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Honda Accord vs Nissan Altima 2026: Specs & Comparison

The Honda Accord offers better fuel efficiency (38 MPG highway) and higher resale value (68% retained after 5 years), while the Nissan Altima provides more standard features and a lower starting price ($28,550 vs $29,990). Both are competitive midsize sedans, but the Accord appeals to efficiency-focused buyers and the Altima to value-conscious shoppers.

Honda Accord

Honda Accord

Mid-size sedan with industry-leading reliability and hybrid option

Buyers prioritizing resale value, fuel economy, and long-term ownership over initial cost

Score63%
VS
Nissan Altima

Nissan Altima

Competitively priced midsize sedan offering modern standard features and spacious interior.

Budget-conscious buyers seeking strong standard equipment and immediate savings at purchase

Score63%

Quick Answer

AI Summary

The Honda Accord offers better fuel efficiency (38 MPG highway) and higher resale value (68% retained after 5 years), while the Nissan Altima provides more standard features and a lower starting price ($28,550 vs $29,990). Both are competitive midsize sedans, but the Accord appeals to efficiency-focused buyers and the Altima to value-conscious shoppers.

Our Verdict

AI-assisted

Choose the Honda Accord if you prioritize long-term value, reliability, and resale potential—it retains 9% more value over 5 years and has stronger owner satisfaction ratings. Choose the Nissan Altima if you want the lowest entry price and need a feature-rich sedan immediately, as it starts $1,440 cheaper with comparable standard safety features.

Community feedback

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Honda Accord
7.5/10
Nissan Altima
7.5/10

TIE — neck and neck

Honda Accord

Choose Honda Accord if

Buyers prioritizing resale value, fuel economy, and long-term ownership over initial cost

Nissan Altima

Choose Nissan Altima if

Budget-conscious buyers seeking strong standard equipment and immediate savings at purchase

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Key Differences at a Glance

  • Starting Price (2025):Nissan Altima wins($28,550 vs $29,990)
  • Highway Fuel Economy:Nissan Altima wins(39 MPG vs 38 MPG)
  • 5-Year Resale Value Retention:Honda Accord wins(68% vs 59%)
See all 7 differences

Key Facts & Figures

57 numeric metrics compared

MetricHonda AccordNissan AltimaRatio
Standard Touchscreen Size(inches)10.2 inches
EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Hybrid)(MPG)47-48 MPG combined
Starting Price (2026)(USD)$29,590
City Fuel Economy (Hybrid)(MPG)48 MPG
Highway Fuel Economy (Hybrid)(MPG)47 MPG
Interior Width (Front Legroom)(inches)38.4 inches
Cargo Capacity(cubic feet)15.8 cu ft
Safety Rating (NHTSA Overall)(stars)5 stars
Engine Torque(lb-ft)180 lb-ft (hybrid est.)
Fuel Tank Capacity(gallons)14.8 gallons
Estimated MPG Combined(MPG)48 MPG (hybrid)
Infotainment Screen Size(inches)12.3-inch display
Seating Capacity(seats)5 seats
Cargo Space(cu-ft)14.8 cu-ft (est.)
Engine Horsepower(hp)204 hp (hybrid)
Engine Displacement & Power(hp)2.0L naturally aspirated, 201 hp
0-60 Acceleration(seconds)8.8 seconds
Highway Fuel Economy(mpg)38 MPG
Cargo Space(cubic feet)103.1 cu ft
Infotainment Display(inches)8 inches
Wheelbase(inches)112.8 inches
Starting MSRP (2025 Base Model)(USD)$32,650$28,950
EPA Combined Fuel Economy(MPG)38 MPG30 MPG (S gasoline)
J.D. Power Reliability Score(points)92/10085/100
5-Year Resale Value Retention(% of original MSRP)56%59%
Trunk Cargo Capacity(cu ft)16.7 cu ft18.4 cu ft
Maximum Engine Output (Turbo)(HP)252 HP278 HP
Rear Legroom(inches)38.4 inches39.4 inches
NHTSA Overall Safety Rating(percentile)5/5 stars5/5 stars
Starting MSRP(USD)$28,550
Highway Fuel Economy (Base Model)(MPG)38 MPG
Cargo Capacity(cubic feet)16.7
Turbo Engine Horsepower(hp)252 hp
Turbo Engine Torque(lb-ft)273 lb-ft
Turning Radius(feet)37.4 feet
Standard Infotainment Screen(inches)8 inches
0-60 Time (Turbo)(seconds)6.5 seconds
Starting Price (2025 Base Model)(USD)$29,990$28,550
Highway Fuel Economy (Base)(MPG)38 MPG39 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy (Base)(MPG)32 MPG31 MPG
Base Engine Power(hp)192 hp turbocharged182 hp naturally aspirated
Trunk Cargo Space(cu ft)16.7 cu ft16.2 cu ft
J.D. Power Owner Satisfaction(points)822/1000803/1000
J.D. Power Reliability Rating(score out of 100)8585/100
EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Standard Engine)(mpg)33 mpg26-30 MPG
Hybrid Option Combined Fuel Economy(mpg)52 mpg
Standard Infotainment Display Size(inches)7.0 inches
Trunk Capacity(cubic feet)16.7 cu ft
Fuel Tank Capacity(liters)14.8 L14.8 L
Starting MSRP (2025)(USD)$28,500$28,500
3-Year Resale Value Retention(%)58%58%
Highway Cabin Noise Level(dB)73 dB73 dB
Turbocharged Engine Option(hp)260 hp (2.0L Turbo)260 hp (2.0L Turbo)
Starting Price (2026 LE/S Trim)(USD)$28,690$28,690
5-Year Reliability Rating(percent)79%79%
Trunk/Cargo Volume(cubic feet)15.2 cu ft15.2 cu ft
Owner Satisfaction (J.D. Power 2025)(score/100)81/10081/100

Sourced from publicly available data ·

Key Differences

7 attributes compared head-to-head

Honda Accord
4Honda Accord
Honda Accord leads1 tie
Nissan Altima
2Nissan Altima
  • Starting Price (2025)

    Honda Accord

    $29,990

    Nissan Altima

    $28,550(winner)

  • Highway Fuel Economy

    Honda Accord

    38 MPG

    Nissan Altima

    39 MPG(winner)

  • 5-Year Resale Value Retention

    Honda Accord

    68%(winner)

    Nissan Altima

    59%

  • Engine Power (Base EX)

    Honda Accord

    192 hp(winner)

    Nissan Altima

    182 hp

  • Standard Safety Features (Base Model)

    Honda Accord

    Honda Sensing (6 features)

    Nissan Altima

    Nissan Safety Shield 360 (6 features)

  • Cargo Space

    Honda Accord

    16.7 cu ft(winner)

    Nissan Altima

    16.2 cu ft

  • Average Owner Satisfaction (J.D. Power)

    Honda Accord

    822/1000(winner)

    Nissan Altima

    803/1000

Full Comparison

Honda Accord
Nissan Altima
Engine Type (Standard)
2.0L Turbocharged or Hybrid Optional
Transmission Type
CVT
Standard Touchscreen Size(inches)
10.2 inches
Infotainment Screen Size(inches)
12.3-inch display
Powertrain Type
Gasoline and Hybrid options
Infotainment Display(inches)
8 inches
Standard Infotainment Screen(inches)
8 inches
Show 2 more attributes
Standard Infotainment Display Size(inches)
7.0 inches
Standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Standard on all trims
Heated Door Mirrors Standard
No
Highway Cabin Noise Level(dB)
73 dB
EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Hybrid)(MPG)
47-48 MPG combined
City Fuel Economy (Hybrid)(MPG)
48 MPG
Highway Fuel Economy (Hybrid)(MPG)
47 MPG
Estimated MPG Combined(MPG)
48 MPG (hybrid)
Highway Fuel Economy(mpg)
38 MPG
Show 4 more attributes
EPA Combined Fuel Economy(MPG)
38 MPG
30 MPG (S gasoline)
Highway Fuel Economy (Base Model)(MPG)
38 MPG
EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Standard Engine)(mpg)
33 mpg
26-30 MPG
Hybrid Option Combined Fuel Economy(mpg)
52 mpg
Starting Price (2026)(USD)
$29,590
Starting MSRP (2025 Base Model)(USD)
$32,650
$28,950
Starting MSRP(USD)
$28,550
Starting Price (2025 Base Model)(USD)
$29,990
$28,550
Starting MSRP (2025)(USD)
$28,500
Show 1 more attribute
Starting Price (2026 LE/S Trim)(USD)
$28,690
Interior Width (Front Legroom)(inches)
38.4 inches
Cargo Capacity(cubic feet)
15.8 cu ft
Cargo Capacity(cubic feet)
16.7
Safety Rating (NHTSA Overall)(stars)
5 stars
Standard Driver Assistance Features
Honda Sensing Elite
NHTSA Overall Safety Rating(percentile)
5/5 stars
5/5 stars
Engine Torque(lb-ft)
180 lb-ft (hybrid est.)
Engine Horsepower(hp)
204 hp (hybrid)
Engine Displacement & Power(hp)
2.0L naturally aspirated, 201 hp
0-60 Acceleration(seconds)
8.8 seconds
Maximum Engine Output (Turbo)(HP)
252 HP
278 HP
Show 7 more attributes
Turbo Engine Horsepower(hp)
252 hp
Turbo Engine Torque(lb-ft)
273 lb-ft
0-60 Time (Turbo)(seconds)
6.5 seconds
Highway Fuel Economy (Base)(MPG)
38 MPG
39 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy (Base)(MPG)
32 MPG
31 MPG
Base Engine Power(hp)
192 hp turbocharged
182 hp naturally aspirated
Turbocharged Engine Option(hp)
260 hp (2.0L Turbo)
Fuel Tank Capacity(gallons)
14.8 gallons
Seating Capacity(seats)
5 seats
Cargo Space(cu-ft)
14.8 cu-ft (est.)
Cargo Space(cubic feet)
103.1 cu ft
Trunk Cargo Capacity(cu ft)
16.7 cu ft
18.4 cu ft
Show 1 more attribute
Trunk Cargo Space(cu ft)
16.7 cu ft
16.2 cu ft
Transmission Type
CVT automatic (10-speed on some trims)
Wheelbase(inches)
112.8 inches
J.D. Power Reliability Score(points)
92/100
85/100
J.D. Power Owner Satisfaction(points)
822/1000
803/1000
5-Year Resale Value Retention(% of original MSRP)
56%
59%
3-Year Resale Value Retention(%)
58%
Rear Legroom(inches)
38.4 inches
39.4 inches
Trunk Capacity(cubic feet)
16.7 cu ft
Turning Radius(feet)
37.4 feet
J.D. Power Reliability Rating(score out of 100)
85
85/100
5-Year Reliability Rating(percent)
79%
Powertrain Warranty Coverage(years/miles)
5 years / 60,000 miles
Standard Warranty - Powertrain(years/miles)
5 years/60,000 miles
Fuel Tank Capacity(liters)
14.8 L
Trunk/Cargo Volume(cubic feet)
15.2 cu ft
Owner Satisfaction (J.D. Power 2025)(score/100)
81/100

Pros & Cons

10 pros·6 cons across both

Honda Accord
Nissan Altima
Honda Accord

Honda Accord

+5-3

Pros

  • 68% five-year resale value retention (highest in class)
  • 38 MPG highway with optional hybrid achieving 52 MPG combined
  • 192 hp turbocharged base engine with zippy acceleration
  • Honda Sensing standard on all trims (adaptive cruise, lane keeping, collision mitigation)
  • Spacious 16.7 cu ft trunk and comfortable rear legroom (39.3 inches)

Cons

  • Starting price $1,440 higher than Altima ($29,990 vs $28,550)
  • Infotainment system lacks Apple CarPlay wireless (requires wired connection)
  • Smaller touchscreen (8 inches) on base LX trim
Nissan Altima

Nissan Altima

+5-3

Pros

  • Lowest starting price in comparison at $28,550 for base S trim
  • 39 MPG highway (1 MPG better than base Accord)
  • Nissan Safety Shield 360 standard on all trims (ProPilot Assist available)
  • 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto wireless on all models
  • Dual-zone climate control standard even on base S trim

Cons

  • 59% five-year resale value (9% lower than Accord)
  • 182 hp base engine (10 hp less powerful than Accord turbocharged unit)
  • J.D. Power owner satisfaction score 19 points lower (803 vs 822)

Frequently Asked Questions

5 questions

  1. The Honda Accord significantly outperforms the Nissan Altima in resale value, retaining 68% of its original value after 5 years compared to 59% for the Altima. This 9-percentage-point difference translates to approximately $2,700 more retained value on a $30,000 purchase, making the Accord a better investment for long-term owners.

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