Buick LaCrosse vs. Nissan Altima

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Buick LaCrosse and 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 Buick LaCrosse and the Nissan Altima.

When we compare the Buick LaCrosse's and the Nissan Altima's specifications and ratings, the Buick LaCrosse has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. The Nissan Altima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Buick LaCrosse's and the Nissan Altima's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Altima is a better car than the Buick LaCrosse.

Pricing: A used 2019 Buick LaCrosse ranges from $17,644 to $30,104 while a used 2019 Nissan Altima is priced between $13,492 to $22,998.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Buick LaCrosse loses 51.8 percent of its value and the Nissan Altima loses 46 percent of its value. This means the Nissan Altima retains 5.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Buick LaCrosse.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Buick LaCrosse is 8.4 out of 10 while the Nissan Altima's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Buick LaCrosse is 7.8 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 Buick LaCrosse.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Buick LaCrosse’s base engine makes 194 horsepower, and the Nissan Altima base engine makes 188 horsepower. The LaCrosse is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 553 miles. The Altima is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 632 miles. This gives the Nissan Altima the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Buick LaCrosse. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Buick LaCrosse has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear head room and rear leg room. The Nissan Altima has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Buick LaCrosse and the Nissan Altima have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.