious interior, and a wide range of engine options, the Ford Fusion is a solid option.
The Nissan Altima and Ford Fusion are two popular midsize sedans that offer a compelling blend of style, performance, and value. However, choosing between these two vehicles can be a challenging task. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each car to help you make an informed decision.
Engine and Performance
The Nissan Altima offers a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 188 horsepower and a 3.5-liter V6 with 270 horsepower. The Ford Fusion, on the other hand, comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 175 horsepower, a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 181 horsepower, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 245 horsepower.
In terms of acceleration, the Altima V6 and the Fusion 2.0T offer similar performance, reaching 60 mph in around 6 seconds. However, the Altima’s four-cylinder engine provides slightly better fuel economy than the Fusion’s 2.5-liter engine.
Handling and Ride Quality
The Nissan Altima is known for its responsive handling and sporty driving dynamics. It features a stiffer suspension setup than the Fusion, which provides better cornering stability but may result in a firmer ride.
The Ford Fusion, on the other hand, offers a more comfortable ride with a softer suspension system. It also has a more isolated cabin, reducing road noise and vibrations. However, its handling is not as sharp as the Altima’s.
Interior Design and Features
Both the Altima and the Fusion have spacious and well-appointed interiors. The Altima features a modern and sleek design, with high-quality materials and intuitive controls. It also offers a large touchscreen infotainment system and a comfortable seating position.
The Fusion’s interior is more conservative but still offers a comfortable and functional space. It has a spacious front row and a generous amount of legroom in the back. Its infotainment system is user-friendly and features a variety of connectivity options.
Safety Features
The Nissan Altima comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Ford Fusion offers a similar range of safety features, but it also includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist as standard.
Both vehicles have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Fuel Economy
The Nissan Altima with the four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. The V6 model gets 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
The Ford Fusion with the 2.5-liter engine gets 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine gets 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, while the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine gets 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
Pricing and Value
The Nissan Altima has a starting price of $24,500 for the base S trim. The top-of-the-line Platinum trim starts at $34,500.
The Ford Fusion has a starting price of $24,000 for the base S trim. The top-of-the-line Titanium trim starts at $34,000.
In terms of value, both the Altima and the Fusion offer a competitive package of features and performance at their respective price points.
Which One is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between the Nissan Altima and the Ford Fusion depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you value sporty handling, a modern interior, and a high level of safety, the Nissan Altima is an excellent choice. If you prefer a more comfortable ride, a spacious interior, and a wide range of engine options, the Ford Fusion is a solid option.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
1. Which car has a more powerful engine?
The Nissan Altima V6 has a more powerful engine than the Ford Fusion.
2. Which car gets better fuel economy?
The Nissan Altima with the four-cylinder engine gets better fuel economy than the Ford Fusion with the 2.5-liter engine.
3. Which car has a more spacious interior?
The Ford Fusion has a more spacious interior than the Nissan Altima.
4. Which car has a better infotainment system?
Both the Altima and the Fusion have user-friendly infotainment systems, but the Altima’s system has a larger touchscreen and more intuitive controls.
5. Which car is more reliable?
According to J.D. Power, the Nissan Altima has a slightly higher reliability rating than the Ford Fusion.