If you’re shopping for a used mid-size sedan in Jersey City, New Jersey, you’ll definitely find something that suits you at New Jersey State Auto Used Cars. Our dealership has a large selection of quality sedans to cater to different budgets and transportation needs. Two of our most popular models are the Nissan Altima and the Honda Accord. These two sedans are both well-rounded cars that provide excellent value for your money, but they’re different in many ways. Check out this detailed comparison of the 2020 Nissan Altima and 2020 Honda Accord to determine which one is a better fit for you.

Price

The 2020 Nissan Altima comes with a base manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $24,100, whereas the 2020 Honda Accord starts at $24,020. However, $80 isn’t a big difference when buying a used car. Compared to other mid-size sedans, these two cars are competitively priced.

Powertrain

Both the Nissan Altima and Honda Accord offer two engine options. The base engine of the Altima is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder rated at 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. If you buy the performance-oriented or top-of-the-line model, you can opt for a 2.0-liter turbo-four that generates 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are mated to a continuously variable transmission.

The engines of the Honda Accord are only slightly more powerful than those of the Nissan sedan. The standard 1.5-liter turbo-four produces 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque, while the optional 2.0-liter turbo-four engine delivers 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Transmission options include a continuously variable transmission, a 10-speed automatic, and a six-speed manual. The more potent engines and the available manual transmission make the Accord a little more fun to drive. 

Handling

Although it has an optional all-wheel-drive system, the Nissan Altima is built for comfort more than athleticism. Its suspension absorbs bumps and potholes well, resulting in a smooth and tranquil ride. This sedan is also relatively enjoyable to drive around corners and on curvy roads, thanks to its sharp steering and excellent body control. Additionally, it has a sporty trim that comes with a firmer suspension, which further enhances its composure around corners. 

If you want a more exciting driving experience, you may be better off choosing the Honda Accord. An energetic engine, well-tuned suspension, precise steering, and strong brakes make this car one of the sportiest mid-size sedans. Its taut chassis makes it fun to drive without compromising ride comfort.

Fuel Economy

If you want to keep your fuel costs low, you won’t be disappointed with either the Nissan Altima or Honda Accord. The standard Altima has a fuel-efficiency rating of 28/39 mpg (city/highway), whereas the Accord returns 30/38 mpg with its base engine and continuously variable transmission. Both cars are among the most frugal in the mid-size sedan segment. 

Seat Comfort

The Nissan Altima and Honda Accord are both spacious sedans that can comfortably accommodate five occupants. The Altima offers more legroom in the front row, while the Accord is more generous in terms of rear legroom. So, the winner in this department depends on whether or not you regularly drive around with rear passengers. 

When it comes to seat comfort, the Nissan Altima scores high marks with its innovative Zero Gravity front seats. These seats are specially designed to deliver optimal support and comfort on long trips. Not to be outdone, the Honda Accord also offers some of the most comfortable seats in the class. 

Trunk Space

If you plan to carry a lot of things in your car, the Honda Accord is a better option. It has 16.7 cubic feet of space in its trunk, which is above average among mid-size sedans. The Nissan Altima, on the other hand, comes with a 15.4-cubic-foot trunk.

Interior Quality

As a result of a recent major refresh, the 2020 Nissan Altima features an uncluttered and airy interior that looks and feels upscale. It also has well-placed and easy-to-use controls that contribute to a pleasant driving experience. 

The Honda Accord has an edge over the Altima in terms of interior build and quality. It boasts exceptional fit and finish and premium materials that won’t look out of place in a luxury vehicle. A classy design and an abundance of soft-touch materials make this sedan’s cabin a wonderful place to spend time. 

Interior Features

Few mid-size sedans have a better selection of interior features than the Nissan Altima. This car comes standard with push-button start, remote start, a six-speaker sound system, an 8-inch touch-screen display, two USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Siri Eyes Free. 

While its Honda Infotainment System is one of the most intuitive in the class, the Honda Accord offers only a 7-inch touch screen, a four-speaker audio system, a USB port, and Bluetooth as standard equipment. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available as options. 

Safety Features

The 2020 Nissan Altima and 2020 Honda Accord both earned the highest possible ratings in crash safety tests with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. When it comes to driver-assistance technologies, the Accord offers a significantly longer list of standard features than the Altima. Nonetheless, the Nissan has the available ProPilot Assist, a semi-autonomous system that can handle most of the driving on the highway.

Reliability

Both Nissan and Honda are known for producing highly dependable vehicles. Therefore, you can expect to have a long-lasting car regardless of whether you choose the Nissan Altima or the Honda Accord. However, it’s worth noting that the Altima has a slightly higher predicted reliability rating than the Accord. 

Overall, the 2020 Nissan Altima is a great option for car buyers who value comfort and technology. The 2020 Honda Accord, on the other hand, appeals to those who are looking for a fun-to-drive yet practical car. If you reside in the Jersey City area, you can view and test-drive different models of the Altima and Accord at New Jersey State Auto Used Cars. We also have other models years of the Altima and Accord. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.