Altima Sedan and its two primary competitors,Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are remarkably similar in many respects. They are about the same size, have similar performance numbers, and offer many of the same safety, comfort, and convenience technologies. But when you take a closer look, the details reveal Altima’s advantages Victoria Nissan conducted side-by-side evaluations of a 2010 Accord EX-L (4-cylinder), a 2010 Camry XLE (V6), and an Altima 2.5 S with SL Package to discover what sets Altima Sedan apart. 

 Engine Compartment 

A look under the hood reveals some Altima durability advantages. Both Accord and Camry locate their ABS actuators inside the passenger-side front fender where they are exposed and can be damaged more easily in the event of a crash. In contrast, Altima’s ABS actuators are located behind the engine on the bulkhead, where it is more protected. 

Center Dash Controls 

 Once seated in each car, your eyes are naturally drawn to the controls on the center dash. Whether you like the design of the center dash or not is largely a subjective opinion. However, there are some functional considerations to point out. 

 Accord has an array of large buttons and switches that bulge out from the dash. A large round button dominates the bottom of the control panel, yet its only function is to scroll through a given menu and act as a conventional Enter button. The standard display recessed in the upper dash has a monochrome screen. 

 Camry’s basic center dash configuration is simpler and more straightforward, but it too has a monochrome information display. A color display and backup camera are available on Accord and Camry only when they’re equipped with a navigation system. 

 Altima’s controls are simpler and more intuitive. In addition, an upgraded display screen is within reach for more buyers. A 4.3-inch color display is available as part of the Bose® audio system and includes a RearView Monitor. The main point is that Nissan buyers can get a color display and RearView Monitor in Altima without having to buy a navigation system. 

 Center Console 

Accord’s center console has a single-level storage box. Inside the box is a conventional auxiliary input jack and a 12-volt outlet. There are two fixed cup holders in the center console that cannot be removed for cleaning. The hand-operated parking brake is standard on both manual and automatic transmission models. While a hand-operated parking brake is convenient when operating a manual transmission, it can hinder access to the center console. 

 Camry has a bi-level center console box with a tray that’s removable. The problem is if you remove the tray, where do you store it? Two fixed cup holders, a coin tray, and a 12-volt outlet are located in front of the storage box. Just like the Accord, Camry’s cup holders cannot be removed for cleaning. In front of the shift lever is a small storage compartment with a USB port and another 12-volt outlet. However, you have to locate both by feel because they are difficult to see. In contrast, Altima’s center console has a bi-level storage compartment with a sliding armrest, coin storage, a 12-volt outlet, and an easy-to-reach USB port. The upper level tray folds up to allow access to the storage box without having to remove the tray. Finally, the cup holder inserts can be removed for cleaning. 

Front Door Pockets 

Accord has a fairly large front door pocket with a shaped front that will hold a bottle. However, there is no divider to hold the bottle in place. Camry’s front door pocket is narrow and cannot hold a bottle. Furthermore, Camry’s rear doors have no pockets or bottle holders at all. In contrast, Altima’s front door pockets are designed with tabs to hold a bottle in place, and the rear doors have bottle holders as well. 

Glove Compartment  

Both Accord and Camry have small, unlighted glove compartments.  

Altima’s bi-level glove compartment has a light, it’s much larger, and it includes separate storage for the owner’s manual.  

Rear Seats  

Accord’s 1-piece rear seatback folds down to reveal a wide trunk opening, and it has a lockable pass-through. However, because it’s a 1-piece seatback, you can’t seat a rear passenger and store larger, long cargo at the same time, and the only way to lower the seatback is by using a lever in the trunk.  

All Camrys except the top-of-the-line XLE have 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks. The XLE does not have a folding seatback at all, only a lockable pass-through. Instead, the XLE has a 40/20/40-split reclining seatback although the reclining angle is not very significant.  

All Altimas have 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks that allow for both a rear-seat passenger and storage of long items. The seatbacks can also be locked in the upright position to prevent unauthorized access to the trunk, and they can be lowered either from inside the passenger compartment or the trunk.  

Seat Track and Releases  

 Accord has Honda’s old-fashioned push/pull trunk and fuel door release switch. But what happens if you accidentally pull on the switch when you meant to push it to open the fuel door? That’s right. You have to go close the trunk. Also notice the exposed bolt that holds the seat track in place, but gives the interior an unfinished look.  

 Likewise, Camry has an exposed bolt securing the seat track. It also has floor-mounted trunk and fuel door releases that can be confused with each other.  

 Altima’s seat track bolts are covered by trim pieces and molding, giving the interior a more finished look. The trunk release is located on the lower left dash, and only the fuel door release is on the floor. That way you won’t accidentally open one when you want the other.  

More Details That Make a Difference  

 Here are a few additional details that give the Altima the edge over Accord and Camry:  

•  Body side moldings help protect the finish of the vehicle from parking lot dings and scratches. They’re standard on all Altimas, but available only as an accessory on Accord and Camry.
•  Folding outside mirrors help protect them from damage. They are standard on Altima and Accord, but Camry’s mirrors fold only rearward.
• Individual rear reading lights are standard on Altima. They’re an extra-cost option on Camry and not available on any Accord.
•  Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition is standard on all Altimas, but you can’t get it on any Accord. Camry offers something equivalent called Smart Key System with Push Button Start. However, it’s available only on the SE and XLE V6 trim levels.

 Conclusion  

Quality and value are two key attributes of all Nissan vehicles. Stop by Victoria Nissan and see that the details really make the difference.  

 Victoria Nissan in Victoria, Texas, provides sales and service for new Nissan vehicles. Victoria Nissan also offers a great selection of pre-owned cars and trucks. In addition to new and used cars, Victoria Nissan also services all makes and models. Victoria Nissan is located in Victoria, but we offer a great selection of new and pre-owned vehicles to South Texas, including San Antonio, Houston, Austin, Corpus Christi, and McAllen metro areas. You can contact Victoria Nissan at 866-808-7765 or locally at 645-7045. You can also visit our online showroom at www.victorianissan.com or our blog at www.victorianissanblog.com. Victoria Nissan, 6003 N. Navarro, Victoria, Texas 77904