Quick Overview
- With an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, the Altima offers commendable fuel economy for its class.
- In the battle of the mid-size sedans, the Nissan Altima and the Subaru emerge as compelling choices, each with its unique strengths and characteristics.
- The Nissan Altima offers slightly better fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, compared to the Subaru’s 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
In the realm of mid-size sedans, two prominent contenders stand out: the Nissan Altima and the Subaru. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and features, making them popular choices among car buyers. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of each vehicle, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Handling: A Tale of Two Philosophies
The Nissan Altima exudes a sporty character, boasting a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain provides spirited acceleration and responsive handling, making it a joy to drive on蜿ing roads. In contrast, the Subaru embraces a more composed and refined approach. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, delivering a smooth and linear power delivery. While not as thrilling as the Altima, the Subaru compensates with its exceptional all-wheel drive system, providing superior traction and stability in inclement weather conditions.
Fuel Efficiency: Battling for Every Mile
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Nissan Altima holds a slight edge over the Subaru. With an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, the Altima offers commendable fuel economy for its class. The Subaru, on the other hand, returns 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, still respectable figures but marginally behind its rival.
Interior Comfort and Amenities: A Clash of Styles
Inside the cabin, the Nissan Altima presents a modern and upscale ambiance. Premium materials and soft-touch surfaces adorn the dashboard and door panels, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. The front seats provide ample support and bolstering, ensuring a comfortable ride even during extended journeys. However, rear seat legroom can be a bit tight for taller passengers. In contrast, the Subaru offers a more spacious interior, with generous headroom and legroom in both rows. The seats are comfortable and supportive, although the overall design may feel less luxurious compared to the Altima.
Technology and Infotainment: Keeping You Connected
Both the Nissan Altima and the Subaru come well-equipped with a suite of advanced technology and infotainment features. The Altima features an intuitive 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing seamless smartphone integration. The Subaru offers a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen display with a user-friendly interface. It also boasts a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.
Safety: Prioritizing Your Peace of Mind
When it comes to safety, both the Nissan Altima and the Subaru have earned top ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They both come equipped with a comprehensive array of airbags, electronic stability control, and traction control. However, the Subaru offers a slight advantage with its standard EyeSight suite of safety features, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Pricing and Value: Striking a Balance
The Nissan Altima has a starting price of $24,990, while the Subaru starts at $25,645. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels and options, allowing buyers to tailor their purchase to their needs and budget. The Altima offers a more affordable entry point, while the Subaru provides a more comprehensive suite of standard features.
Wrap-Up: Choosing the Right Sedan for Your Needs
In the battle of the mid-size sedans, the Nissan Altima and the Subaru emerge as compelling choices, each with its unique strengths and characteristics. The Altima offers a sporty driving experience, impressive fuel efficiency, and a well-appointed interior. The Subaru, on the other hand, excels in all-wheel drive performance, interior space, and advanced safety features. Ultimately, the choice between these two rivals depends on your individual preferences, driving needs, and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions: Nissan Altima vs. Subaru
Q: Which vehicle has better fuel efficiency, the Nissan Altima or the Subaru?
A: The Nissan Altima offers slightly better fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, compared to the Subaru’s 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which vehicle offers more cargo space, the Nissan Altima or the Subaru?
A: The Subaru offers more cargo space, with 15.3 cubic feet of trunk space compared to the Altima’s 15.4 cubic feet.
Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine, the Nissan Altima or the Subaru?
A: The Nissan Altima has a slightly more powerful engine, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Subaru’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.
Q: Which vehicle offers a more comprehensive suite of safety features, the Nissan Altima or the Subaru?
A: The Subaru offers a more comprehensive suite of safety features, including the standard EyeSight suite of safety features, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Q: Which vehicle has a lower starting price, the Nissan Altima or the Subaru?
A: The Nissan Altima has a lower starting price, at $24,990 compared to the Subaru’s starting price of $25,645.