Ford Fusion vs. Nissan Altima

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Fusion 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 Ford Fusion and the Nissan Altima.

When comparing the Ford Fusion's and the Nissan Altima's specifications and ratings, the Ford Fusion has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. 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 and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Fusion's and the Nissan Altima's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Altima is a better car than the Ford Fusion.

Pricing: A used 2020 Ford Fusion ranges from $14,994 to $23,000 while a used 2020 Nissan Altima is priced between $14,794 to $24,492.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Fusion loses 42.3 percent of its value and the Nissan Altima loses 46 percent of its value. This means the Ford Fusion retains 3.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Nissan Altima.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Fusion is 8.7 out of 10 while the Nissan Altima's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Ford Fusion being ranked 4 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Nissan Altima being ranked 5 out of 13.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Fusion is 8.2 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 Ford Fusion.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Fusion’s base engine makes 175 horsepower, and the Nissan Altima base engine makes 188 horsepower. The Fusion is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 512 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 Ford Fusion. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize cars, the Ford Fusion has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front leg room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Nissan Altima has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and rear shoulder room. The Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima are comparable in regards to front head room.

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