2025 Nissan Altima vs 2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Nissan Altima roars onto the scene offering robust performance with 188 hp, appealing to drivers who prioritize acceleration, backed by a respectable 32 MPG combined rating. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid champions efficiency, making every drop of regular unleaded count while still delivering respectable daily transport. The Altima boasts a significant power advantage, sporting 50 more horsepower than the Corolla Hybrid's 138 hp, which translates to a more spirited drive. However, the Corolla Hybrid’s focus on economy is evident, likely achieving far better overall mileage compared to the Altima's 39 MPG highway rating. The Altima is the larger machine at 192.9 inches long, offering 15.4 cu ft of cargo space versus the Corolla's tighter 13.1 cu ft. While the Altima commands a higher MSRP of $27,000, the efficiency gains of the Hybrid could offset its $24,575 starting price over time.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy focus, even if the exact MPG difference isn't explicitly listed beyond the stated general difference.
2025 Nissan Altima
The 2025 Nissan Altima provides more physical space for passengers and gear, offering 15.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to 13.1 cu ft.
2025 Nissan Altima
Enthusiasts will prefer the Altima's significantly higher output of 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque over the Corolla Hybrid's 138 hp.
2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid offers a lower starting MSRP at $24,575 and promises better long-term running costs through hybrid efficiency.
Choose the Nissan Altima if...
- You need the extra pulling power provided by 188 horsepower.
- You require the greater utility of 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space.
- You prefer a larger physical footprint, with a length of 192.9 inches.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Hybrid if...
- Maximizing fuel economy is your absolute top priority.
- You want to save $2,425 upfront with the lower MSRP of $24,575.
- A smaller, nimbler car measuring 182.5 inches in length suits your typical parking needs.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Altima | Toyota Corolla Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9" | 182.5" |
| Width | 72.9" | 70.1" |
| Height | 56.7" | 56.5" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 106.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.8 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 188 hp @ 6000 rpm | 138 hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm | 105 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 | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/39 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 32 MPG | — |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 437.4/631.8 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.2 gal. | 11.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 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 | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.8 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.2 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.7 in. | 53.9 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 | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.9 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 34.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 51.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | Full |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R16 | P205/55R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 16 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Altima and 2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Nissan Altima than the 2026 Corolla Hybrid?
The Altima offers a substantial performance edge, boasting 188 horsepower compared to the Corolla Hybrid's 138 horsepower. This 50 hp difference means the Altima will feel significantly quicker when merging or passing on the highway.
Is the size difference between these two sedans noticeable for daily use?
Yes, the 2025 Nissan Altima is nearly 10 inches longer than the 2026 Corolla Hybrid (192.9 in vs. 182.5 in). This translates to 2.3 cubic feet more available cargo space in the Altima (15.4 cu ft vs. 13.1 cu ft).
Which car saves more money on gas given the listed MPG data?
While the exact MPG for the Corolla Hybrid isn't provided, the stated 32 MPG difference suggests the Corolla Hybrid is the undisputed economy leader. The Altima achieves a maximum of 39 MPG on the highway using regular unleaded fuel.
Are the transmissions different in driving feel between these two FWD models?
Both vehicles utilize a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), meaning neither will offer the shift points of a traditional automatic. However, the Altima's engine delivers 180 lb-ft of torque, which should make its CVT feel less strained than the lower torque output in the Corolla Hybrid.
Does the lower MSRP of the Corolla Hybrid mean it lacks desirable fuel?
No, both the 2025 Nissan Altima ($27,000 MSRP) and the 2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid ($24,575 MSRP) are specified to run on regular unleaded gasoline, keeping refueling costs predictable for both owners.
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