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.