Nissan Altima vs Volkswagen Jetta
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2027 Volkswagen Jetta
Overview
| Spec | Nissan Altima2.5 SV | Volkswagen JettaS |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 2.5 SV | S |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2027 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Nissan Altima2.5 SV | Volkswagen JettaS |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $27,580 | $23,995 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | — | $14,398 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $17,554 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $20,709 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 2 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Nissan Altima2.5 SV | Volkswagen JettaS |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG | 34 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 26 MPG | 29 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 36 MPG | 40 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 16.2 gal (best) | 12.8 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Nissan Altima2.5 SV | Volkswagen JettaS |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 188 hp (best) | 158 hp |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2.5 L (best) | 1.5 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Nissan Altima2.5 SV | Volkswagen JettaS |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 15.4 cu ft (best) | 14.1 cu ft |
| Payload | 1,045 lbs (best) | 915 lbs |
| Curb weight | 3,283 lbs | 2,998 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | — | 5.5 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 in (best) | 105.7 in |
| Length | 192.9 in (best) | 186.5 in |
| Width | 72.9 in (best) | 70.8 in |
| Height | 56.8 in | 57.7 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Nissan Altima2.5 SV | Volkswagen JettaS |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| 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 | Nissan Altima | Volkswagen Jetta |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.5 SV $27,580 MSRP(Currently comparing) | S $23,995 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 2.5 SV $29,080 MSRP | Sport $25,395 MSRP |
| 3 | 2.5 SR $28,980 MSRP | SE $26,995 MSRP |
| 4 | 2.5 SR $30,480 MSRP | SEL $29,995 MSRP |
| 5 | — | Autobahn $33,795 MSRP |
Live inventory
Nissan Altima vs Volkswagen Jetta FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Nissan Altima or 2027 Volkswagen Jetta?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Nissan Altima vs 2027 Volkswagen Jetta 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 2027 Volkswagen Jetta?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2027 Volkswagen Jetta starts lower at $23,995. Live Volkswagen Jetta listings start at $14,398.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Nissan Altima or 2027 Volkswagen Jetta?
- The 2027 Volkswagen Jetta leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (23,995).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Nissan Altima or 2027 Volkswagen Jetta?
- The 2027 Volkswagen Jetta leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (34).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Nissan Altima or 2027 Volkswagen Jetta?
- The 2027 Volkswagen Jetta leads on horsepower in this comparison (228).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Nissan Altima vs 2027 Volkswagen Jetta?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Nissan Altima (5/5 NHTSA overall).