2025 Nissan Altima vs 2026 Hyundai Sonata
Comparison Overview
The revamped 2026 Hyundai Sonata enters the fray boasting a slightly more potent 191 hp heartbeat and the engaging control of an 8-speed shiftable automatic, aiming to inject excitement into the sensible sedan segment. The 2025 Nissan Altima counters with a marginally more accessible entry point at $27,000 and excels slightly in highway cruising efficiency with 39 MPG versus the Sonata's 38 MPG. While both offer a near-identical combined 32 MPG, the Sonata feels the sharper driver thanks to its advanced transmission layout compared to the Altima’s CVT. Both measure nearly identical in size, with the Sonata edging out the Altima in overall width (73.2 inches vs 72.9 inches) and cargo volume (15.6 cu ft vs 15.4 cu ft). For buyers seeking the latest tech feel and slightly more immediate power (191 hp), the Sonata draws first blood, even with its $300 higher MSRP.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Altima
The 2025 Nissan Altima is marginally better for daily commuting due to its superior highway fuel economy rating of 39 MPG.
2026 Hyundai Sonata
The 2026 Hyundai Sonata offers slightly more utility with a larger standard cargo capacity of 15.6 cubic feet compared to the Altima's 15.4.
2026 Hyundai Sonata
The 2026 Hyundai Sonata provides a more dynamic driving experience with 191 horsepower and an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
2025 Nissan Altima
The 2025 Nissan Altima holds a slight value edge by being $300 cheaper at its $27,000 MSRP while delivering comparable performance metrics.
Choose the Nissan Altima if...
- You prioritize the absolute lowest upfront cost, starting at $27,000 MSRP.
- You desire the best outright highway fuel efficiency, achieving 39 MPG.
- You prefer the traditional feel of a CVT paired with front-wheel drive for smooth cruising.
Choose the Hyundai Sonata if...
- You want the highest standard power output, producing 191 horsepower.
- You value an engaging shift experience provided by the 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- You need every available bit of trunk space, as it offers 15.6 cu ft of cargo volume.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Altima | Hyundai Sonata |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9" | 193.3" |
| Width | 72.9" | 73.2" |
| Height | 56.7" | 56.9" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 111.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-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 Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 188 hp @ 6000 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/39 MPG | 28/38 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 32 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 437.4/631.8 mi. | 445.2/604.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.2 gal. | 15.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Air Conditioning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.8 in. | 46.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.2 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.7 in. | 54.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.9 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 34.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 54.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 7.0 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R16 | 205/65R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Altima and 2026 Hyundai Sonata.
How much better is the performance difference between the 2025 Altima and the 2026 Sonata?
The 2026 Sonata boasts a slight edge in power, delivering 191 horsepower compared to the Altima's 188 hp, even though both produce similar torque figures around 180 lb-ft. Furthermore, the Sonata's 8-speed automatic should provide more responsive shifts than the Altima’s continuously variable transmission.
Which sedan is more economical for long road trips?
The 2025 Nissan Altima takes a slim victory on the highway, rated for 39 MPG on the highway versus the Sonata's 38 MPG rating. Both cars achieve an identical combined fuel economy rating of 32 MPG.
Are the dimensions significantly different for parking purposes?
No, the exterior dimensions are nearly identical; the Sonata is only 0.4 inches longer (193.3 inches) and 0.3 inches wider (73.2 inches) than the Altima. Both fit comfortably within the traditional midsize sedan footprint.
If I carry a lot of gear, which sedan provides more storage?
The 2026 Hyundai Sonata edges out the competition in raw capacity, offering 15.6 cubic feet of cargo space, while the 2025 Nissan Altima provides 15.4 cubic feet. This difference is marginal but favors the Sonata for hauling capability.
Is the Sonata worth the extra $300 MSRP over the Altima?
That decision depends on prioritization; the Sonata's extra $300 secures 3 more horsepower and a superior transmission setup. The Altima saves $300 upfront while matching the combined 32 MPG efficiency.
More Budget Sedans Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool