Honda
Accord
Nissan
Altima
Honda Accord vs Nissan Altima: 2022 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Honda Accord comes out ahead of the Nissan Altima on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Accord
Overall
The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the Accord consistently praised as a benchmark for reliability, practicality, and long-term value. Owners across multiple generations express deep satisfaction, describing their vehicles as "bulletproof," "reliable as fuck," and capable of lasting over 200,000 miles with basic maintenance. The car is widely recommended as a comfortable, spacious, and fuel-efficient family sedan that excels at daily driving.
Best version to buy
For the 9th generation (approx. 2013-2017), the V6 engine, particularly in coupe form with a 6-speed manual transmission, is highly regarded for its smoothness, power (noted as being underrated at nearly 300 hp), and engaging driving character. For the 10th generation (2018-2022), the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is strongly preferred over the 1.5T, with owners noting it is a detuned Civic Type R engine with high tuning potential and a superior, more reliable 10-speed automatic transmission.
Known issues
- ⚠1.5L Turbocharged Engine Reliability: Reports of blown head gaskets and fuel injector failures, described as a "staggering" number of issues, making ownership a "hit or miss." Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠CVT Transmission Performance: Noted as "sluggish," with a detached feeling and a "weird" sound under hard acceleration, though acknowledged to work well enough for average daily driving. Some owners express long-term reliability concerns.
- ⚠Infotainment System Lag: Slow response times, slow menu navigation, and delays in connecting to phones. Frequency: recurrent.
Altima
Overall
Extremely negative sentiment regarding long-term reliability, dominated by widespread and severe criticism of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The CVT is described as a fundamental design flaw leading to premature failure, often between 80,000 and 150,000 miles, with replacement costs cited around $4,000. This issue is so pervasive it has spawned multiple class-action lawsuits, particularly for models from the 2010-2020 period.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to identify a consensus "best" model year or trim. Isolated positive anecdotes reference older models (e.g., 2002 Maxima, pre-2010 Altimas) with traditional automatic transmissions, but no specific Altima generation or trim receives repeated endorsement.
Known issues
- ⚠CVT transmission failure: Catastrophic failure requiring full replacement, often between 80,000-150,000 miles; symptoms include jerking, shuddering, loss of acceleration, lurching at low speeds, and inability to rev beyond a certain RPM.
- ⚠CVT-related problems (general): Whining noise, rubber band effect, laggy throttle response, and general concerns about long-term durability. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Engine issues (various): For 2019-2021 models with the 2.0L VC-Turbo engine, a manufacturing defect in engine bearings can lead to catastrophic engine failure, knocking noises, loss of power, and potential fire, as detailed in a NHTSA reca…
The verdict
The Honda Accord is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Nissan Altima, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Honda Accord are a dealbreaker, the Nissan Altima is worth a closer look instead.
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Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Honda Accord or the Nissan Altima?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Honda Accord than the Nissan Altima. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Honda Accord or the Nissan Altima?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Honda Accord or the Nissan Altima?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Honda Accord or the Nissan Altima?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Nissan Altima than the Honda Accord. See the known issues comparison above.