2018 Nissan Altima vs. 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Nissan Altima and 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA 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 Nissan Altima and the 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA.
When we compare the 2018 Nissan Altima's and the 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Nissan Altima has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and resale value. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Nissan Altima's and the 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Nissan Altima is a better car than the 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA.
Pricing: A used 2018 Nissan Altima ranges from $9,943 to $19,792 while a used 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA is priced between $9,368 to $18,247.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Nissan Altima loses 46 percent of its value and the 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA loses 33.4 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA retains 12.6 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 Nissan Altima is 8.6 out of 10 while the Hyundai ELANTRA's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Altima being ranked 5 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Hyundai ELANTRA being ranked 21 out of 43 Best Small Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Altima is 8.3 out of 10. For the Hyundai ELANTRA the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Nissan Altima a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai ELANTRA.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Nissan Altima’s base engine makes 179 horsepower, and the 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA base engine makes 147 horsepower. The Altima is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 684 miles. The ELANTRA is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 504 miles. This gives the 2018 Nissan Altima the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 2018 Nissan Altima, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA, a compact car, has the advantage in the area of rear head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2018 Nissan Altima has higher safety ratings than the 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.64 out of 5 Stars.
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
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$16,950
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$20,571
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$14,395 - $39,785
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:
509
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
103,648
# Good or Great Deals:
135
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$13,966
Price Range:
$9,368 - $18,247
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$17,195
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$9,985 - $30,573
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
625
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
86,155
# Good or Great Deals:
219
Nissan Altima Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Hyundai ELANTRA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
8.6 / 10
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%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
4.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
5.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
3.1 - 8.5
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
6.6%
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
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
4.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
0.5 - 16.6
Nissan 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 / 13Hyundai ELANTRA Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 43Ranking
3 out of / 43Ranking
4 out of / 43Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 24Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 43Ranking
17 out of / 43Ranking
17 out of / 43Ranking
21 out of / 43Ranking
26 out of / 43Ranking
28 out of / 43Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2018 Nissan Altima Trim Levels
2.5 S, 2.5 SL, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV, 3.5 SL
2018 Hyundai ELANTRA Trim Levels
Eco, Limited, SE, SEL, Sport, Value Edition
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.64 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
132 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
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
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 36 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
364 / 504 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.3 inches
Cargo Space:
14.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
95.8 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2767 lbs
Width:
70.9 inches
Height:
56.5 inches
Length:
179.9 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
215/60R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P195/65R15
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Storm Blue
Gray
Gun Metallic
Red
Scarlet Ember
Silver
Brilliant Silver
White
Glacier White
Beige
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Phantom Black
Blue
Electric Blue / Lakeside Blue
Gray
Machine Gray
Red
Scarlet Red
Silver
Symphony Silver
White
Quartz White Pearl
Beige
Mineral Beige
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
Beige
Not available
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Beige
Beige
Gray
Gray
