When it comes to midsize sedans in the US, the Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry are two of the most popular choices. Both vehicles are known for their reliability, comfort, and value, making them strong contenders in a crowded market. But how do they stack up against each other? If you’re trying to decide between these two sedans, this guide breaks down the key differences to help you make the best choice.
Exterior Design and Styling
The Nissan Altima has a modern, sleek design that sets it apart from many of its competitors. Its sharp lines, bold front grille, and sporty profile give it an athletic look. The Altima’s aesthetic is more aggressive and designed to appeal to drivers looking for a fresh, dynamic style. On the other hand, the Toyota Camry has evolved into a sportier vehicle in recent years while maintaining a more conservative approach to design. The Camry’s look is a blend of elegance and sportiness, making it suitable for a wide range of buyers, from young professionals to families.
Choosing between the Altima and Camry in terms of design often comes down to personal preference. If you’re after a bolder, more aggressive appearance, the Altima stands out. The Camry, while sporty, offers a more balanced, timeless look.
Interior Features and Comfort
Both the Altima and Camry offer comfortable, high-quality interiors, but there are some key differences. The Altima’s interior feels spacious and comes with comfortable seating for both the driver and passengers. It includes an intuitive infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard, allowing easy connectivity for all your devices. The Altima also features Zero Gravity seats, designed to reduce fatigue during long drives.
The Toyota Camry also excels in interior comfort, offering a well-built cabin with quality materials and a sleek, user-friendly design. Like the Altima, the Camry includes an infotainment system that features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Where the Camry stands out is its upscale trims, such as the XSE, which includes leather seats and a more luxurious feel overall.
Both sedans provide spacious cabins, but if you’re looking for a more premium experience, the higher trims of the Camry may offer a slight edge in luxury.
Performance and Driving Experience
The Nissan Altima is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as standard, which delivers decent power and fuel efficiency. However, what sets the Altima apart is its available 2.0-liter variable compression turbo engine, offering a blend of performance and fuel efficiency that few competitors can match. Another standout feature of the Altima is its available all-wheel drive (AWD), which is rare in the midsize sedan segment, making it a great choice for drivers in regions with harsh weather conditions.
The Toyota Camry offers a solid 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as standard, but for those craving more power, the Camry also has a potent 3.5-liter V6 option. The Camry provides a smoother, more refined driving experience, particularly with the V6 model, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a spirited ride.
Fuel Economy and Safety
Fuel efficiency is important in this segment, and both sedans deliver strong results. The Altima’s base engine offers an EPA-estimated 28 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway, making it one of the more fuel-efficient vehicles in its class. The Camry is similarly competitive, with the four-cylinder version achieving up to 28 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway, depending on the trim.
In terms of safety, both the Altima and Camry are equipped with advanced driver assistance systems. The Altima includes Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, which features automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. The Camry comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense, which offers similar features like pre-collision braking, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control.
Conclusion: Which Sedan Is Right for You?
Choosing between the Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry comes down to what you prioritize. If you’re looking for all-wheel drive and a more aggressive design, the Altima might be your best bet. However, if you want a smoother ride with the option of a V6 engine and a more premium interior, the Camry takes the lead. Both sedans offer strong reliability, excellent fuel economy, and advanced safety features, making either a great choice for US buyers.
