Used Hyundai Sonata
What’s for sale near me?
Above Average: Styling, features, infotainment, warranty, safety
Below Average: Interior plastics, steering feedback
Consensus: An impressive sedan with loads of features, plus surprisingly strong resale and reliability scores fast approaching the longtime segment leaders.
Used Nissan Altima
What’s for sale near me?
Above Average: Wide range of trims, powerful V6, 4-cylinder sips gas
Below Average: Firm ride, no hybrid model, best features reserved for most expensive trims
Consensus: An excellent family sedan that sometimes flies under the radar but does everything well.
The Altima is a good all-around family sedan, but the Sonata offers more features, more engine options and a better warranty. The Altima cost a bit less than the Sonata, but the Sonata holds its value better. Both cars come with frugal 4-cylinder engines, but where the Sonata offers a powerful turbocharged 4, the Altima relies on a proven V6. The Hyundai has hybrid and plug-in hybrid models but the Altima does not. The Sonata offers more passenger and cargo volume, as well as more features and options. The Altima’s CVT (continuously variable transmission) helps it attain better fuel economy than the Sonata but did suffer some problems on early models. The Sonata’s factory and CPO warranty coverage is better than what is offered by Nissan, but both cars perform well in the IIHS crash tests.
Hyundai Sonata Advantages
Resale, engine options, hybrid model, features, infotainment
Nissan Altima Advantages
Powerful V6, fuel economy, price, steering response
Similarities
Roomy interior, upscale features, attractive styling, 4-cylinder fuel economy, safety
Final Recommendation
The Sonata offers more engine options, features and style plus a better warranty and better resale.
OK, so what’s next?
I’m ready for one of these cars, and I’d like to trade in my current car while I’m at it.
