VS
At a Glance
Power
200hp @ 6000
182hp @ 6000
Torque
192lb-ft @ 1800
178lb-ft @ 3600
Fuel
32 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Engine
1.5 L/91ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Honda Civic and the Nissan Altima is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Honda Civic delivers 200hp @ 6000 while the Nissan Altima produces 182hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Civic returns 32 mpg est. while the Altima uses 30 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $30,995 for the Civic and $29,080 for the Altima. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
200hp @ 6000
182hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
192lb-ft @ 1800
178lb-ft @ 3600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.5 L/91ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Manual w/OD
CVT w/OD
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
32 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
27 (Est)mpg
25 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
37 (Est)mpg
34 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
12.4gal
16gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
184in
192.9in
Width (in)
70.9in
72.9in
Height (in)
55.5in
57.3in
Wheelbase (in)
107.7in
111.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
2952lbs
3399lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Honda Civic
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Civic
Fuel Economy
Civic
Value
Altima
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Honda Civic
Better fuel economy (32 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Nissan Altima
Lower starting price ($29,080)
Higher fuel consumption (30 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Civic or Altima?
The Civic gets 32 mpg est. and the Altima gets 30 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Civic is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Civic or Altima?
The Civic produces 200hp @ 6000 and 192lb-ft @ 1800 of torque while the Altima delivers 182hp @ 6000 and 178lb-ft @ 3600 of torque. The Civic is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Civic and Altima?
The Civic starts from $30,995 and the Altima from $29,080. The Altima is cheaper by $1,915 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Civic or the Altima?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider