If you need further proof that American automakers were beaten at the sedan segment long ago, all you need to do is look at the front runners.
Toyota has long dominated the market for midsize sedans, with the Camry consistently ranking as the best-selling passenger car in America. In recent years, however, the Honda Accord has given the Camry a good run for its money. The fight continues with all-new models, as both sedans have been redesigned for 2018.
These two are well ahead of the pack, but this year marks the arrival of a new contender: the all-new 2019 Nissan Altima. Replacing a rather lackluster predecessor, the sixth-generation Altima brings an attractive design inside and out, interesting optional extras such as the innovative VC Turbo engine and all-wheel-drive (a first for the nameplate) plus a comprehensive suite of safety systems.
Also read: 2018 Honda Accord Vs 2018 Toyota Camry: Let The Battle Begin
So how does the 2019 Altima compare to the Camry and Accord? Cars.com put all three cars side by side to find out. Requirements included a price range of $28,000 to $32,000, a volume-selling engine choice, and an automatic transmission.
As a result, the contestants included mid-range trim levels of each model: the 2018 Accord 1.5T EX-L, 2019 Altima 2.5 SV, and 2018 Camry XLE. Each car was awarded points by each of the three judges in 12 different categories. Those included front seats, rear seats, interior quality, in-cabin storage, visibility, multimedia features, powertrain, ride quality, handling, braking, noise, and value.
We won’t spoil the outcome for you, but we will tell you that this was one of the closest races in the publication’s history. Even better, the final ranking took us by surprise – and we’re sure many of you will feel the same.