Sedan Vs. Suv: Nissan Altima Vs. Mazda Cx-5 – Which Is The Ultimate Family Vehicle?

The Nissan Altima and Mazda CX-5 are two of the most popular vehicles in their respective segments. The Altima is a midsize sedan known for its comfort, fuel efficiency, and affordability, while the CX-5 is a compact SUV praised for its sporty handling, stylish design, and impressive safety features. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between these two vehicles to help you make an informed decision about which one is the right choice for your needs.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency: Thrills vs Practicality

Engine Options and Power:

• Nissan Altima: The Altima offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that generates 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 comes with a single engine option: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel Efficiency:

• Nissan Altima: The Altima’s 2.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine gets 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5’s 2.5-liter engine delivers an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Interior and Comfort: Space, Style, and Convenience

Passenger Space:

• Nissan Altima: The Altima offers ample seating space for up to five passengers, with generous legroom and headroom in both the front and rear.
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 provides comfortable seating for five individuals, but the rear legroom is slightly more limited compared to the Altima.

Cargo Capacity:

• Nissan Altima: The Altima’s trunk offers 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space, which is sufficient for everyday needs.
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5’s cargo area provides 30.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Interior Features and Convenience:

• Nissan Altima: The Altima’s interior boasts a user-friendly infotainment system, comfortable seats, and a range of convenience features such as a sunroof, heated front seats, and a Bose audio system.
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5’s cabin features a premium design, a responsive infotainment system, and amenities like heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a Bose sound system.

Safety and Reliability: Protecting What Matters Most

Safety Features:

• Nissan Altima: The Altima comes equipped with an array of safety technologies, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

Reliability and Maintenance:

• Nissan Altima: The Altima has a solid reputation for reliability, with a 4.0 out of 5 rating from J.D. Power. Maintenance costs are generally affordable, and parts are readily available.
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 also earns high marks for reliability, receiving a 4.2 out of 5 rating from J.D. Power. Maintenance costs are comparable to the Altima, and the vehicle is known for its durability.

Technology and Connectivity: Staying Connected on the Road

Infotainment Systems:

• Nissan Altima: The Altima’s infotainment system features a user-friendly interface, a large touchscreen display, and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5’s infotainment system offers a sleek design, a responsive touchscreen, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Connectivity Features:

• Nissan Altima: The Altima provides a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple USB ports for charging and connecting devices.
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 offers similar connectivity features, including a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, and multiple USB ports.

Price and Trims: Finding the Right Balance

Starting Price:

• Nissan Altima: The base Nissan Altima S has a starting price of $24,950.
• Mazda CX-5: The base Mazda CX-5 Sport has a starting price of $25,950.

Trim Levels and Features:

• Nissan Altima: The Altima is available in six trim levels: S, SV, SR, SL, Platinum, and Edition ONE. Each trim offers a range of features and amenities to suit different preferences and budgets.
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 comes in six trim levels: Sport, Touring, Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, Turbo, and Signature. Similar to the Altima, each trim level provides a unique combination of features and options.

Which Vehicle is Right for You?

The Nissan Altima and Mazda CX-5 are both excellent vehicles with unique strengths and appeals. The Altima offers a comfortable and fuel-efficient ride, while the CX-5 provides sporty handling, a stylish design, and impressive safety features. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget.

In a nutshell: Making the Ultimate Choice

Whether you prioritize comfort and fuel efficiency or crave a sporty and versatile SUV, the Nissan Altima and Mazda CX-5 offer compelling options. Take the time to test drive both vehicles, carefully consider your needs and budget, and make the decision that best aligns with your lifestyle and driving preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Which vehicle has better fuel efficiency, the Nissan Altima or the Mazda CX-5?

• The Nissan Altima offers better fuel efficiency than the Mazda CX-5, with the 2.5-liter engine achieving up to 39 mpg on the highway compared to the CX-5’s 30 mpg.

2. Which vehicle has more cargo space, the Nissan Altima or the Mazda CX-5?

• The Mazda CX-5 provides significantly more cargo space than the Nissan Altima, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down compared to the Altima’s 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space.

3. Which vehicle has a higher safety rating, the Nissan Altima or the Mazda CX-5?

• Both the Nissan Altima and Mazda CX-5 have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), with the CX-5 earning a slightly higher overall safety rating from the NHTSA.