Which midsize sedan has more of what you crave, the used Toyota Camry or used Nissan Altima? Our side-by-side comparison helps you figure out which used car belongs in your driveway!
Key Takeaways
- With its high-quality cabin materials and generous passenger space, the used Camry ensures your everyday comfort.
- Thanks to a robust standard lineup, the used Altima is our first choice for modern technology.
- The used Camry’s available hybrid powertrain helps you achieve up to 52 mpg combined! However the Altima boasts a very thrifty ride with its standard ICE setup.
- Generally, the Altima offers the lowest price on a used midsize sedan.
Cabin Comfort: Used Toyota Camry
Choose the used Camry for the roomiest cabin and most supportive seating! This midsize sedan offers generous passenger space in both rows, making it a popular choice for anyone with tall passengers to ferry around town. Climb the used Camry trim levels to enjoy extras like heated front seats and leather upholstery!
The used Nissan Altima is also a roomy option! However, unlike the Camry, which is tuned for comfort, the Altima can feel a little bumpy. The Camry also trumps the Altima when it comes to outward visibility. The Altima’s rearview is reduced by a high decklid. On the other hand, the Altima also offers a variety of trim models and luxury upgrades.
Modern Technology: Used Nissan Altima
This was a close call, but the used Nissan Altima comes out on top, thanks to its impressive list of standard features. Like the Camry, recent Altima model years come standard with handy driver safety aids, including automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning. Used Altimas also offer modern infotainment gear, including a central touchscreen and smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, adaptive cruise control is only available on higher trim models.
Recent model years of the Toyota Camry come standard with adaptive cruise control, a feature that’s often only found on higher, more expensive trim models. The latest generation of used Camrys also delivers impressive connectivity, with standard infotainment and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
Best Fuel Economy: Used Toyota Camry
You can minimize your fuel budget with the Camry’s available hybrid powertrain. Throughout the Camry’s eighth generation (model years 2018-2024), hybrid models were EPA-rated to earn 52 mpg combined (51 city/53 highway). With the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the Camry remains a relatively thrifty option, earning up to 32 mpg combined (28 city/39 highway).
Unfortunately, the Nissan Altima doesn’t offer a thrifty hybrid powertrain. However, its engine options do a pretty good job combining highway-friendly power with modern fuel economy. Both engine options and EPA ratings vary according to model year. For example, the Altima’s base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine was rated for 32 mpg combined (27 city/39 highway) for 2024 and 31 mpg combined (27 city/38 highway) for 2018!
Lowest Market Price: Used Nissan Altima
The price of any used midsize sedan will vary according to a wide range of features, not the least of which is mileage! In general, though, a used Nissan Altima comes at a lower price than a similarly used Toyota Camry. Right now, Kelly Blue Book puts the fair market range for a used 2024 Nissan Camry 2.5 S (with average mileage) between $24,110 and $26,083. KBB’s market range for the average used 2024 Toyota Camry LE is slightly higher, costing between $25,817 and $27,778.
You can save more money on a used midsize sedan by choosing an earlier model year. KBB’s fair market range for the average entry-level 2019 Nissan Altima is between $11,828 and $13,967. The range for the base 2019 Toyota Camry is between $16,976 and $19,025.
The Right Choice for You
If you’re hunting for a bargain, the used Toyota Camry will do just fine. That said, the used Altima is the best all-around option! You will likely spend more on a used Camry. A used Altima secures a comfortable cost and modern tech features.