Navigating car lineups with expert guidance
Guide

Nissan altima vs toyota corolla: the ultimate showdown for sedan supremacy

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The compact sedan segment is a fiercely competitive battleground, with two titans of the industry, the Nissan Altima and the Toyota Corolla, vying for supremacy.
  • While the Altima offers more power, the Corolla delivers better fuel economy, with EPA ratings of up to 31 mpg city and 40 mpg highway compared to the Altima’s 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.
  • Both the Nissan Altima and Toyota Corolla have earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, but the Altima offers a slightly wider range of safety features.

The compact sedan segment is a fiercely competitive battleground, with two titans of the industry, the Nissan Altima and the Toyota Corolla, vying for supremacy. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, efficiency, and value, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of the Nissan Altima and Toyota Corolla, helping you make an informed decision.

Performance and Fuel Economy

Under the hood, the Nissan Altima boasts a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. The Toyota Corolla, on the other hand, comes with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 139 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque. While the Altima offers more power, the Corolla delivers better fuel economy, with EPA ratings of up to 31 mpg city and 40 mpg highway compared to the Altima’s 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.

Handling and Ride Quality

The Nissan Altima provides a sporty and responsive driving experience, thanks to its stiffer suspension and precise steering. The Toyota Corolla, on the other hand, offers a more comfortable ride, with a softer suspension that absorbs road imperfections effectively. However, the Corolla’s handling is not as sharp as the Altima’s.

Interior Space and Comfort

Inside, the Nissan Altima offers a more spacious cabin, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The Toyota Corolla has a smaller interior, which may feel cramped for taller individuals. Both vehicles provide comfortable seats, with the Altima featuring leather-trimmed seats in higher trim levels.

Technology and Features

The Nissan Altima comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the Toyota Corolla offers a slightly smaller 6.1-inch touchscreen. Both systems support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the Altima’s system is more intuitive and user-friendly. The Altima also offers a wider range of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking.

Safety

Both the Nissan Altima and Toyota Corolla have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Altima offers a slightly wider range of safety features, but the Corolla has a slightly better overall safety score from the IIHS.

Price and Value

The Nissan Altima has a starting price of around $25,000, while the Toyota Corolla starts at around $20,000. The Altima offers more power, interior space, and technology features, but the Corolla is more fuel-efficient and has a lower starting price.

Final Note: Which Compact Sedan Reigns Supreme?

The Nissan Altima and Toyota Corolla are both excellent compact sedans that offer a range of strengths and weaknesses. The Altima provides more power, interior space, and technology features, while the Corolla delivers better fuel economy and has a lower starting price. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize performance, space, and technology, the Nissan Altima is the better choice. If you value fuel efficiency, affordability, and a comfortable ride, the Toyota Corolla is the ideal pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which car has more horsepower?
A: The Nissan Altima has 188 horsepower, while the Toyota Corolla has 139 horsepower.

Q: Which car has better fuel economy?
A: The Toyota Corolla has better fuel economy, with EPA ratings of up to 31 mpg city and 40 mpg highway compared to the Altima’s 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.

Q: Which car has a more spacious interior?
A: The Nissan Altima has a more spacious interior, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.

Q: Which car has a better infotainment system?
A: The Nissan Altima has a more intuitive and user-friendly infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

Q: Which car is safer?
A: Both the Nissan Altima and Toyota Corolla have earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, but the Altima offers a slightly wider range of safety features.

Was this page helpful?

Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
Back to top button