Mazda 626 vs Nissan Altima
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Nissan Altima
Overview
| Spec | Mazda 626LX | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LX | 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 | 2002 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Mazda 626LX | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $18,785 (best) | $27,580 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Mazda 626LX | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 25 MPG | 30 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 23 MPG | 26 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 29 MPG | 36 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 16.9 gal (best) | 16.2 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Mazda 626LX | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 125 hp | 188 hp (best) |
| Torque | 127 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2.5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Mazda 626LX | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 14.2 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | — | 1,045 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,864 lbs (best) | 3,283 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.2 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 in | 111.2 in (best) |
| Length | 187.4 in | 192.9 in (best) |
| Width | 69.3 in | 72.9 in (best) |
| Height | 55.1 in | 56.8 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Mazda 626LX | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
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 | Mazda 626 | Nissan Altima |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LX $18,785 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 2.5 SV $27,580 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | LX V6 $19,985 MSRP | 2.5 SV $29,080 MSRP |
| 3 | ES V6 $21,885 MSRP | 2.5 SR $28,980 MSRP |
| 4 | — | 2.5 SR $30,480 MSRP |
Mazda 626 vs Nissan Altima FAQ
- Which is better: 2002 Mazda 626 or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2002 Mazda 626 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: 2002 Mazda 626 or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2002 Mazda 626 starts lower at $18,785.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2002 Mazda 626 or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- The 2002 Mazda 626 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (18,785).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2002 Mazda 626 or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- The 2026 Nissan Altima leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (30).
- Which has better horsepower: 2002 Mazda 626 or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- The 2026 Nissan Altima leads on horsepower in this comparison (188).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2002 Mazda 626 vs 2026 Nissan Altima?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Nissan Altima (5/5 NHTSA overall).