VS
At a Glance
Power
188hp @ 6000
149hp @ 6400
Torque
180lb-ft @ 3600
146lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
33 mpg est.
34 mpg est.
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/122ci
Choosing between the Nissan Altima and the Nissan Sentra is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Nissan Altima delivers 188hp @ 6000 while the Nissan Sentra produces 149hp @ 6400. On fuel, the Altima returns 33 mpg est. while the Sentra uses 34 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $27,580 for the Altima and $25,000 for the Sentra. 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)
188hp @ 6000
149hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
180lb-ft @ 3600
146lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/122ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
33 mpg est.
34 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
27 (2025)mpg
30 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
39 (2025)mpg
38 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
16.2gal
12.4gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
192.9in
183in
Width (in)
72.9in
71.5in
Height (in)
56.8in
57.1in
Wheelbase (in)
111.2in
106.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3281lbs
3153lbs
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
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Nissan Sentra
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Altima
Fuel Economy
Sentra
Value
Sentra
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Nissan Altima
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (33 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Nissan Sentra
Better fuel economy (34 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($25,000)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Altima or Sentra?
The Altima gets 33 mpg est. and the Sentra gets 34 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Sentra 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 Altima or Sentra?
The Altima produces 188hp @ 6000 and 180lb-ft @ 3600 of torque while the Sentra delivers 149hp @ 6400 and 146lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. The Altima is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Altima and Sentra?
The Altima starts from $27,580 and the Sentra from $25,000. The Sentra is cheaper by $2,580 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Altima or the Sentra?
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