
There's really something for everyone in the thickly populated field of mid-size sedans, but you have to examine your priorities.
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.
What's more, its Hybrid version is offered in all 50 states and boasts 41 mpg on the highway.
Most shoppers in this class place some prominence on interior space, and for that the best vehicles are the Accord, Sonata, Opima, and Camry.
The freshly redesigned Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima are standouts in this class, with roomy interiors, impressive refinement, and excellent fuel economy.
But the Camry's interior is a bit bland and feels cheap in execution.
For safety, the Accord stands on top (it's an IIHS Top Safety Pick).
However, against any of these models, the Altima comes across as well rounded and sporty.
Versus the Nissan Altima Coupe, the only formidable rival is the Honda Accord Coupe; comparing the two, the Accord Coupe feels less sporty—it's more of a luxurious freeway cruiser, while the Altima Coupe is a little more cramped and less refined, but friskier-feeling.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2011 Nissan Altima isn't quite as roomy as some mid-size rivals, but it's one of the sportiest-driving choices. |
The 2011 Ford Fusion comes in a few finely developed flavors; Sport, Hybrid and base are a few of the best tastes. |
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata takes some smart styling and performance risks to raise its profile. |
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. |
The 2011 Toyota Camry isn’t at the leading edge in any way, but it remains one of the smartest mid-size sedan picks. |
MSRP From | ||||
$20,270 | $19,850 | $19,395 | $19,200 | $20,195 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
18 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
EPA Class | ||||
Midsize | Mid-Size Sedan | Large Cars | Midsize Cars | Mid-Size |
Style Name | ||||
4-Door Sedan I4 CVT 2.5 | 4-Door Sedan S FWD | 4-Door Sedan 2.4L Manual GLS *Ltd Avail* | 4-Door Sedan 2.4L Manual LX | 4-Door Sedan I4 Manual (SE) |
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 | Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual | Manual w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2011 Nissan Altima vs. 2011 Ford Fusion | 2011 Nissan Altima vs. 2011 Hyundai Sonata | 2011 Nissan Altima vs. 2011 Kia Optima | 2011 Nissan Altima vs. 2011 Toyota Camry |