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Your Comparison

Mazda 6 vs Nissan Altima

Which Midsize Sedan Should You Buy?

2024 Mazda
6
Starting MSRP
$26,600
Combined MPG
30
Horsepower
187
2025 Nissan
Altima
Starting MSRP
$26,890
Combined MPG
36
Horsepower
188
Quick Category Winners
Value
Altima
Performance
6
Comfort
Altima
Fuel Economy
Altima
Reliability
6
Interior
6
Technology
Tie
Overall
6
Scorecard Comparison
8.5
Performance
7.8
8.0
Comfort
8.1
8.0
Value
8.6
8.0
Ownership Cost
8.2
7.8
Technology
7.8
8.4
Safety
8.1
8.3
Reliability
7.9
8.7
Interior Quality
7.9
6
Altima
CHOOSE THE 6 IF YOU:
  • Want the most upscale interior in the class
  • Care about engaging driving dynamics
  • Prefer understated, refined styling
CHOOSE THE ALTIMA IF YOU:
  • Want comfortable, easygoing daily driving
  • Prefer available all-wheel drive
  • Value a quiet, relaxed cabin
5-Year Ownership Cost
Category6AltimaDiff
Fuel$7,100$5,900+$1,200
Insurance$6,400$6,500-$100
Maintenance$4,000$3,900+$100
Repairs$1,600$1,700-$100
Depreciation$14,800$14,200+$600
5-Year Total$33,900$32,200+$1,700
$

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

Size Comparison
6
Altima
6
Altima
Diff
Length
191.5
192.9
-1.4
Width
72.4
72.9
-0.5
Height
57.1
56.8
+0.3
Wheelbase
111.4
111.2
+0.2
Cargo Volumecu ft
14.7
15.4
-0.7
Trim-to-Trim Comparison
  • 6 SportvsAltima S
  • 6 TouringvsAltima SR
  • 6 SignaturevsAltima Platinum
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 Mazda 6 is better for shoppers who weight want the most upscale interior in the class, while the Nissan Altima is better if you want comfortable, easygoing daily driving. 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.