Mazda Mazda6 vs. Nissan Altima

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda Mazda6 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 Mazda Mazda6 and the Nissan Altima.

When we compare the Mazda Mazda6's and the Nissan Altima's specifications and ratings, the Mazda Mazda6 has the advantage in the areas of resale value, overall quality score 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 and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Mazda Mazda6's and the Nissan Altima's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Altima is a better car than the Mazda Mazda6.

Pricing: A used 2021 Mazda Mazda6 ranges from $18,276 to $28,457 while a used 2021 Nissan Altima is priced between $16,273 to $25,499.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mazda Mazda6 loses 37.9 percent of its value and the Nissan Altima loses 46 percent of its value. This means the Mazda Mazda6 retains 8.1 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 Mazda Mazda6 is 8.8 out of 10 while the Nissan Altima's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Mazda Mazda6 being ranked 3 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Nissan Altima being ranked 5 out of 13.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda Mazda6 is 8.3 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 Mazda Mazda6.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mazda Mazda6’s base engine makes 187 horsepower, and the Nissan Altima base engine makes 182 horsepower. The Mazda6 is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 574 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 Mazda Mazda6. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize cars, the Nissan Altima has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Mazda Mazda6 has the advantage in the areas of rear head room and rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Mazda Mazda6 and the Nissan Altima have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.