Nissan Altima vs Subaru WRX
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Subaru WRX
Overview
| Spec | Nissan Altima2.5 SV | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 2.5 SV | WRX (Base) |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Nissan Altima2.5 SV | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $27,580 (best) | $32,495 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Nissan Altima2.5 SV | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| City MPG | 26 MPG (best) | 19 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 36 MPG (best) | 26 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 16.2 gal | 16.6 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Nissan Altima2.5 SV | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 188 hp | 271 hp (best) |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2.5 L (best) | 2.4 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | flat 4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Nissan Altima2.5 SV | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 15.4 cu ft (best) | 12.5 cu ft |
| Payload | 1,045 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,283 lbs (best) | — |
| Ground clearance | — | 5.4 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 in (best) | 105.2 in |
| Length | 192.9 in (best) | 183.8 in |
| Width | 72.9 in (best) | 71.9 in |
| Height | 56.8 in | 57.8 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Nissan Altima2.5 SV | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| 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 | Nissan Altima | Subaru WRX |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.5 SV $27,580 MSRP(Currently comparing) | WRX (Base) $32,495 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 2.5 SV $29,080 MSRP | Premium $33,995 MSRP |
| 3 | 2.5 SR $28,980 MSRP | Limited $38,995 MSRP |
| 4 | 2.5 SR $30,480 MSRP | Limited $39,995 MSRP |
| 5 | — | GT $44,995 MSRP |
| 6 | — | tS $44,995 MSRP |
| 7 | — | Series.Yellow $45,995 MSRP |
Nissan Altima vs Subaru WRX FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Nissan Altima or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Nissan Altima vs 2026 Subaru WRX on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Nissan Altima or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Nissan Altima starts lower at $27,580.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Nissan Altima or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- The 2026 Nissan Altima leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (27,580).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Nissan Altima or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- The 2026 Nissan Altima leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (30).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Nissan Altima or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- The 2026 Subaru WRX leads on horsepower in this comparison (271).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Nissan Altima vs 2026 Subaru WRX?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Nissan Altima (5/5 NHTSA overall); Subaru WRX (5/5 NHTSA overall).