For the last two decades, there are two cars that have consistently been neck and neck in the mid-size sedan: the Nissan Altima and Honda Accord. Both vehicles are known for their blending of value, style, and economy-class innovation.


And despite all of the time that has passed since these two classic nameplates were introduced, they are still compared and cross-shopped more than any other mid-size sedans in 2017. In fact, it can be argued that with technology changing each and every year in modern cars, choosing between one vehicle and another is becoming much more difficult.


To find out which vehicle between the 2017 Nissan Altima vs. 2017 Honda Accord is best for you, we've put each vehicle under the microscope. We'll go over many details that buyers look for in a desirable mid-size sedan to help you along your car buying journey.


Performance and Fuel Economy


The performance differences of the Altima and Accord are extremely miniscule. Both vehicles have two engine options, which has become the norm for most vehicles today. The entry-level engine in the 2017 Altma is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, compared to a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder in the new Accord.


Now, each engine is unique to their respective manufacturer; however, the displacement is nearly the same. This is also true for the high-end engine option in both vehicles, which is a 3.5-liter V6.


The difference in power between these two can be seen below:


  • 2017 Altima (2.5-liter 4-cylinder): 179 hp / 177 lb-ft of torque

  • 2017 Accord 2.4-liter 4-cylinder): 185 hp / 181 lb-ft of torque


  • 2017 Altima (3.5-liter V6): 270 hp / 251 lb-ft of torque

  • 2017 Accord (3.5-liter V6): 278 hp / 252 lb-ft of torque


With a difference of less than 10 horsepower between the two, there would be no way to truly declare a true performance winner. It'll have to be settled with fuel economy to determine the most balanced vehicle of the two.


The 2017 Nissan Altima 2.5, thanks to its efficient CVT transmission, is able to achieve a combined 31 MPG ( 27 city / 39 highway). This puts it slightly ahead of the 2017 Honda Accord (with the 2.4-liter engine and CVT transmission). The entry-level Accord's efficiency is only 30 combined MPG (27 city / 36 highway). Not a huge difference, but the highway efficiency will make a difference for those that do the majority of their driving on the highway.

The V6 engine options allow the Altima to pull even further away from the Accord in overall efficiency.  The 2017 Altima 3.5 has a combined MPG of 26 (22 city / 32 highway), while the 2017 Accord with its 3.5-liter V6 is rated at 25 combined MPG (21 city / 33 highway).


While both vehicles are neck in neck, the winner is definitely the 2017 Altima, thanks to its overall higher fuel economy.


Interior and Technology


With cars becoming more and more advanced, the real test of a great vehicle is the interior and the technology within it. And there's no closer battle of interior advancement than the 2017 Nissan Altima vs. 2017 Honda Accord.


Both vehicles feature the following:


  • Mult-Function Infotainment Systems

  • Advanced Safety Features

  • Premium Sound Systems

  • Dual-Zone Climate Control

  • Heated Front Seats


But where do the vehicles differ?


One of the biggest differences between the Altima and Accord is the infotainment set-up. The Altima features a one-screen infotainment system, where the Accord has a two-screen set-up. This might sound like the Accord has the advantage, but in practice the set-up makes the Accord's system more confusing and harder to use thanks to the lack of physical buttons on the dashboard.


Another huge difference is in the way the advanced safety features work. For instance, the Altima uses sensors to warn the driver when it's not safe the change lanes, with warning icons in the mirrors and sounds to assist. The Accord, however, uses a camera within the passenger-side mirror that activates when the driver has their right blinker on. This camera feed is displayed on one of the infotainment screens, allowing the driver to see when it's clear to change lanes or spot any obstructions. If turning left, there's no assistance.


This is a big oversight by Honda, as it provides no true warning. The benefit of these types of advanced safety systems is that they're supposed to watch for you, in case you get distracted. Essentially being a second set of eyes.


There are a ton of differences like these when comparing the 2017 Honda Accord vs. 2017 Nissan Altima. So be sure to get a thorough test drive and check the small details to ensure you find the car that's best for you.


Pricing


There are quite a few trims to choose from when shopping either the Altima or Accord, but we're going to look at the entry-level pricing and high-end pricing.


For the entry-level, the 2017 Nissan Altima 2.5 S starts at $22,500 compared to the 2017 Honda Accord LX's $22,455 starting price. Not a big difference between the two, and neither have features that make them stand out against each other.


It's at the highest end, however, where the differences really start to come out. The 2017 Altima 3.5 SL starts at $32,690, compared to the 2017 Honda Accord Touring's starting price of $34,930. There are a few core differences between these two, and it's all centered around comfort. The Altima 3.5 SL comes standard with a heated steering wheel, which is not available in the Accord.


But the Accord Touring comes standard with a Two-Position Memory Driver's Seat and heated rear outboard seats.


Which is Right for You?


There's a lot to compare and contrast between the 2017 Nissan Altima vs. 2017 Honda Accord. The Accord has a few extra features at the high-end, while the Altima offers superior value and overall fuel economy.


Deciding what's important to you is the first step to deciding which vehicle is right for you. We hope this comparison will help you along your car buying journey!