Nissan Altima vs. Toyota Prius
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Nissan Altima and Toyota Prius 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 Toyota Prius.
When we compare the Nissan Altima's and the Toyota Prius's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Altima has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. The Toyota Prius has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Nissan Altima's and the Toyota Prius's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Prius 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 Toyota Prius is priced between $30,339 to $37,878. For a new model, the Nissan Altima's price is between $25,808 and $35,879, with the Toyota Prius priced between $30,099 and $40,114.
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 Toyota Prius loses 35.6 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Prius retains 12.3 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 Nissan Altima is 7.9 out of 10 while the Toyota Prius' quality rating is 9.0 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Altima being ranked 6 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Toyota Prius being ranked 1 out of 25 Best Hybrid Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Altima is 7.7 out of 10. For the Toyota Prius the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Prius 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 Toyota Prius base engine makes 194 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Toyota Prius, a hybrid compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more cargo space. The Nissan Altima, a midsize car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Nissan Altima and the Toyota Prius 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:
30099 - 40114
Starting MSRP:
28550
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Compact Cars)
29338
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Compact Cars)
24575 - 33775
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:
34477
Price Range:
30339 - 37878
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Compact Cars)
34477
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Compact Cars)
34477 - 34477
# 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 $:
10396
Depreciation %:
0.36412662
Resale Value $:
18154
Residual Value %:
0.63587338
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Compact Cars)
0.35835614
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Compact Cars)
0.33801262 - 0.43740554
Nissan Altima Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Toyota Prius Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
9.0 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.8 / 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 Toyota Prius
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
15.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Hybrid Compact Cars)
13.0
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Hybrid Compact Cars)
10.4 - 15.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.429
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 / 13Toyota Prius Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
6 out of / 10Ranking
7 out of / 10Ranking
8 out of / 10Ranking
9 out of / 25Ranking
16 out of / 25Ranking
18 out of / 25Ranking
21 out of / 25Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Hybrid
Nissan Altima Trim Levels
2.5 S, 2.5 SL, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV
Toyota Prius Trim Levels
LE, Limited, Nightshade, XLE
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:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
194 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
Not yet available
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 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 / 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:
2 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):
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:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
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:
N/A
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
Overall Interior Volume:
100.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
52.8 inches
Cargo Space:
23.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
115 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:
3097 lbs
Width:
70.2 inches
Height:
55.9 inches
Length:
181.1 inches
Wheelbase:
108.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.6 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:
17.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P195/60R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Gray
Gun Metallic
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
White
Glacier White
Blue
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Gray
Guardian Gray
Silver
Cutting Edge
White
Wind Chill Pearl
Blue
Reservoir Blue
Red
Supersonic Red
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Gradient Black
Gray
Light Gray
