Ford Focus vs Nissan Altima
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Nissan Altima
Overview
| Spec | Ford FocusS | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | S | 2.5 SV |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2018 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Ford FocusS | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $17,950 (best) | $27,580 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Ford FocusS | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG | 30 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 25 MPG | 26 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 34 MPG | 36 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 12.4 gal | 16.2 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Ford FocusS | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 160 hp | 188 hp (best) |
| Torque | 146 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2.5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Ford FocusS | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 13.2 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | — | 1,045 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,928 lbs (best) | 3,283 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 104.3 in | 111.2 in (best) |
| Length | 178.7 in | 192.9 in (best) |
| Width | 71.8 in | 72.9 in (best) |
| Height | 57.8 in (best) | 56.8 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Ford FocusS | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 7 | None reported (best) |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Ford Focus | Nissan Altima |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | S $17,950 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 2.5 SV $27,580 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | SE $19,245 MSRP | 2.5 SV $29,080 MSRP |
| 3 | SE $20,540 MSRP | 2.5 SR $28,980 MSRP |
| 4 | SEL $21,870 MSRP | 2.5 SR $30,480 MSRP |
| 5 | SEL $22,070 MSRP | — |
| 6 | Titanium $24,270 MSRP | — |
| 7 | Titanium $24,470 MSRP | — |
| 8 | ST $25,170 MSRP | — |
| 9 | Electric $29,120 MSRP | — |
| 10 | RS $41,120 MSRP | — |
Ford Focus vs Nissan Altima FAQ
- Which is better: 2018 Ford Focus or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2018 Ford Focus vs 2026 Nissan Altima on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2018 Ford Focus or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2018 Ford Focus starts lower at $17,950.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2018 Ford Focus or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- The 2018 Ford Focus leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (17,950).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2018 Ford Focus or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- The 2018 Ford Focus leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (34).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2018 Ford Focus or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- The 2018 Ford Focus leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (115).
- Which has better horsepower: 2018 Ford Focus or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- The 2018 Ford Focus leads on horsepower in this comparison (350).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2018 Ford Focus vs 2026 Nissan Altima?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Ford Focus (5/5 NHTSA overall); Nissan Altima (5/5 NHTSA overall).