It’s Clear Who Should Buy the Honda Accord and Who Should Buy a Nissan Altima
Although many people are making the switch from sedans to SUVs, sedans are still an excellent option if you’re looking for modern features and advanced tech. In fact, many sedans are continually upgrading to compete with SUVs, and two of the most popular options — the Honda Accord and the Nissan Altima — offer a variety of great features. While these are both excellent sedans, however, U.S. News reports that the Accord easily comes out on top in a head-to-head battle.
What you’ll get with the Honda Accord
The Honda Accord comes with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that gets 192 hp, making it more powerful than the Altima. Unlike the Altima, the Accord also offers a manual option, making it the clear choice for anyone who loves to drive stick.
When it comes to fuel economy, both sedans are excellent for their class. However, the Accord has a bit of an edge — it gets 30 miles per gallon in the city and 38 miles per gallon on the highway.
Who should buy the Accord?
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When compared to the Nissan Altima, the Honda Accord comes out on top in a number of key areas. Firstly, it is a better choice for people who prioritize a high-quality interior. It is filled with classy materials and soft-touch surfaces, and U.S. News notes that its buttons are sturdy and satisfying to press. The Accord also has more headroom and rear legroom than the Altima, although the Altima has slightly more front legroom.
If you need a lot of cargo space, the Accord has you covered there too. With 16.7 cubic feet of storage, it is well above average for its class. In fact, the Accord’s spaciousness helps it hold its own against SUVs as well as other sedans. It is worth noting, however, that the Accord’s trunk opening is slightly narrower than the Altima’s. If you frequently carry bulky cargo, the Altima may be a little more convenient.
The Accord also handles better than the Altima. U.S. News states that its responsive brakes and steering, as well as its firm suspension, all combine to give the Accord a slightly sportier feel.
To top it all off, the Accord is more affordable. It has an MSRP of $24,020, which is $80 cheaper than the Altima. While this is not a major price difference, it is still notable — especially given all the areas in which the Accord has the upper hand.
Where the Nissan Altima has an edge
Despite the many, many advantages that the Honda Accord has, the Nissan Altima is still a great sedan. Its 2.5-liter engine makes 188 hp, and its excellent fuel economy ratings only just trail the Accord: It gets 28 miles per gallon in the city and 39 miles per gallon on the highway.
Where the Altima really stands out is its ability to handle inclement weather. It is one of the few midsize sedans on the market to offer optional all-wheel drive, making it the better choice for anyone who frequently needs to drive in less-than-ideal conditions.
Additionally, the Altima comes with a more extensive safety system called the ProPilot Assist, which the Accord doesn’t have. This system includes features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.
While the Nissan Altima certainly has its advantages, though, the Honda Accord is likely the preferable choice for just about anyone looking for a midsize sedan. If you often have to drive in poor weather or you want a more extensive suite of safety features, you might prefer the Altima — otherwise, go ahead and opt for the Accord.
