Altima vs Mirai
The Altima and the Mirai compete for the same spot on your shortlist, with Nissan and Toyota each making its case. The Altima has the edge in 2 of the 3 areas we looked at, most visibly in the space & practicality category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Mirai wins
- Space & Practicality Altima wins
- Off-road & Towing Altima wins
- Engine & Performance2.4
- Engine & Performance5.6
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.
Key Differences
-
The Altima has 60% more cargo space
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Altima makes its strongest case: 15.4 cu ft against 9.6 cu ft. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
-
The Mirai has 41 lb-ft more torque
The Mirai clearly leads on torque, and 221 lb-ft versus 180 lb-ft is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
-
The Altima has available all-wheel drive
For anyone who wants available all-wheel drive, the Mirai is out of the running. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Design & Size
- Altima 192.9 in × 72.9 in × 56.8 in
- Mirai 195.8 in × 74.2 in × 57.9 in
Want the smaller footprint? That’s the Altima. The Mirai is the larger of the two.
Dimensions
| Spec | Altima | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9 in | 195.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 72.9 in | 74.2 in |
| Height | 56.8 in | 57.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 in | 114.9 in |
| Curb weight (from) | 3,283 lb | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Mirai leads
When it comes to engine & performance, the Mirai is comfortably ahead. Choose the Mirai and you get 41 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. Prioritize engine & performance, and the Mirai is where you should land.
Torque
Altima: 180 lb-ft Mirai: 221 lb-ft The Mirai’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
Altima leads
Look at the space & practicality table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Altima. The Altima wins here with 60% more cargo space. The Altima’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. So if space & practicality tops your list, lean toward the Altima.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Altima: 15.4 cu ft Mirai: 9.6 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Off-road & Towing
Altima leads
The Mirai comes close on off-road & towing, but the Altima does just enough to lead. The Altima has the edge with available all-wheel drive. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces. The takeaway: on off-road & towing, the Altima is the stronger car.
AWD / 4WD available
Altima: yes Mirai: no The Altima offers all-wheel drive; the Mirai doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the Altima and the Mirai part ways.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Altima | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Hydrogen fuel cell |
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | Fuel cell stack + electric motor (134 kW) |
| Total system output | 188 hp | 182 hp |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class |
| Transmission | CVT (Xtronic) | Single-speed |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Altima | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 32 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 27 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 39 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel tank | 16.2 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Altima | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 15.4 cu ft (winner) | 9.6 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
| Rear legroom | 35.20 in | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Altima | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Altima | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Nissan Safety Shield 360 | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Altima | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9 in | 195.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 72.9 in | 74.2 in |
| Height | 56.8 in | 57.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 in | 114.9 in |
| Curb weight (from) | 3,283 lb | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Altima | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $51,795 Priciest in class |
“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?
Choose the Altima if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (15.4 cu ft vs 9.6 cu ft)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
- you value compactness over sheer size
Choose the Mirai if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (221 lb-ft vs 180 lb-ft of torque)
- you want the bigger car
- you’re comfortable with how Toyota does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Altima or the Mirai?
The Altima wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you know that 41 lb-ft more torque would make a real difference in your routine.
Which is larger, the Altima or the Mirai?
Going by the official dimensions, the Mirai is the larger one: 195.8 × 74.2 × 57.9 in against the Altima’s 192.9 × 72.9 × 56.8 in.
Executive Summary
Here’s my take on Nissan’s Altima versus Toyota’s Mirai. I keep coming back to one thing: the Altima gets 60% more cargo space. The Altima also scores with available all-wheel drive. The Mirai isn’t without merit: 41 lb-ft more torque is a real advantage.
If you’d rather have strength in space & practicality, go with the Altima. If engine & performance is what you’d miss, go with the Mirai.
My pick: if it were my money, the Altima, unless what you want most is 41 lb-ft more torque.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.