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
Mid-size sedan with industry-leading reliability and hybrid option
Buyers prioritizing resale value, fuel economy, and long-term ownership over initial cost
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
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe 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-assistedChoose 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.
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TIE — neck and neck
Choose Honda Accord if
Buyers prioritizing resale value, fuel economy, and long-term ownership over initial cost
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%)
Key Facts & Figures
57 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Honda Accord | Nissan Altima | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 MPG | 30 MPG (S gasoline) | |
| J.D. Power Reliability Score(points) | 92/100 | 85/100 | |
| 5-Year Resale Value Retention(% of original MSRP) | 56% | 59% | |
| Trunk Cargo Capacity(cu ft) | 16.7 cu ft | 18.4 cu ft | |
| Maximum Engine Output (Turbo)(HP) | 252 HP | 278 HP | |
| Rear Legroom(inches) | 38.4 inches | 39.4 inches | |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating(percentile) | 5/5 stars | 5/5 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 MPG | 39 MPG | |
| Combined Fuel Economy (Base)(MPG) | 32 MPG | 31 MPG | |
| Base Engine Power(hp) | 192 hp turbocharged | 182 hp naturally aspirated | |
| Trunk Cargo Space(cu ft) | 16.7 cu ft | 16.2 cu ft | |
| J.D. Power Owner Satisfaction(points) | 822/1000 | 803/1000 | |
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating(score out of 100) | 85 | 85/100 | |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Standard Engine)(mpg) | 33 mpg | 26-30 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 L | 14.8 L | |
| Starting MSRP (2025)(USD) | $28,500 | $28,500 | |
| 3-Year Resale Value Retention(%) | 58% | 58% | |
| Highway Cabin Noise Level(dB) | 73 dB | 73 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 ft | 15.2 cu ft | |
| Owner Satisfaction (J.D. Power 2025)(score/100) | 81/100 | 81/100 |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- $29,990Starting Price (2025)$28,550(winner)
- 38 MPGHighway Fuel Economy39 MPG(winner)
- 68%(winner)5-Year Resale Value Retention59%
- 192 hp(winner)Engine Power (Base EX)182 hp
- Honda Sensing (6 features)Standard Safety Features (Base Model)Nissan Safety Shield 360 (6 features)
- 16.7 cu ft(winner)Cargo Space16.2 cu ft
- 822/1000(winner)Average Owner Satisfaction (J.D. Power)803/1000
- 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
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 attributesStandard 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 attributesEPA 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(winner) |
| Starting MSRP(USD) | $28,550 | — |
| Starting Price (2025 Base Model)(USD) | $29,990 | $28,550(winner) |
| Starting MSRP (2025)(USD) | $28,500 | — |
Show 1 more attributeStarting 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(winner) |
Show 7 more attributesTurbo 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(winner) |
Show 1 more attributeTrunk 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(winner) | 85/100 |
| J.D. Power Owner Satisfaction(points) | 822/1000(winner) | 803/1000 |
| 5-Year Resale Value Retention(% of original MSRP) | 56% | 59%(winner) |
| 3-Year Resale Value Retention(%) | 58% | — |
| Rear Legroom(inches) | 38.4 inches | 39.4 inches(winner) |
| 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 | — |
Show 2 more attributes
Show 4 more attributes
Show 1 more attribute
Show 7 more attributes
Show 1 more attribute
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
Honda Accord
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
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
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.
Resources & Learn More
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