Compare the2026 Nissan AltimaVS 2026 Toyota Camry

Both the Altima and the Camry have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee 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 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Nissan Altima is safer than the Toyota Camry:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Nissan Altima is safer than the Toyota Camry:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Altima first among midsize cars in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The Camry isn’t in the top three.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Nissan vehicles are better in initial quality than Toyota vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Nissan second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 31 more problems per 100 vehicles, Toyota is ranked 17th, below the industry average.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Nissan Altima FWD is faster than the Toyota Camry FWD:

The Altima AWD’s standard fuel tank has 3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Camry (16 vs. 13 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Altima FWD’s standard fuel tank has 3.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the Camry (16.2 vs. 13 gallons).

The Altima stops much shorter than the Camry:

For better traction, the Altima has larger standard tires than the Camry (215/55R17 vs. 205/65R16).

The Altima SV’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Camry LE’s standard 65 series tires.

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

The Altima has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Camry doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The Altima SR handles at .90 G’s, while the Camry XLE AWD pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Altima executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Camry XLE AWD (26.3 seconds @ .68 average G’s vs. 27.2 seconds @ .66 average G’s).

The front grille of the Altima uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Camry doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Altima has .8 inches more front headroom, 1.7 inches more front legroom, .5 inches more front shoulder room and 1.4 inches more rear shoulder room than the Camry.

The Altima has a larger trunk than the Camry (15.4 vs. 15.1 cubic feet).

The Altima has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior, with the optional automatic climate control feature. The Camry doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Altima’s standard Intelligent Key allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Push Button Start standard on the Camry only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the car.