Nissan Altima vs. Acura MDX
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Nissan Altima and Acura MDX 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 Nissan Altima and the Acura MDX.
In comparing the Nissan Altima's and the Acura MDX's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Altima has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. The Acura MDX has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Nissan Altima's and the Acura MDX's specifications and ratings, the Acura MDX is a better car than the Nissan Altima.
Pricing: A used 2025 Nissan Altima ranges from $20,696 to $31,498 while a used 2026 Acura MDX is priced between $55,350 to $70,850. For a new model, the Nissan Altima's price is between $25,808 and $35,879, with the Acura MDX priced between $55,950 and $77,785.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Nissan Altima loses 47.8 percent of its value and the Acura MDX loses 53.7 percent of its value. This means the Nissan Altima retains 5.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Acura MDX.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Nissan Altima is 7.9 out of 10 while the Acura MDX's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Altima being ranked 6 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Acura MDX being ranked 1 out of 68 Best Luxury Crossover SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Altima is 7.7 out of 10. For the Acura MDX the reliability rating is 8.0 out of 10. This gives the Acura MDX a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Altima.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Nissan Altima’s base engine makes 188 horsepower, and the Acura MDX base engine makes 290 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Acura MDX, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Nissan Altima, a midsize car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Nissan Altima and the Acura MDX have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
25808 - 35879
Starting MSRP:
27000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Cars)
26816
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Cars)
24700 - 28295
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
55950 - 77785
Starting MSRP:
51800
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
77833
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
51200 - 138300
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
25110
Price Range:
20696 - 31498
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Cars)
27493
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Cars)
25110 - 29237
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
66659
Price Range:
55350 - 70850
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
73712
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
60234 - 92425
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
13046
Depreciation %:
0.48316873
Resale Value $:
13954
Residual Value %:
0.51683127
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Cars)
0.43738499
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Cars)
0.35336067 - 0.49749174
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
27937
Depreciation %:
0.53931912
Resale Value $:
23863
Residual Value %:
0.46068087999999996
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
0.56208052
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
0.41556056 - 0.61479035
Nissan Altima Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Acura MDX Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Altima
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.9
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Cars)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Cars)
7.8 - 13.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.194
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Acura MDX
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
12.8
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
9.7 - 13.1
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.317
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.6151994693340448
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
1.6 - 7.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Nissan Altima Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
11 out of / 13Acura MDX Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 68Ranking
1 out of / 68Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 27Ranking
1 out of / 27Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 8Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
6 out of / 27Ranking
7 out of / 68Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 27Ranking
10 out of / 27Ranking
12 out of / 27Ranking
13 out of / 68Ranking
14 out of / 27Ranking
17 out of / 29Ranking
17 out of / 27Ranking
18 out of / 68Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
19 out of / 27Ranking
19 out of / 27Ranking
20 out of / 29Ranking
22 out of / 29Ranking
22 out of / 29Ranking
23 out of / 68Ranking
23 out of / 29Ranking
23 out of / 27Ranking
24 out of / 29Ranking
27 out of / 68Ranking
33 out of / 64Ranking
34 out of / 68Ranking
39 out of / 68Ranking
48 out of / 68Ranking
49 out of / 68Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Nissan Altima Trim Levels
2.5 S, 2.5 SL, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV
Acura MDX Trim Levels
Base, SH-AWD, SH-AWD w/A-SPEC w/Advance, SH-AWD Type S w/Advance Package, SH-AWD w/A-SPEC, SH-AWD w/Advance, SH-AWD w/Tech, w/Tech
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:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
188 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
180 foot-lbs @ 3600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.058 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
267 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.068 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
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 / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
27 / 39 / 32
Range (city/hwy):
437 / 632 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Cargo Space:
15.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
100.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.6 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.3 inches
Cargo Space:
16.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
71.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
155.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3253 lbs
Width:
72.9 inches
Height:
56.7 inches
Length:
192.9 inches
Wheelbase:
111.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4268 lbs
Width:
78.7 inches
Height:
67.9 inches
Length:
198.4 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P215/60R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/55R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Gray
Gun Metallic
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
White
Glacier White
Exterior Colors
Black
Majestic Black Pearl
Gray
Liquid Carbon Metallic
Silver
Solar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Ebony
Beige
Parchment
