2019 Honda Accord vs. 2019 Nissan Altima

Cabin Features

It’s easy to see why the Accord has long been a benchmark in the mid-size sedan segment. Materials have a premium feel, and we particularly like the refined look of the climate controls.The interior is also quite spacious, with rear seats offering over 40 inches of legroom, and the trunk will accommodate nearly 17 cubic-feet of cargo.

The cabin of the Altima is also a nice place to be. The dashboard is sleek and modern, and the redesign has made for excellent visibility. But we think Honda has a slight edge when it comes to material quality, and at 35 inches of rear legroom, the Altiman falls far short of the Accord. With an available 15.4 cubic feet, trunk space is a closer contest, but Altima still doesn’t match the Accord here.

While both vehicles are excellent modern mid-size sedans, we think the roomy cabin, better materials, and larger cargo capacity maker the Accord the winner.

Shop Honda Accord Inventory

Infotainment Systems

Infotainment tech is one of the most talked about elements of new vehicles, and both the Accord and the Altima deliver.

Bluetooth and USB connectivity are standard on every Accord, as is a seven-inch display and four-speaker sound system. It’s an adequate setup, but tech-savvy customers will want to upgrade to a package with the eight-inch touch screen, support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an eight-speaker system.

In comparison, the Altima comes standard with an eight-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and six-speaker sound system, along with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation and a nine-speaker Bose audio system are available, but even base models are loaded with handy tech.

Boosting the cabin’s tech was a major focus for Altima’s designers. And by including features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, Nissan made sure all buyers will get to experience it. So Nissan takes the win here.

Shop Honda Accord Inventory

Safety

From a safety standpoint, the Accord comes standard with high-tech features like forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking, and lane departure warning, while blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are optional extras.

Automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning are also standard on the Altima, but features like lane departure warning are only available as part of a package that also includes pedestrian detection, a 360-degree camera, and adaptive cruise control.

At this point, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hasn’t tested either the 2019 Accord or Altima. That said, the Accord hasn’t changed significantly since last year, when it earned a 5-Star rating. And while previous generations of the Altima also earned a five-star rating, we think Honda’s slight edge regarding standard safety gives it the win here.

Shop Nissan Altima Inventory

Price and Value

Now, it’s time to talk price. In base LX trim, the Accord starts at $23,720, and comes with the 192-horsepower engine and CVT transmission. But if you’re looking for features like the Apple CarPlay, you’ll need to jump up to the Sport trim, which will up the price to $26,180, but provides the option of a stick shift, and for an additional $4,530, also allows you to upgrade to the 252-horsepower engine. The Touring version starts at $34,990, and includes leather-trimmed seats, a heads up display, and mobile hotspot capability. Hybrid models begin at $25,320.

The Altima base S trim starts at an almost-identical $23,750, and includes the 188-horsepower engine. But it also comes with Nissan’s more robust infotainment system standard, and at $25,100, opting for the SR trim means upgraded safety options, including rear-cross traffic and blind spot warning, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and paddle shifters, while the 2.0-liter turbo engine is a $4,050 option. The top trim is the $35,750 Edition One, which features the more powerful engine, leather seating, the nine-speaker audio system, and a 360-degree camera. AWD S trim models start at $25,250.

Pricing is so close here, we’re going to call this a draw. The packages offer such similar benefits, the battle between the Accord and the Altima won’t be won on price alone.

Shop Honda Accord Inventory