Sonata vs Altima
In the midsize sedan class, the Sonata and the Altima are natural rivals. The data points to two closely matched options rather than a clear favorite.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.7
- Fuel Economy & Range1.7
- Engine & Performance2.4
- Fuel Economy & Range1.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Design & Size
- Sonata 192.9 in × 73.2 in × 56.9 in
- Altima 192.9 in × 72.9 in × 56.8 in
If you’re worried about fit, relax: either car occupies roughly the same footprint.
Dimensions
| Spec | Sonata | Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9 in | 192.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.2 in | 72.9 in |
| Height | 56.9 in | 56.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.8 in | 111.2 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 3,283 lb |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on engine & performance. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on engine & performance.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on fuel economy & range; the numbers are close throughout. Net result on fuel economy & range: level.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t space & practicality. The takeaway: space & practicality is not where these two differ.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither the Sonata nor the Altima has a real advantage in the off-road & towing category. If off-road & towing was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Safety & Tech
On safety & tech, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Sonata | Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 191 hp | 188 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT (Xtronic) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Sonata | Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 32 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 38 mpg | 39 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 16.2 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Sonata | Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 16 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | N/A (not specified) | 35.20 in |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Sonata | Altima |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Sonata | Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Hyundai SmartSense | Nissan Safety Shield 360 |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Sonata | Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9 in | 192.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.2 in | 72.9 in |
| Height | 56.9 in | 56.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.8 in | 111.2 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 3,283 lb |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Sonata or the Altima?
There’s no single right answer. The Sonata leads on the things a spec sheet can’t capture and the Altima on the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
Is the Sonata bigger than the Altima?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the Sonata and the Altima is too small to matter.
Executive Summary
If it were just about the brand, you wouldn’t be here. So let’s talk about the Sonata and the Altima on their merits.
The way I see it, people who prioritize the things a spec sheet can’t capture will be happier with the Sonata, and those who prioritize the things a spec sheet can’t capture with the Altima.
My pick: both are fair choices, with the Sonata leaning toward the things a spec sheet can’t capture and the Altima toward the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.