Comparison: The 2018 Honda Accord vs the 2018 Nissan Altima

2018 Honda with lights in background

In the world of midsize sedans, the 2018 Honda Accord and Nissan Altima are fairly similar to each other. Despite their similarities, the Accord is regularly praised for standing out from the crowd with its exceptional craftsmanship and comfort. Meanwhile, the Altima simply checks off driver requirements without going above and beyond.

Powertrain Choices

Whether you consider the 2018 Honda Accord or Nissan Altima, you will find yourself with the choice of two engines. While the Altima sticks to the traditional formula of an entry-level 4-cylinder and an available V6, the Accord embraces the efficiency and power of turbochargers. The Nissan’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder has 179 horsepower and 177 pound-feet. Its V6 delivers 270 horsepower and 251 pound-feet.

Honda’s turbocharged approach clearly pays off with the 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder base engine, which leaves the Altima behind with 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet. Although the available 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder has a few less horsepower than the Altima’s V6, it has a whopping 273 pound-feet of torque. No matter how you look at it, the 2018 Accord should be your choice if you prioritize engine output.

To make the 2018 Accord’s powertrains even more appealing, look at fuel economy. The Altima offers *27 mpg in the city, *38 on the highway, and *31 combined, reasonable figures for the class. Thanks to the small engine displacement and efficient turbocharger, the Honda Accord is able to increase city fuel economy to *30 mpg, bringing up the combined rating to *33 mpg. Over the life of your midsize sedan, those extra miles per gallon will definitely add up to savings.

Room to Stretch Out

Most of the dimensions of the Accord and Altima are comparable. However, there are still some very important differences. Most notably, the Honda Accord has a total of 105.6 cubic feet for passenger volume while the Altima has 101.9 cubes. This translates into extra front shoulder room and hip room, plus additional rear headroom, shoulder room, legroom, and hip room. In fact, rear passengers in the Accord have 4.3 more inches of legroom than those in the Altima.

Standard Safety

Both the Accord and Altima are now loaded with safety features that were previously limited to higher-end trims. The 2018 Nissan Altima, for example, now comes standard with a forward collision warning system that includes automatic emergency braking. Although this might seem impressive, it simply isn’t enough to keep up with the 2018 Accord’s standard safety. In addition to this feature, the Honda gets lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control across the lineup. Considering the 2018 Accord and Altima have nearly identical starting prices, the Accord clearly delivers more bang for your buck.

 

The team at Garden State Honda here in Clifton, New Jersey will gladly answer any questions you have about the 2018 Honda Accord and take you on a test drive.

*Based on EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.

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