Compared: 2024 Nissan Altima vs. 2024 Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai comes with modern features and power, but the Nissan is less expensive and more efficient.
May 21, 2024 | 3 min read
Hyundai | Nissan
Not everyone needs a crossover or SUV. Shoppers who stick to sedans may find themselves pleasantly surprised with how much value they offer — not to mention winter-friendly all-wheel-drive traction.
Consider the 2024 Hyundai Sonata and 2024 Nissan Altima. Both are offered with turbocharged and non-turbo engines, as well as front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). With so much variation, they can appeal to almost any buyer.
Nissan
Nissan Comes With Low Pricing and Plenty of Trims
With an asking price of about $27,000, the 2024 Nissan Altima S FWD is slightly more affordable than the base Hyundai Sonata. There are five trims of the Altima available. The Altima SV FWD includes convenient features such as a larger infotainment screen and digital gauge cluster for around $28,000.
The $34,000 Altima SL FWD includes niceties such as leather seating and a wireless phone charger. The top-of-the-range SR VC-Turbo FWD is around $37,000 and has a variable-compression turbocharged engine and better infotainment capabilities. The SV, SL, and SR models (but not the S or SR VC-Turbo) can be equipped with all-wheel drive for another $1,500.
Hyundai
While the 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL FWD starts at $29,000, shoppers can add all-wheel drive for $1,500 and tack on the $3,050 Convenience Package, which adds larger screens, a wireless phone charger, and a panoramic sunroof.
The other trim level for the Sonata is the $36,000 Sonata N Line, which includes a more powerful engine, better-bolstered seats, and advanced driver assistance. However, this Sonata N Line is FWD only.
Hyundai
The Hyundai Is Loaded With Standard Features and Technology
While the two cars share standard features that include LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beams, and driver-attention warning, the Sonata's share of equipment is more generous, with more driver-assistance systems, a larger infotainment system, hands-free trunk access, heated front seats, and a push-button start.
Nissan
A few of these features are offered on the higher-priced Altimas. Hyundai also offers a digital key, which allows users to access their car via a smartphone or wearable device. Nissan's smartphone app allows for remote parking and unlocking, but it's not quite as convenient as Hyundai's digital key.
Nissan
Altima Has Better Fuel Efficiency but Less Power
Under the hood of every Altima except for the SR VC-Turbo model is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 188 horsepower. All Altimas have a continuously variable automatic transmission. The Altima S and SV are EPA-rated to return 27/39/32 mpg city/highway/combined.
The SL and SR net 27/37/31 mpg, while the AWD versions of the Altima get 26/36/30 mpg. The SR VC-Turbo model uses a 248-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with variable compression, which is designed to optimize efficiency and performance. It's good for 25/34/29 mpg.
Hyundai
The Sonata SEL features a 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The FWD version returns an EPA-rated 25/36/29 mpg, while the AWD models manage 25/34/28 mpg.
The N Line sports a 290-hp 2.5-liter turbo four as well as a quick-shifting eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. It's rated at 23/32/27 mpg.
All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication) and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
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