In a disappearing segment, two mid-sized family sedans vie for consumer interest against a sea of sport-utes
The 11th generation of the front-wheel-drive Accord was all-new for the 2023 model year, while the Altima was “comprehensively” made over at the same time. Both are unchanged for 2024. The Accord is offered in three trims, starting with the turbocharged 1.5L EX and topped by the hybrid-powered Sport and Touring. We are testing the Sport ($44,201 as-tested, including freight and PDI). The Altima’s model lineup consists of the S AWD, SR AWD, SR Premium, and Platinum. The four trims feature all-wheel drivetrains and gas-powered four-cylinder engines — no hybrid powertrains. We are testing the SR Premium ($39,028, including freight and PDI).
A tale of the tape
Dimensionally, the roomy Accord and Altima are within a couple of inches of each other. Externally, the Accord is 4,971 millimetres (195.7 inches) long, with a 2,830-mm (111.4-inch) wheelbase. It is 1,862 mm (73.3 in) wide and 1,449 mm (57 in) tall. The Sport Hybrid weighs 1,582 kg (3,488 lb). Trunk capacity is 473 litres (16.7 cubic feet). The Sport’s gas tank holds 48.5 litres of fuel.
On the Nissan side, the Altima is 4,900 mm (192.9 inches) long, with a 2,825-mm (111.2-inch) wheelbase. It’s 1,851 mm (72.9 in) wide and 1,459 mm (57.4 in) tall. The SR Premium weighs 1,570 kg (3,462 lb). Trunk capacity is 437 litres (15.4 cu ft). The gas tank holds 60.6 litres.
As for internal dimensions, the Accord Sport offers up 953 mm (38.7 inches) of headroom and 1,074 mm (42.3 inches) of legroom for front-seat occupants. Rear-seat riders have 944 mm (37.2 inches) of headroom and 1,037 mm (40.8 inches) of legroom. The Altima is more commodious for the driver and front-seat passenger, with 966 mm (38 inches) of headroom and 1,115 mm (43.9 inches) of legroom. Those in the Nissan’s back seats don’t fare as well as in the Accord — headroom of 932 mm (36.7 inches) and just 895 mm (35.2 inches) of legroom.
Powertrain
As an occasionally repentant gearhead, while I applaud cleaner-running, more fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines, I still miss the smooth-running, robust V6s that used to power these two sedans with something approaching vigour. But Honda dropped the six after the 2017 model year, and Nissan dumped its V6 in Canada when the sixth-generation model arrived for 2019, although it is still offered in the U.S., albeit with front-wheel-drive only.
Accord Hybrid models (Sport and Touring) feature a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid-electric system with a pair of electric motors mounted side by side; and a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle direct-injection four-cylinder engine. This configuration, notes Honda, allows for the use of a larger propulsion motor with increased torque output. Combined system output is 204 hp, with a peak torque of 247 lb-ft. Power is sent to the front wheels via an electronic continuously variable transmission.
The Altima does its work with a 2.5L DOHC four-cylinder direct-injection engine, which puts out 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, said power routed through an Xtronic CVT. Paddle shifters are standard with the SR trim. The car’s standard Intelligent AWD uses a torque-split-control strategy that automatically redistributes torque to the wheels (zero-100 front, up to 50-50 front to rear) according to road and driving conditions.
Fuel Efficiency
The 2024 Accord Hybrid is rated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) at 5.0 L/100 km in the city, 5.7 on the highway, and 5.3 L/100 km in combined driving, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,537.
The 2024 Altima is rated by NRCan at 9.3 L/100 km in the city, 6.7 on the highway, and 8.1 L/100 km in combined driving, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,349.
Exterior
No shrinking violet either, the most prominent feature of the 2023 Altima refresh was its front fascia, with an updated expression of Nissan’s V-Motion grille with a redesigned brand logo. SR trims, which look particularly jaunty, receive a special “black chrome” grille finish along with a unique grille design that differentiates it from the other trims. Behind the front fascia, key exterior elements include LED headlights with integrates turn signals in the daytime running lights, expressive taillight design and single panel sunroof.
Interior
Accord’s interior goes with what the company says is a “sporty and modern” theme, with “close attention paid to the operation of all switchgear and controls for a premium feel.” For instance, the shift knob is angled toward the driver by five degrees, allowing the cup holders to be positioned to the right of the shift knob and still hold large-size cups. Smudgy piano-black trim is used throughout, and an unusual but striking metal mesh spanning the dash serves both form and function, concealing the air vents that would otherwise mar the “uncluttered and harmonious” design.
Kudos are well-deserved for the car’s front “body stabilizing” seats, with the seat frame firmly holding one in place, reducing fatigue. The Sport trim features black cloth upholstery, aluminum pedals, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a leather shift knob. If you want things such as leather seats and a four-way power adjustable passenger seat, as well as ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, you’ll have to dig deeper for the Touring model.
The Accord comes with a standard 10.2-inch digital instrument panel with unique display functions depending on powertrain. A digital power-flow meter replaces the tachometer in the hybrid Sport and Touring. The multi-information display features user-selectable functions such as Honda Sensing settings, vehicle information and more. Accord hybrid models feature a 12.3-inch unit with an actual volume knob, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a simplified navigation structure with fewer menus.
Still, that doesn’t include built-in navigation in the Sport, nor wireless smartphone charging (just the Touring). Only the Touring has integration of Google built-in, including Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play capability with the latest apps and services.
The Altima interior is more old-school, which is to say familiar (literally — all buttons and controls are laid out in a clear and logical manner) in both design and materials, starting with its instrument panel finishings and dual-stitch interior fabric design for SR models. It also delivers a higher level of convenience and connectivity features, including available 7.0-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display, Zero Gravity seats with dual-density foam and bolstering (very comfy), leather seats (on the SRs), remote engine start, and standard eight-way power driver’s seat.
Pop for the $2,000 Premium package (the tester so equipped) and one gets a power front passenger seat, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, 12.3-inch HD colour display with multi-touch control, Bose audio system with nine speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
The 12.3-inch display, the same size as found in the Armada SUV, includes built-in “door to door” navigation and features a high-resolution display that provides clear images and crisp graphics, plus traffic sign recognition. The customizable home screen includes shortcuts to user favourites and one-line destination search; and built-in Amazon Alexa. NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM telematics is standard on Premium and Platinum trims and provides compatible smartphone and smartwatch access to features such as Remote Engine Start/Stop, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Valet Alert and more.
What’s the drive like?
Neither the Accord Sport nor the Altima SR Premium are what could be called “sport sedans,” replete with eye-popping power. Still, the Honda’s hybrid-electric system gives the four-door a very refined drive, whether plodding through traffic or cruising along at highway speeds. Honda is particularly proud of its Linear Shift Control, which it claims — and I agree — elevates the driving experience by mimicking the vehicle speed-linked rev feel associated with a conventional drivetrain shifting gears under acceleration. Paddle shifters increase or decrease regenerative braking, although not to the point of one-pedal driving. Ride and handling are good, making for pleasant, stress-free journeys.
It’s a similar situation for the Altima, though not to the same level of satisfaction. The sedan’s turbo-four works well in most situations, but doesn’t like to be pushed with hard acceleration, such as merging onto a highway, sounding a bit coarse when doing so. There are paddle shifters to play with, but when working with a CVT, the point is kind of moot.
Handling is quite good. In addition to AWD, the Nissan comes with Active Ride Control, which reduces pitching when passing over a bump by automatically applying a very small amount of braking. The amount of braking doesn’t slow the car down appreciably, but still results in faster dampening of the pitch motion. The Altima also has Intelligent Trace Control, which applies gentle, smooth braking to individual wheels to help bring the car back into the correct cornering line. The amount of braking is small and does not affect the vehicle speed appreciably, but aids cornering by correcting the speed and/or adding yaw when needed.
Reliability
Consumer Reports expects the Accord Hybrid will be more reliable when compared to the average new car, this prediction based on data from 2020, 2021, and 2022. Repairpal.com gives the Accord a reliability rating of4.5 out of 5.0, ranking it first out of 24 for mid-size cars: “The average annual repair cost is US$400, which means it has excellent ownership costs. The severity and frequency of repairs are both much lower than other vehicles, so the Accord is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road.”
CR expects the 2024 Altima to have about average reliability when compared to the average new car, the prediction based on data from 2021 and 2022 models. Repairpal.com says the Altima has a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 11th out of 24 for mid-size cars. The average annual repair cost is US$483, which means it has lower than average ownership costs. “The severity of repairs is average, and the frequency of those issues is low, so major repairs are uncommon for the Altima.”
Final Thoughts
The Altima’s biggest advantage is its all-wheel drivetrain, which provides the car with four-season, all-weather abilities, something the Accord can’t match. Secondly, it is some $5K less expensive and more comprehensively equipped, tester to tester. The Accord’s biggest advantage is its hybrid powertrain, giving it fuel economy numbers the Nissan can’t match. And for those who keep their rides for a longer time, the Altima’s price lead would eventually disappear due to its greater thirst at the pumps.
However, let’s throw the 800-pound gorilla into the mix — the new 2025 Camry, hybrid-powered only and available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drivetrains. This will prove a formidable competitor to both the Altima and Accord.
Three reasons to choose the Altima
- Less expensive
- All-wheel-drive
- More content for the price
Three reasons to choose the Accord
- Hybrid powertrain
- Better fuel economy
- Smoother running
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