Nissan Altima vs. Toyota Camry: What’s the Better Sedan?

Debating between the Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry? Compare performance, fuel efficiency, and features to find the best midsize sedan for your lifestyle.

So, you’re looking for a new sedan, and you’re torn between a Toyota Camry and a Nissan Altima. We’re not surprised — both vehicles are excellent options, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and advanced features. We also know that choosing between the two can be quite a challenge. Let’s take a detailed look at what each has to offer so that you can make the right choice for your lifestyle and budget. 

Nissan Altima vs. Toyota Camry by Category

To help simplify your decision, we’ve divided considerations into three key categories: performance, fuel efficiency, and comfort/convenience. Read on to see how these excellent models compare. 

Please Note: Unless stated otherwise, the details below pertain to each vehicle’s 2025 base model: the S FWD model for the Nissan Altima and the LE FWD model for the Toyota Camry. 

Performance

The Nissan Altima takes the lead when it comes to performance — particularly engine performance. 

• Engine: The Nissan Altima’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 188 horsepower (hp) at 6,000 rpm and 180 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm, offering the perfect amount of get-up-and-go for a daily commuter vehicle. In comparison, the Camry’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder produces slightly less horsepower (184 hp) and significantly less torque (163 lb-ft).
• Transmission: Equal footing is achieved here, as both the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima utilize continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). Compared to traditional transmissions, CVTs provide more optimal gear ratios, resulting in increased fuel efficiency and smoother acceleration/deceleration.
• Drivetrain: The base models of both the Altima and the Camry feature front wheel drive (FWD) drivetrains — the standard for commuter vehicles. But for those who want to handle Corpus Christi’s unpredictable weather with ease, both the Altima and the Camry also come in all-wheel drive models, such as the Altima SV AWD and the Camry LE AWD. These intelligent AWD systems use sensors to constantly monitor traction and deliver torque to the correct wheels, ensuring that you have maximum grip at all times. 

Fuel Efficiency

While the Nissan Altima wins in terms of power, the Toyota Camry surpasses it in fuel efficiency. The Nissan Altima’s fuel economy ranges from a respectable 27 miles per gallon (MPG) in the city to 39 MPG on the highway, for a combined 32 MPG. Due to its hybrid nature, however, the Toyota Camry boasts an impressive 53 MPG in the city and 50 MPG on the highway, for a combined 51 MPG. 

Comfort and Convenience

Both the Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry offer well-appointed interiors, modern technology, and must-have convenience features. Modern standard features like keyless entry, push-button start, and user-friendly infotainment systems compatible with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are present in both vehicles. 

However, in our opinion, the Nissan Altima takes comfort and convenience to the next level with these features: 

• Extra Space: The Toyota Camry only provides 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Nisan Altima boasts 15.4. 
• Zero Gravity Seats: Inspired by NASA technology, Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats are designed to help reduce fatigue and provide unmatched comfort, making road trips to Rockport or Mustang Island feel effortless. 
• Safety Shield® 360: The Altima comes with a suite of driver-assist features called Safety Shield® 360, which includes automatic emergency braking, blind spot warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure warnings, high beam assist, and automatic rear braking.
• ProPILOT Assist (Optional): One of our favorite Nissan Altima add-ons for the SV models and above is ProPILOT Assist 1.0, Nissan’s active lane centering/freeway cruise control support technology. This technology can help you steer, accelerate, and brake for stress-free drives through city traffic. 

Altima vs Toyota Camry: Points Breakdown

When choosing between an Altima and a Camry, there isn’t a wrong decision. But as you can see from the chart above, we believe that the Nissan Altima matches or outperforms the Toyota Camry in terms of performance, space, and features at a more affordable price point. 

Still Can’t Decide? Stop by for a Test Drive!

Still deciding between the Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry? Visit Ed Hicks Nissan on SPID in Corpus Christi to test drive an Altima today and see why it’s the perfect midsize sedan for South Texas drivers. Our team is here to help you explore features, financing, and everything else you need to make the right choice. Contact us today!