The Toyota Camry and the Nissan Altima may not be the biggest rivals in the mid-size sedan world, but thanks to the rising popularity and critical acclaim of the underdog Altima, the game has changed in recent years. For the model year 2020 the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima, both make a case for their place as the superior mid-size sedan.
The best metrics for deciding between the two vehicles are going to be different for every driver, as every person is going to have different priorities for what they consider important in a car. This comparison will use powertrain, fuel efficiency, and safety technology as key indicators of quality. Figures below include available features.
Looking at the engines first, the Camry has a larger engine, but that does not make it universally superior. It may lag behind the turbocharged Altima engine option in torque, but not in horsepower.
The engine in the Camry is fuel efficient enough to outdo the CVT transmission in the Altima and make it use less fuel than the Altima. The fuel efficiency specifications in the chart refer to the base model trims which should be the overall most fuel-efficient trims, and do not include the upgraded engine options.
Safety technology between the two mid-size sedans is almost the same, but they come in packages branded by the automaker. Both offer driver assistance, smart sensors, and other equipment made for safety. Safety features available on both include blind spot monitoring, pre-collision safety systems, and LED headlamps.
If the decision comes down to aesthetics, the Camry and Altima both have distinct visual styles. From the outside, the Altima seems to work harder to impress with its broad, chrome-fitted grille. But on the inside, where it will be enjoyed more often, the Camry has a creative character line that divides the shifter and cupholders from the upper parts of the dashboard.
