Ultimate comparison: nissan altima vs. corolla – the best sedan for your needs
What To Know
- 5-liter engine in the Altima achieves up to 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, while the V6 engine delivers up to 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
- The Corolla, with its smaller engines, has slightly better fuel economy, achieving up to 30 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway with the 1.
- The Altima received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from IIHS, while the Corolla received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick” rating from IIHS.
In the realm of midsize sedans, the Nissan Altima and Toyota Corolla stand out as formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of comfort, performance, and reliability, making them favorites among discerning drivers. However, each car possesses unique strengths and characteristics that set them apart. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricate details of these two automotive powerhouses, providing you with an informed decision when choosing your next sedan.
Performance: Power and Efficiency
Engine Options:
The Nissan Altima boasts a more powerful engine lineup compared to the Corolla. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in the Altima generates 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, while the available 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers an impressive 295 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the Corolla offers a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel Economy:
Despite its higher power output, the Altima also offers competitive fuel economy. The 2.5-liter engine in the Altima achieves up to 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, while the V6 engine delivers up to 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The Corolla, with its smaller engines, has slightly better fuel economy, achieving up to 30 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway with the 1.8-liter engine, and up to 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway with the 2.0-liter engine.
Interior: Comfort and Convenience
Space and Legroom:
The Nissan Altima offers a more spacious interior compared to the Corolla. The Altima has ample legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats, providing a comfortable ride for all passengers. The Corolla, while not as spacious, still offers a comfortable interior with sufficient legroom and headroom for most passengers.
Features and Amenities:
Both the Altima and Corolla offer a wide range of interior features and amenities. The Altima comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and keyless entry. The Corolla offers a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, air conditioning, and keyless entry as standard features. Higher trim levels for both vehicles offer additional amenities such as leather seats, heated front seats, and a sunroof.
Safety: Protecting You and Your Loved Ones
Standard Safety Features:
The Nissan Altima and Toyota Corolla both come equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features. These features include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, the Altima offers blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard features, while these features are only available as options on the Corolla.
Crash Test Ratings:
Both the Altima and Corolla have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Altima received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from IIHS, while the Corolla received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick” rating from IIHS.
Technology: Connectivity and Entertainment
Infotainment Systems:
The Nissan Altima comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the Toyota Corolla offers a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Both systems offer a user-friendly interface and support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trim levels for both vehicles offer larger touchscreen displays and navigation systems.
Driver Assistance Systems:
The Altima and Corolla offer a range of driver assistance systems to enhance safety and convenience. The Altima offers Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist system, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and stop-and-go capability. The Corolla offers Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 suite of driver assistance systems, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic emergency braking.
Reliability: Peace of Mind on the Road
J.D. Power Reliability Ratings:
The Nissan Altima and Toyota Corolla have both received high reliability ratings from J.D. Power. The Altima received a score of 86 out of 100 in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study, while the Corolla received a score of 89 out of 100. These scores indicate that both vehicles are expected to have a low frequency of repairs and maintenance issues.
Warranty Coverage:
The Nissan Altima and Toyota Corolla come with similar warranty coverage. Both vehicles offer a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion warranty.
Value for Money: A Wise Investment
Pricing:
The Nissan Altima has a slightly higher starting price compared to the Toyota Corolla. The base Altima S trim level starts at $26,750, while the base Corolla L trim level starts at $21,150. However, the Altima offers more standard features and a more powerful engine, which may justify the higher price point for some consumers.
Resale Value:
The Toyota Corolla typically has a higher resale value compared to the Nissan Altima. According to Kelley Blue Book, a 3-year-old Corolla is expected to retain around 60% of its original value, while a 3-year-old Altima is expected to retain around 54% of its original value. This higher resale value makes the Corolla a more attractive option for buyers who plan on selling their car in the future.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Sedan for Your Needs
The Nissan Altima and Toyota Corolla are both excellent midsize sedans that offer a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and reliability. The Altima offers more power, space, and standard safety features, while the Corolla offers better fuel economy, a higher resale value, and a slightly lower price point. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize power, space, and safety, the Altima is an excellent option. If you prioritize fuel economy, resale value, and affordability, the Corolla is an equally compelling choice.
Answers to Your Questions
Q1: Which car has a more powerful engine?
A1: The Nissan Altima has a more powerful engine lineup compared to the Toyota Corolla.
Q2: Which car has a better fuel economy?
A2: The Toyota Corolla has slightly better fuel economy compared to the Nissan Altima.
Q3: Which car has a more spacious interior?
A3: The Nissan Altima has a more spacious interior compared to the Toyota Corolla.
Q4: Which car has more standard safety features?
A4: The Nissan Altima has more standard safety features compared to the Toyota Corolla.
Q5: Which car has a higher resale value?
A5: The Toyota Corolla typically has a higher resale value compared to the Nissan Altima.