2025 Hyundai Sonata vs 2025 Nissan Altima

$26,900 · Sedan

$27,000 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the freshly redesigned 2025 Hyundai Sonata and the tried-and-true 2025 Nissan Altima often comes down to slight nuances in everyday usability. Both models hover closely around the $27,000 price point, with the Sonata starting at $26,900 and the Altima at $27,000, offering compelling value in the mid-size sedan segment. Performance parity is clear; the Sonata boasts a slight edge in power with 191 horsepower compared to the Altima's 188 hp, although both achieve an identical 32 MPG combined. Where differences emerge is in the fine print: the Sonata offers slightly more cargo space at 15.6 cubic feet versus the Altima's 15.4 cu ft, and the Sonata is marginally longer at 193.3 inches. If maximizing interior roominess while saving a tiny bit on upfront cost matters, the Sonata pulls ahead slightly in this direct spec showdown.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Sonata

The 2025 Sonata offers a slightly better highway MPG rating of 38 compared to the Altima's 39, but the Sonata's 8-speed automatic might offer a more engaging feel than the Altima's CVT.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Sonata

The Sonata wins for families due to its slightly larger cargo capacity of 15.6 cu ft versus the Altima's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Sonata

The Sonata nudges ahead for enthusiasts by offering 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, slightly higher than the Altima's outputs.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Sonata

The Sonata presents slightly better value by undercutting the Altima on MSRP, starting at $26,900 versus $27,000.

Choose the Hyundai Sonata if...

You want the vehicle with the highest output, specifically 191 horsepower.
You prefer a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
You want the marginally lower starting price of $26,900.

Choose the Nissan Altima if...

You prioritize the absolute best highway fuel economy, achieving 39 MPG.
You prefer a slightly more compact footprint, measuring 192.9 inches in length.
You are comfortable with the standard Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for smooth operation.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Sonata	Nissan Altima
Length	193.3"	192.9"
Width	73.2"	72.9"
Height	56.9"	56.7"
Wheelbase	111.8"	111.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	—
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6100 rpm	188 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	180 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/38 MPG	27/39 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	32 MPG	32 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	437.4/631.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	—	16.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Air Conditioning	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
One-Touch Power Windows	1	1
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	39.1 in.
Front Leg Room	46.1 in.	43.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	58.2 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 in.	54.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	36.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.8 in.	35.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.1 in.	57.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.4 in.	54.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Wheel Material	Alloy	Steel
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	16 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	205/65R16	215/60R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	2 yr./ 24000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Sonata and 2025 Nissan Altima.

Which car has better fuel economy for city driving?

The 2025 Hyundai Sonata holds a slight advantage for city driving, achieving 28 MPG in the city compared to the Nissan Altima's 27 MPG. Both cars share an identical 32 MPG combined rating.

Is the performance significantly different between the two sedans?

The difference is marginal; the Sonata delivers 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, beating the Altima's 188 hp and 180 lb-ft. Both utilize regular unleaded fuel for operation.

How much more cargo space do I get with the Sonata?

The Sonata offers 0.2 cubic feet more cargo room, providing 15.6 cu ft in the trunk compared to the Altima’s 15.4 cu ft. For most daily needs, this difference is negligible, but it favors the Sonata.

Are there major differences in the price point for these base models?

The pricing is extremely close, making this a non-factor for most budgets. The 2025 Sonata starts at $26,900, while the 2025 Altima is priced slightly higher at $27,000.

What transmission types should I expect in the FWD versions?

The Sonata comes equipped with a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the Altima utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).

Which car is physically larger on the road?

The 2025 Hyundai Sonata is fractionally larger overall, measuring 193.3 inches in length and 73.2 inches in width. The Altima is slightly shorter at 192.9 inches long and 72.9 inches wide.