2018 Hyundai SONATA vs. 2018 Nissan Altima
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Hyundai SONATA and 2018 Nissan Altima contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Hyundai SONATA and the 2018 Nissan Altima.
When comparing the 2018 Hyundai SONATA's and the 2018 Nissan Altima's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Hyundai SONATA has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume and base engine power. The 2018 Nissan Altima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Hyundai SONATA's and the 2018 Nissan Altima's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Nissan Altima is a better car than the 2018 Hyundai SONATA.
Pricing: A used 2018 Hyundai SONATA ranges from $10,900 to $19,876 while a used 2018 Nissan Altima is priced between $9,943 to $19,792.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Hyundai SONATA loses 41.4 percent of its value and the 2018 Nissan Altima loses 46 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Hyundai SONATA retains 4.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Nissan Altima.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai SONATA is 8.6 out of 10 while the Nissan Altima's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai SONATA being ranked 6 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Nissan Altima being ranked 5 out of 13.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai SONATA is 7.9 out of 10. For the Nissan Altima the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the Nissan Altima a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai SONATA.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Hyundai SONATA’s base engine makes 185 horsepower, and the 2018 Nissan Altima base engine makes 179 horsepower. The SONATA is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 666 miles. The Altima is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 684 miles. This gives the 2018 Nissan Altima the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2018 Hyundai SONATA. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize cars, the 2018 Hyundai SONATA has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2018 Nissan Altima has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2018 Hyundai SONATA and the 2018 Nissan Altima have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$22,050
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Cars)
$23,460
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$21,680 - $31,900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,260
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Cars)
$23,460
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$21,680 - $31,900
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$15,366
Price Range:
$10,900 - $19,876
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Cars)
$17,782
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$14,578 - $25,306
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
711
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
73,786
# Good or Great Deals:
199
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$14,760
Price Range:
$9,943 - $19,792
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Cars)
$17,782
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$14,578 - $25,306
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
633
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
92,069
# Good or Great Deals:
203
Hyundai SONATA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Nissan Altima Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Hyundai SONATA
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
3.6
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Cars)
4
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Cars)
3.3 - 7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
4.4%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Nissan Altima
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Cars)
4
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Cars)
3.3 - 7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
13.7%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
4.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
2 - 14.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
4.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
2 - 14.2
Hyundai SONATA Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
13 out of / 13Nissan Altima Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
11 out of / 13Ranking
11 out of / 13Ranking
13 out of / 13Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2018 Hyundai SONATA Trim Levels
Eco, Limited, Limited 2.0T, Limited 2.0T+, SE, SEL, SEL+, Sport, Sport 2.0T, Sport+
2018 Nissan Altima Trim Levels
2.5 S, 2.5 SL, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV, 3.5 SL
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
179 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
177 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.056 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 36 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
463 / 666 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
27 / 38 / 31
Range (city/hwy):
486 / 684 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
45.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.5 inches
Cargo Space:
16.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
106.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
45 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Cargo Space:
15.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
101.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3250 lbs
Width:
73.4 inches
Height:
58.1 inches
Length:
191.1 inches
Wheelbase:
110.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3212 lbs
Width:
72 inches
Height:
57.8 inches
Length:
191.9 inches
Wheelbase:
109.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P205/65R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
215/60R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Phantom Black
Blue
Electric Blue / Lakeside Blue
Gray
Machine Gray
Red
Scarlet Red
Silver
Symphony Silver
White
Quartz White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Storm Blue
Gray
Gun Metallic
Red
Scarlet Ember
Silver
Brilliant Silver
White
Glacier White
Interior Colors
Beige
Beige
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Charcoal
Gray
Not available
