2019 Nissan Altima vs Honda Accord

Midsize sedans remain among the most practical family vehicles on the market. The 2019 Honda Accord and the 2019 Nissan Altima are two of the segment’s best-selling models. Although there are a number of differences between these sedans, they both bring some great qualities to the table. Let’s see which car is worthier of your money.

The Powertrain

Let’s first take a look at the 2019 Honda Accord’s powertrain. Its base 1.5-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine pushes out an estimated 192 horsepower. You can save fuel with the Accord’s automatic CVT or opt for a six-speed automatic transmission on the Sport trim.

Accord buyers can also step up to a larger 2.0-liter, boosted four-cylinder engine. It kicks out a more stimulating 252 horsepower. This engine can be paired to either a 10-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.

With a total output of 188 horsepower, the 2019 Nissan Altima’s standard four-cylinder engine feels just as lively as the Accord’s base engine. To experience more fun, step up to Nissan’s new VC-Turbo engine. It’s rated to develop 248 horsepower. Every new Altima features a continuous variable automatic transmission.

While the Altima’s all-new VC-Turbo engine packs a serious punch, it’s long-term reliability is unknown. This is one of the most technologically advanced engines in the world. Nissan designed it to automatically adapt to a person’s preferred driving style. While this engine saves extra fuel during casual driving situations, it really brings the performance when you step on the gas.

Both cars can deliver a lively performance. While the Accord 2.0T can hit 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, the turbocharged Altima posts a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds. If you choose the base engine, expect these sedans to deliver similar acceleration in the real world. However, only the Accord allows you to experience the fun of a manual transmission. This could be a big deal for drivers who enjoy the art of changing gears.

For some people, it’ll take a while for them to get used to a continuous variable transmission. It does not have gears like a traditional automatic transmission. In regard to driving excitement, the Accord’s available 10-speed automatic transmission is better than the Altima’s CVT.

This year, Nissan now offers the Altima with an optional AWD system. This feature makes the Altima a far better sedan for commuting in snow-prone areas. Because the Accord still isn’t available with all-wheel drive, it won’t perform as well during wintry conditions.

Neither sedan has a clear advantage in the fuel economy department. When equipped with its base engine, the Accord can return around 30 mpg in city traffic and 38 mpg on the interstate. Meanwhile, opting for its bigger engine drops fuel economy to 23 mpg in town and 34 mpg on the open road.

Altima drivers can anticipate getting an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the freeway. Meanwhile, trims with its new VC-Turbo engine can return 25 mpg in urban areas and 34 mpg on the highway. Fortunately, both cars develop maximum power using regular unleaded gasoline.

Drivability

When it comes to road handling, both of these sedans excel. However, expect the 2019 Honda Accord to offer a slightly sportier drive. This is especially true for the range-topping Accord Touring, which comes equipped with adaptive suspension dampers. Although the Accord Touring is not a full-blown sports sedan, it feels almost as nimble on twisty roads.

Like the 2019 Honda Accord, the 2019 Nissan Altima receives top marks for its smooth ride. Even when traveling on old pavement, these sedans do a great job of soaking up the bumps. However, passengers can expect the Altima SR’s ride to be just a bit rougher. It features a stiffer suspension for enhanced cornering.

Most people shopping for a new family sedan tend to put a big priority on passenger room. While the majority of families will fit perfectly fine inside the new Altima, the Accord provides a lot more space for passengers sitting in the back. Even taller folks will have no complaint’s about riding in the Accord’s rear seat. When it comes time to go grocery shopping or take a road trip, the Accord’s larger trunk will come in handy. It provides an extra 1.3 cubic feet of cargo space.

In terms of overall seat comfort, these sedans are virtually neck and neck. Nissan’s exclusive Zero Gravity front seats promise to keep you relaxed for hours at a time. They make daily commuting a real joy. The Honda Accord’s seats are nearly just as comfy. Remember, only the 2019 Honda Accord offers ventilated seat cushions. Altima fans only have access to heated functions.

Older drivers may prefer driving the new Nissan Altima. The Accord’s driver’s seat sits a bit lower. This means some people will have a harder time entering and exiting.

On the inside, the 2019 Honda Accord feels slightly more luxurious than the 2019 Nissan Altima. You’ll immediately notice the Accord’s extremely quiet cabin. While the redesigned Altima’s interior quality may be a step below, it’s still far nicer than the previous-generation Altima. Most buyers won’t have any big complaints.

While behind the wheel, these sedans will keep drivers happy with their user-friendly technologies. However, the Altima’s infotainment system is just a bit better. Many drivers will appreciate the overall simplicity of the Altima’s touchscreen. Keep in mind that only the Accord offers a head-up display, which projects the instrument cluster’s information onto the lower windshield. This means drivers can avoid the hassle of looking down at the speedometer.

Safety

The 2019 Honda Accord provides outstanding impact protection. It netted a top, five-star overall safety rating from the federal government. Families will find the 2019 Nissan Altima to be just as secure, which also earned five stars for its outstanding crash protection. Both cars took home a Top Safety Pick certification from the IIHS.

Plenty of safety technologies come standard on the new Accord. Even the lowest-priced Accord benefits from Honda Sensing. This advanced safety package includes automatic panic braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping, and adaptive cruise control. These accident-avoidance technologies give drivers extra peace of mind. Blind-spot monitoring is available on certain trims.

Unfortunately, Nissan does not equip the new Altima with a standard safety package. However, every new Altima does benefit from forward collision warning with automatic panic braking. To get features like lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control, buyers must climb past the base Altima.

Despite the Accord’s exceptional impact scores and standard advanced safety package, some safety innovations are exclusive to the new Altima. For example, only the Altima offers reverse automatic braking. This safety feature gives you extra security when backing up.

Nissan also offers the Altima with its cutting-edge ProPILOT Assist system. It’s a feature typically only found on high-end luxury cars. When activated, ProPILOT Assist essentially allows the Altima to drive itself under certain conditions. By controlling steering and adjusting speed, this system actually allows drivers to experience hands-free motoring. Drivers who do a great deal of highway commuting will especially appreciate Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist system.

Car shoppers shouldn’t forget about the Altima’s available 360-degree Around View Monitor. It features a total of four high-resolution cameras, which give drivers a great view of any parking lot obstacles. Honda only offers the Accord with a rear-view camera.

Which Has the Best Value?

You can consider both of these midsize sedans to be outstanding values. However, the 2019 Honda Accord does have a slightly lower starting price. Honda has given the new Accord an MSRP of $23,720. By comparison, Nissan lists the Altima with a starting MSRP of $24,000. Because there is not a big difference in cost between the Altima and the Accord, price should not be a big factor in a person’s final decision.

Drivers looking to save some cash will be focusing more on the base models. The base Accord LX is a great deal. Not only does it come standard with a Honda Sensing safety package, but it also features alloy wheels opposed to the base Altima’s less stylish steel wheels. Standard LED headlights give the Accord another edge over the Altima.

On the other hand, technology lovers may be more impressed by what the base Altima S brings to the table. It’s 8.0-inch touchscreen provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Many of today’s drivers find these smartphone integration technologies to be must-have features. To get Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone support, Accord buyers must jump past the base LX trim. Furthermore, the base Accord LX comes standard with a smaller 7.0-inch touchscreen.

Drivers who desire a budget-friendly luxury sedan will enjoy the Accord Touring. It has a starting price of slightly less than $36,000. This is a super deal for such a nice ride. Some of the Accord Touring’s premium features include ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The Altima 2.0 Platinum goes head-to-head against the Accord Touring. It does have a lower sticker price of $35,030. However, drivers will miss out on goodies like ventilated seats and a head-up display.

Honda and Nissan provide an identical warranty package. Whether car shoppers choose the Accord or the Altima, they will receive a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Which Is Better?

You can’t go wrong with either of these sedans. They’re both safe, enjoyable to drive, and loaded with modern features. It simply boils down to what you truly need and desire. If you live in an area that typically gets a lot of snowfall, choose the 2019 Nissan Altima. It’s one of the few cars in the segment that offers all-wheel drive.

Drivers who desire the ultimate fun on the road may like the Accord the best. It has the ability to deliver more driving excitement. Great transmission options and an available adaptive suspension system give the Accord an edge.

Folks seeking pure luxury will also favor the 2019 Honda Accord. There's no denying the Accord Touring's premium feel. While driving the Accord Touring, it feels like you're in a sedan that costs at least $50,000.

You should also factor in the styling of these cars. This is arguably the best-looking Altima ever. Its bold V-Motion grille and low stance will attract plenty of attention on the road. The Honda Accord also has a sleek look that will catch your eye.