2018 Nissan Altima vs 2018 Hyundai Sonata Philadelphia PA

Features & Specs

City Fuel Economy (mpg)

27

25

Highway Fuel Economy (mpg)

38

36

Front Wheel Material

Steel

Aluminum

Front Wheel Size (in)

16 X 7

16 X 6.5

2018 Nissan Altima vs 2018 Hyundai Sonata

Mid-size sedans are an important and popular segment of the car market. They are a vehicle commonly selected for both families and individuals. Two notable sedans to consider purchasing in 2018 are the Nissan Altima and Hyundai Sonata. The Sonata received an exterior redesign, while the Altima has seen some great technological upgrades. You can learn more about what makes these sedans unique in the paragraphs below.

2018 Nissan Altima Power & Handling

All of the Altima trims, with the exception of the 3.5 SL, are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 179-hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Power is being channeled through the front wheels using a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). New for the 2018 model is standard features of a forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking. This allows the driver to feel more secure on the road. The Altima also provides notably great fuel economy, getting 27 mpg in city environments and 38 mpg on the highway.

2018 Hyundai Sonata Power & Handling

The Hyundai Sonata offers three different four-cylinder engine choices that can be selected depending on trim preference. The base starts you off with a 2.4-liter 185-hp, 178 lb-ft of torque and a six-speed automatic transmission. You will find this paired with the SE, SEL, Sport and Limited trims. For the two 2.0T trims, a turbocharged 2.0-liter with 245-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and eight-speed automatic powering is available. Lastly, the standalone Eco trim has a turbocharged 1.6-liter 178-hp and 195 lb-ft of torque with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.           

2018 Nissan Altima Features & Design

With this sedan, you have the option of choosing between five different trim levels: 2.5 S, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL and 3.5 SL. At the standard level, the Altima is outfitted with 16-inch steel wheels, a rearview camera, keyless entry and ignition, a height-adjustable driver seat, Bluetooth, a 5-inch display screen, and a six-speaker audio system with a USB port. The SR is the sporty version with a sport-tuned suspension. The top trim, the 3.5 SL, is the only model to come with a separate engine. The 3.5 SL is powered by a 3.5-liter V6-cylinder engine with 270-hp and 251 lb-ft of torque. It also gets some luxury features like a sunroof, heated mirrors, paddle shifters, adaptive cruise control, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and NissanConnect services.

2018 Hyundai Sonata Features & Design

From an exterior standpoint, Hyundai has done a lot to make the Sonata more stylish. Its new shape includes a hexagonal-like front grille and a cleaned up back end that emphasizes its long roof. On the inside, the base model offers some good feature such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch touchscreen display, automatic headlights, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, a rearview camera, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. As you advance to other trims, customization can become limited. For example, the Tech package is not available for the Sport trim, which has adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist. Trying to choose between the multiple trim and engine options can be overwhelming but does present variety to the customer.

Conclusions

Given the many advantages of both of these great sedans, the choice between the two will take some careful consideration. The great fuel economy that the Nissan Altima provides give it a bit of an edge over the Hyundai Sonata. To test out a Nissan today, head to Reedman-Toll Nissan of Drexel Hill.

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