In the competitive landscape of mid-size sedans, the Nissan Altima, Toyota Corolla, and Honda Accord stand out as three of the most popular options available.
These vehicles are known for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfort, making them excellent choices for daily commuting and long-distance travel alike.
The following is a comparison using the 2024 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV, 2024 Toyota Corolla LE and 2024 Honda Accord LX base trims as examples.
Price
The MSRP prices vary with the Corolla being the most inexpensive at $23k, the Altima at $26k and the Accord at $29k.
After the various dealer incentives and promotions each model the sale prices will probably vary less.
| Make-Model |
Engine |
Transmission |
Drivetrain |
Price |
| Nissan Altima 2.5 SV |
2.5L I4 |
1 Spd CVT w/OD |
FWD |
$26,700 |
| Toyota Corolla LE |
2.0L I4 |
10 Spd Auto/CVT w/OD |
FWD |
$23,145 |
| Honda Accord LX |
1.5L Intercooled Turbo I4 |
1 Spd CVT w/OD |
FWD |
$28,990 |
Horsepower And Torque
All three models we are looking at are equipped with naturally aspirated engines so they won't blow your socks off. However, they still have enough power to keep up with traffic on the freeway.
The peppiest out of the 3 is the Accord with 192 hp while the Corolla is bordering on under-powered with 169 hp.
| Make-Model |
Engine |
Transmission |
Drivetrain |
Horsepower @ RPM |
Torque @ RPM |
| Nissan Altima |
2.5L I4 |
1 Spd CVT w/OD |
FWD |
188 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
180 ft-lbs @ 3,600 rpm |
| Toyota Corolla |
2.0L I4 |
10 Spd Auto/CVT w/OD |
FWD |
169 hp @ 6,600 rpm |
151 ft-lbs @ 4,400 rpm |
| Honda Accord |
1.5L Intercooled Turbo I4 |
1 Spd CVT w/OD |
FWD |
192 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
192 ft-lbs @ 1,700 rpm |
Gas Mileage
All three offer great mileage, but the Toyota Corolla leads the pack in this category, boasting the highest city and highway MPG, which translates to a combined efficiency that surpasses its competitors.
| Make-Model |
City MPG |
Hwy MPG |
Combined MPG |
| Nissan Altima |
27 |
39 |
33 |
| Toyota Corolla |
32 |
41 |
37 |
| Honda Accord |
29 |
37 |
33 |
Gas Tank Size
| Make-Model |
Gas Tank Size |
Range (city/hwy/combined miles) |
| Nissan Altima |
16.2 gal. |
437/632/535 |
| Toyota Corolla |
13.2 gal. |
422/541/488 |
| Honda Accord |
14.8 gal. |
429/548/488 |
Tires
The Altima and Accord opt for wider profiles, they potentially offer better grip and stability, especially at higher speeds or during cornering.
The Corolla's slightly narrower tires might prioritize fuel efficiency and urban maneuverability.
The Corolla also has smaller rims at 16" rather than 17".
| Make-Model |
Front Tire Size |
Rear Tire Size |
| Nissan Altima |
P215/55VR17 |
P215/55VR17 |
| Toyota Corolla |
P205/55HR16 |
P205/55HR16 |
| Honda Accord |
P225/50VR17 |
P225/50VR17 |
Interior Dimensions
The Honda Accord stands out with the most generous headroom in both the front and second rows, accommodating taller passengers with ease. It also leads in legroom, particularly in the second row, offering substantial space that enhances comfort during longer drives.
Conversely, the Toyota Corolla, while slightly more compact, provides a balanced space that could appeal to city drivers and those looking for efficient, comfortable urban mobility.
The Nissan Altima offers a competitive middle ground, with ample room in both headroom and legroom dimensions, ensuring a comfortable ride for passengers of various sizes.
Headroom
| Make-Model |
Front Row Headroom (in) |
Second Row Headroom (in) |
| Nissan Altima |
39.1 |
36.9 |
| Toyota Corolla |
38.3 |
37.1 |
| Honda Accord |
39.5 |
37.3 |
Legroom
| Make-Model |
First Row Legroom (in) |
Second Row Legroom (in) |
| Nissan Altima |
43.8 |
35.2 |
| Toyota Corolla |
42 |
34.8 |
| Honda Accord |
42.3 |
40.8 |
Ground Clearance
The Nissan Altima, Toyota Corolla, and Honda Accord offer similar ground clearances, hovering around 5.1 to 5.3 inches.
| Make-Model |
Ground Clearance (in) |
| Nissan Altima |
5.1 |
| Toyota Corolla |
5.3 |
| Honda Accord |
5.3 |
Exterior Dimensions
The Honda Accord is the largest, offering the most length and wheelbase, contributing to its spacious interior and stable ride.
The Nissan Altima closely follows, with a substantial presence that balances comfort and design.
The Toyota Corolla, being the lightest and most compact, emphasizes efficiency and urban agility.
| Make-Model |
Vehicle Height (ft) |
Vehicle Length (ft) |
Vehicle Wheelbase (ft) |
| Nissan Altima |
4.73 |
16.07 |
9.27 |
| Toyota Corolla |
4.71 |
15.21 |
8.86 |
| Honda Accord |
4.76 |
16.31 |
9.28 |
Weight
| Make-Model |
Curb Weight (lbs) |
| Nissan Altima |
3,283 |
| Toyota Corolla |
2,955 |
| Honda Accord |
3,239 |
Conclusion
The Toyota Corolla stands out for its fuel efficiency and urban agility, the Honda Accord impresses with spacious interiors and ride stability, while the Nissan Altima offers a balanced mix of power and comfort. Ultimately, the choice boils down to individual priorities: efficiency, space, or a blend of performance and comfort.