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Your Comparison

Nissan Altima vs Mazda 6

Which Midsize Sedan Should You Buy?

2025 Nissan
Altima
Starting MSRP
$26,890
Combined MPG
36
Horsepower
188
2024 Mazda
6
Starting MSRP
$26,600
Combined MPG
30
Horsepower
187
Quick Category Winners
Value
Altima
Performance
6
Comfort
Altima
Fuel Economy
Altima
Reliability
6
Interior
6
Technology
Tie
Overall
6
Scorecard Comparison
7.8
Performance
8.5
8.1
Comfort
8.0
8.6
Value
8.0
8.2
Ownership Cost
8.0
7.8
Technology
7.8
8.1
Safety
8.4
7.9
Reliability
8.3
7.9
Interior Quality
8.7
Altima
6
CHOOSE THE ALTIMA IF YOU:
  • Want comfortable, easygoing daily driving
  • Prefer available all-wheel drive
  • Value a quiet, relaxed cabin
CHOOSE THE 6 IF YOU:
  • Want the most upscale interior in the class
  • Care about engaging driving dynamics
  • Prefer understated, refined styling
5-Year Ownership Cost
CategoryAltima6Diff
Fuel$5,900$7,100-$1,200
Insurance$6,500$6,400+$100
Maintenance$3,900$4,000-$100
Repairs$1,700$1,600+$100
Depreciation$14,200$14,800-$600
5-Year Total$32,200$33,900-$1,700
$

The Altima costs an estimated $1,700 less to own over 5 years.

Size Comparison
Altima
6
Altima
6
Diff
Length
192.9
191.5
+1.4
Width
72.9
72.4
+0.5
Height
56.8
57.1
-0.3
Wheelbase
111.2
111.4
-0.2
Cargo Volumecu ft
15.4
14.7
+0.7
Trim-to-Trim Comparison
  • Altima Svs6 Sport
  • Altima SRvs6 Touring
  • Altima Platinumvs6 Signature
View All Trim Comparisons
Final Verdict

The Mazda 6 is the smarter overall pick across our scoring categories, especially in the areas it leads. The Nissan Altima remains a strong alternative if its standout strengths better match your priorities. Either way, both are credible choices in this segment.

Winner
Mazda 6
Best For…
  • CommutersAltima
  • FamiliesAltima
  • Resale ValueAltima
  • Driving Enjoyment6
  • TechnologyTie
  • Best Overall6
Frequently Asked Questions
  • The Nissan Altima is better for shoppers who weight want comfortable, easygoing daily driving, while the Mazda 6 is better if you want the most upscale interior in the class. Both compete closely overall.

  • Our scoring gives the edge to the Mazda 6, though the Nissan Altima also performs well in long-term reliability data.

  • The Nissan Altima leads with up to 36 combined MPG versus 30 for the Mazda 6.

  • The Nissan Altima is the better family pick thanks to its higher comfort scoring, slightly more usable cabin space, and a more relaxed ride.

  • Over a five-year ownership window, the Nissan Altima costs an estimated $1,700 less to own once you factor in fuel, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and depreciation.

  • The Nissan Altima tends to hold its value better in the used market, helped by stronger demand and a higher overall value score.