Compare 2019 Toyota Camry vs. Altima

Now in its 8th generation, the Toyota Camry has a long history of reliability that you can depend on. The Nissan Altima is newly redesigned for its 5th generation.

When it comes to starting prices, the field is just about even with the Camry L offering a slightly higher starting MSRP option. The 2019 Altima S starting MSRP is $24,000 and the Camry L starting MSRP is $24,095¹².

If you look closely, you’ll discover the Camry offers more value and better performance. In all engine comparisons, the Camry features better horsepower ratings. We will detail these differences in the section entitled “Performance” below.

Camry delivers competitive safety features using the latest technology. Toyota Safety Sense® P (TSS-P)²⁴ comes standard on Camry. Nissan Altima S and SR do offer comparable active safety features, which we will detail in the safety section.

For information and technology lovers, Camry has available features that Altima does not offer, such as Connected Services by Toyota. You’ll learn more about this in the interior section.

ToyotaCare is a major advantage of the 2019 Camry. It includes a no-cost maintenance plan for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 24-hour roadside assistance for 2 years and unlimited miles¹¹³⁸. Nissan offers a similar no-cost roadside assistance package, but the maintenance plans (Gold Preferred, Silver Preferred, and Powertrain Preferred) are an extra cost — see Nissan dealer for details.

If you want a solid value, look no further than the Camry. According to Toyota's sales estimates for 2002-2018, the Camry is the best-selling⁶⁶ standard midsize car for the 16th year in a row.

In this head to head comparison of the 2019 Toyota Camry and the 2019 Nissan Altima, we will take a look at the safety, performance, and interior features of these two cars. In the end, one car comes out ahead as a clear favorite.

Toyota vehicles deliver competitive safety features using the latest technology. Every trim of the 2019 Toyota Camry comes standard equipped with Toyota Safety Sense® P (TSS-P) suite of advanced active safety systems including Pre-Collision System²³ with Pedestrian Detection²²²⁴.

2019 Altima S and Altima SR do have standard Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking, but neither trim has pedestrian detection technology. The 2019 Altima SV and higher grades do come with pedestrian detection technology.

When it comes to safety features, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert both come standard on the Altima SR, and are available on Camry SE³³.

Now to the safety awards for both the Toyota Camry and the Nissan Altima.

The 2019 Camry earned 5-Star Overall Safety Ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)²⁶. 2019 Altima has not yet been rated as of April 2019, but the 2018 Altima received 5-Star Overall Safety Ratings from NHTSA. However, while the 2019 Altima received a 2019 IIHS Top Safety Pick, the 2019 Camry was awarded the 2019 Top Safety Pick+ when equipped with Adaptive LED Projector Headlights⁴⁵.

Camry also received the highest rating possible for crashworthiness and crash avoidance.

Between these two vehicles, you’ll get more horsepower with Toyota. Camry gas 4-CYL engines have 203hp and gas V6 engines have 301hp. Nissan Altima’s non-turbocharged 4-CYL engine produces 188hp, and the turbocharged 4-CYL engine produces 248hp with 93 octane fuel or 236hp with 87 octane fuel. Camry also delivers better fuel economy — Camry L has an EPA-estimated 34MPG⁴⁸ combined vs. Altima S’s 32MPG⁴⁸ combined.

Both Camry engines (4-CYL and V6) utilize the D-45 direct-injection system which packs a powerful punch while still offering competitive fuel-efficiency.

When comparing optimal efficiency, the Toyota Camry comes out on top. Camry L has a better EPA-estimated MPG at 29/41/34 MPG⁴⁸ (city/hwy/comb) vs. the Altima SR’s EPA-estimated 28/39/32 MPG⁴⁸ (city/hwy/comb).

Altima SR is available with AWD, whereas Camry only has FWD. But, car owners can also enjoy more Hybrid options with the Toyota Camry. Camry offers three different Hybrid Engine Trims standard with Hybrid-exclusive EV drive mode, which allows it to be driven solely on the electric motor at low speeds. There is no hybrid engine option for the 2019 Nissan Altima.

Expect premium interior upgrades with the 2019 Toyota Camry. The Camry SE offers available equipment upgrades that are not available on Altima SR. These upgrades include dual-zone automatic climate control, Qi-wireless compatible charging, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a HomeLink® garage door opener.

For Altima’s part, SiriusXM® Radio with 3-month Complimentary Trial Access is standard on Altima SR; the same feature requires upgrading to the Audio Package (MSRP $1,065) on Camry SE.

You are more connected with technology features offered in the Toyota Camry.

Apple CarPlay®⁵¹ comes standard on both the 2019 Camry and Altima. You can use this feature to make calls, get directions and send/receive messages. Taking advantage of the Apple CarPlay®⁵¹ support feature to perform these tasks for you allows you to focus on driving.

Every 2019 Camry includes a Toyota Connected Services trial which includes a 3-year trial of Safety Connect⁶⁷ and a trial of up to 2GB/6 months of Wi-Fi Connect. Plus, higher grade Camrys include other Toyota Connected Services features, including a 3-year trial of Service Connect⁶⁹ and a 6 months trial of Remote Connect⁶⁸. NissanConnect® offers navigation, entertainment and security features, such as the ability to stream music wirelessly or unlock your doors using your voice. NissanConnect® services are not available on 2019 Altima S, SR, or SV.

To make your drive more comfortable, the 2019 Camry L has standard Dynamic Radar Cruise Control¹⁹, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)⁶², and Automatic High Beams (AHB)¹⁸ via TSS-P. The comparable base-grade Altima S and Altima SR do not offer Intelligent Cruise Control. Also, Intelligent Lane Intervention and High Beam Assist are not available on the Altima S or Altima SR FWD trims.

Both the 2019 Toyota Camry and the 2019 Nissan Altima are strong competitors. When you take a look at them in this head to head comparison, there are many clear-cut advantages for the Camry. When it comes to performance, the Camry L offers a better EPA-estimated MPG at 29/41/34 MPG⁴⁸ (city/hwy/comb) vs. the Altima SR’s EPA-estimated 28/39/32 MPG⁴⁸ (city/hwy/comb).

Both Camry engines available — the V6 and the 4-CYL — deliver fuel-efficiency and improved performance thanks to the D-4S dual-injection system. The base model 2019 Camry leverages its 2.5-liter 4-CYL engine to outpace the Altima in horsepower (203hp to 188hp) as well.

Toyota was a Best Resale Value Brand in 2018 according to Kelley Blue Book®⁴¹.

Toyota Safety Sense® P (TSS-P)²⁴ and ToyotaCare¹¹ are major advantages, as is Camry’s IIHS TSP+ awards for safety⁴⁵.

Every 2019 Camry offers a suite of available technology packages (Connected Services by Toyota vs. NissanConnect®) that are not available on Altima S, SR, nor SV.

Considering these distinct advantages, you can see why the 2019 Toyota Camry comes out as our clear winner in this head to head comparison.