2012 Nissan Altima vs. Its Competition

2012 Nissan Altima 4-door Sedan I4 CVT 2.5 S Side Exterior View

Meta Rating 7.6 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

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Aug 12, 2011

There truly is something for every driver among the popular segment of mid-size sedans, but it pays to have your priorities straight.

The Nissan Altima wins on styling and V-6 power, but it's not the most fuel-efficient offering and has less inspiring safety scores.

The Ford Fusion is one of the sportier-driving mid-size sedans and has great handling; it's also well-built and offers impressive fuel economy in four-cylinder form, especially as a hybrid.

For buyers seeking interior room, the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, and Toyota Camry are leaders; the Sonata and Optima are standouts in this class, with roomy interiors, impressive refinement, and excellent fuel economy, while the Accord has the largest back seat of all.

The Toyota Camry will be new for 2012; in the meantime, there's a new American-made VW Passat with vast rear-seat room and a simpler, plainer interior to go with its 43-mpg diesel highway fuel economy.

2012 Nissan Altima Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Ford Fusion Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Hyundai Sonata Get FREE Price Quote	2011 Honda Accord Sedan Browse Used Listings	2011 Kia Optima Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
7.6 The 2012 Nissan Altima isn't as roomy as the newest mid-offerings, but as a coupe or as a sedan, it's one of the best-looking and most sporty mid-sizers.	8.2 The 2012 Ford Fusion stays at the top of its game, especially as a Hybrid, with perky handling and its cut-above looks.	8.6 After more than a decade on the market, the latest Hyundai Sonata's an overnight success--thanks to great gas mileage, grabby styling, and exceptional value for the dollar.	8.2 Though the 2011 Honda Accord is missing Bluetooth connectivity on the more affordable trims, it’s a very compelling package otherwise, with top-notch refinement, performance, and comfort.	8.6 Kia simply gets it; basic doesn't have to be boring, and the 2011 Kia Optima shows that mid-size sedan shoppers don't have to settle to design boredom or a lack of features.
MSRP From
$20,550	$20,705	$19,795	$21,380	$19,200
Gas Mileage
18 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy	22 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy	20 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy	22 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4
EPA Class
Midsize	Mid-Size Sedan	Large Cars	Large	Midsize Cars
Style Name
4dr Sedan I4 CVT 2.5	4dr Sedan S FWD	4dr Sedan 2.4L Man GLS	4dr I4 Man LX	4dr Sedan 2.4L Man LX
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan
Transmission
Continuously Variable Ratio	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual