Compare the2024 Toyota PriusVS 2024 Nissan Altima

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Cargo Capacity
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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With its standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with Pre-Collision, the Toyota Prius is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Nissan Altima, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

	Prius	Altima
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
	Crossing Child - DAY
12 MPH	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH	AVOIDED	-11 MPH
	Crossing Adult - NIGHT
12 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-5 MPH
12 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-1 MPH
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-7 MPH
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-5 MPH
	Parallel Adult - NIGHT
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-11 MPH
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-5 MPH
37 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-9 MPH
Warning Issued-Brights	2 sec	1.3 sec
37 MPH Low beams	-34 MPH	No Slowing
Warning Issued-Low beams	1.9 sec	No Warning

The Prius has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Altima doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the Prius and Altima have Rear Cross Traffic Alert, but the Prius offers optional Parking Support Brake (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Altima’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Prius and the Altima have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the Prius is safer than the Altima:

	Prius	Altima
Overall Evaluation	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh Forces L/R	45/90 pounds	157/225 pounds
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh Forces L/R	45/90 pounds	157/225 pounds
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Chest Rating	GOOD	MARGINAL
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Toyota Prius is much safer than the Altima:

	Prius	Altima
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	POOR
Structure	ACCEPTABLE	POOR
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	MARGINAL
Head Injury Criterion	331	562
Head Peak Forces	no contact	109 G’s
Neck Tension	223 lbs.	625 lbs.
Torso	ACCEPTABLE	POOR
Shoulder Deflection	1.54 in	2.09 in
Shoulder Force	335 lbs.	402 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.46 in	2.2 in
Torso Deflection Rate	9 MPH	11 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	POOR
Pelvis Force	759 lbs.	1339 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	MARGINAL
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Tension	45 lbs.	201 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Force	268 lbs.	290 lbs.
Torso Deflection Rate	5 MPH	7 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	692 lbs.	892 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Toyota Prius has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned an “Acceptable” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Altima is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

Warranty

Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the Prius for 2 years and 25000 miles. Toyota will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Nissan doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Altima.

There are over 14 percent more Toyota dealers than there are Nissan dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Prius’ warranty.

Reliability

The battery on the Prius is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the Prius’ battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The Altima’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Prius’ reliability 33 points higher than the Altima.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota above average in long-term dependability. With 34 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Nissan is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota second in overall reliability. Nissan is ranked 17th.

Engine

As tested in Car and Driver the Toyota Prius 2.0 is faster than the Altima AWD 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder:

	Prius	Altima
Zero to 60 MPH	7.1 sec	7.6 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	18.8 sec	20.7 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	4 sec	4.6 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	5 sec	5.5 sec
Quarter Mile	15.5 sec	15.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	92 MPH	89 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Prius gets better mileage than the Altima:

			MPG
Prius
	FWD	LE 2.0 4-cyl. Hybrid	57 city/56 hwy
		XLE/Limited 2.0 4-cyl. Hybrid	52 city/52 hwy
	AWD	LE 2.0 4-cyl. Hybrid	53 city/54 hwy
		XLE/Limited 2.0 4-cyl. Hybrid	49 city/50 hwy
Altima
	FWD	S/SV 2.5 DOHC 4-cyl.	27 city/39 hwy
		SL/SR 2.5 DOHC 4-cyl.	27 city/37 hwy
		2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	25 city/34 hwy
	AWD	2.5 DOHC 4-cyl.	26 city/36 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the Prius’ fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Altima doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Toyota Prius uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Altima SR requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 82.8 cents more per gallon.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Toyota Prius higher (7 out of 10) than the Nissan Altima (6 to 7). This means the Prius produces up to 1.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Altima every 15,000 miles.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Prius AWD-e’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Altima:

	Prius AWD-e	Altima
Front Rotors	12 inches	11.65 inches

The Prius stops shorter than the Altima:

	Prius	Altima
70 to 0 MPH	171 feet	176 feet	Car and Driver

Tires and Wheels

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Prius LE has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Altima S.

Suspension and Handling

The Prius Limited AWD-e handles at .86 G’s, while the Altima SV AWD pulls only .84 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Prius Limited AWD-e executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Altima SV AWD (27 seconds @ .64 average G’s vs. 27.7 seconds @ .61 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Prius’ turning circle is tighter than the Altima’s:

	Prius	Altima
4dr Hatchback	34.4 feet	36.1 feet
AWD4dr Hatchback	34.4 feet	36.1 feet

Chassis

The Prius is 11.8 inches shorter than the Altima, making the Prius easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Cargo Capacity

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the Prius’ hatch uses gas strut supported hinges that don’t intrude into the cargo area. Its intrusive beam hinge reduces the Altima’s useful trunk space.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Prius Limited has a standard power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The Altima doesn’t offer a power trunk.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the Prius Limited, the memory seats make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position. The Altima doesn’t offer memory seats.

The Prius Limited’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Altima doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Prius’ power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Altima’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The power windows standard on both the Prius and the Altima have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Prius is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Altima prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Prius’ front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Altima’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the Prius the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the Altima can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Prius has standard Pushbutton Start that allows you to unlock the doors from the driver’s outside door handle and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Only the Altima SR/SV/SL offers an Intelligent Key.

The Prius XLE/Limited’s standard wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The Altima’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

The Prius’ standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Heated mirrors cost extra on the Altima and aren’t offered on the Altima S.

Both the Prius and the Altima offer available heated front seats. The Prius Limited also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Altima.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Prius Limited keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Altima doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The Prius Limited’s optional Advanced Park can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Altima doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the Prius owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Prius will cost $990 less than the Altima over a five-year period.

The Prius will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Prius will retain 56.31% to 58.47% of its original price after five years, while the Altima only retains 41.69% to 47.34%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Toyota Prius will be $5743 to $12068 less than for the Nissan Altima.

Recommendations

Both are recommended, but Consumer Reports® chose the Toyota Prius as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Prius/Prius Prime was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2024 and 1 more times in the last 21 years. The Altima has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.

Motor Trend selected the Prius as their 2024 Car of the Year. The Altima has never been chosen.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the Prius as the 2024 North American Car of the Year. The Altima was last chosen in 2002.

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