Power, space, and style: nissan altima vs. ford escape – which offers the best value?

When it comes to choosing a midsize sedan or SUV, the Nissan Altima and Ford Escape stand out as two of the most popular options on the market. Both vehicles offer a compelling combination of style, performance, and value. But which one is right for you? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll pit the Nissan Altima against the Ford Escape to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Handling

Engine Power:
The Nissan Altima offers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. The Ford Escape comes standard with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. However, the Escape also offers optional 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines with up to 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.

Acceleration:
In terms of acceleration, the Ford Escape with the 2.5-liter engine is slightly quicker than the Nissan Altima, reaching 60 mph in 7.3 seconds compared to 7.5 seconds.

Handling:
Both the Altima and Escape offer responsive handling. However, the Altima has a sportier feel with its stiffer suspension and direct steering.

Fuel Economy

EPA Ratings:
The Nissan Altima gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway with its base engine. The Ford Escape with the 1.5-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The Escape with the 2.5-liter engine gets 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Real-World Fuel Economy:
In real-world driving conditions, the Nissan Altima typically gets around 30-35 mpg, while the Ford Escape with the 1.5-liter engine gets around 25-30 mpg.

Interior and Comfort

Space:
The Nissan Altima offers a spacious interior with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The Ford Escape has a slightly smaller interior, but it still provides comfortable seating for up to five people.

Seating:
The Nissan Altima has comfortable cloth seats with optional leather upholstery. The Ford Escape offers a variety of seating options, including cloth, leather, and heated and cooled seats.

Cargo Space:
The Nissan Altima has 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk. The Ford Escape has 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats and 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Features and Technology

Infotainment System:
The Nissan Altima comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ford Escape offers an 8-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the same smartphone integration features.

Driver-Assistance Features:
Both the Nissan Altima and Ford Escape offer a wide range of driver-assistance features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

Safety

Crash Test Ratings:
The Nissan Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Ford Escape also received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS.

Price and Value

Base Price:
The Nissan Altima has a starting price of $24,990. The Ford Escape has a starting price of $26,545.

Value:
Both the Nissan Altima and Ford Escape offer a lot of value for the money. The Altima has a lower starting price, while the Escape offers more cargo space and a wider range of engine options.

Wrap-Up: The Right Choice for You

The Nissan Altima and Ford Escape are both excellent midsize vehicles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Altima offers a sportier driving experience, better fuel economy, and a lower starting price. The Escape offers more cargo space, a more powerful engine, and a more comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Which vehicle has better acceleration?
A: The Ford Escape with the 2.5-liter engine has slightly better acceleration than the Nissan Altima.

Q: Which vehicle has more cargo space?
A: The Ford Escape has significantly more cargo space than the Nissan Altima.

Q: Which vehicle has more driver-assistance features?
A: Both the Nissan Altima and Ford Escape offer a wide range of driver-assistance features, but the Escape has a slightly wider range of options.

Q: Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Nissan Altima has slightly better fuel economy than the Ford Escape with the 1.5-liter engine.

Q: Which vehicle has a lower starting price?
A: The Nissan Altima has a lower starting price than the Ford Escape.