Head-to-head
2026 Lexus ES vs 2026 Nissan Altima
Too close to call: Nissan Altima 85.3 vs Lexus ES 85.2 with these weights. The Lexus ES is ahead on fuel & range and performance. Raise the fuel & range weight from 3 to 3.1 and it flips.
A
2026 Lexus ES
The 2026 Lexus ES is sold in the U.S. as an electric and hybrid midsize sedan with 6 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the ES 350e (19 inch W…
vs
A2026 Nissan Altima
The 2026 Nissan Altima is sold in the U.S. as a gas midsize sedan with 2 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Altima, is EPA-rated at 30 mp…
Verdict · default weights
2026 Nissan Altima
Toss-upToo close to call: Nissan Altima 85.3 vs Lexus ES 85.2 with these weights. The Lexus ES is ahead on fuel & range and performance. Raise the fuel & range weight from 3 to 3.1 and it flips.
Fuel & range 2026 Lexus ES leads by 73.1
Price 2026 Nissan Altima leads by 43.5
Safety 2026 Nissan Altima leads by 18.7
| Category · weight | 2026 Lexus ESoverall 85.2 | 2026 Nissan Altimaoverall 85.3 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 56.5 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | ||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 26.9 | ||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | ||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 81.3 | 100 | ||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | ||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 90.9 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | ||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 100 | 87 | ||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | ||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 93.3 | ||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | ||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | ||||||||||||
| Overall | 85.2 | 85.3 | ||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Lexus ES: base trim ES 350e Premium FWD · Nissan Altima: base trim SV FWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Raise the fuel & range weight from 3 to 3.1 and the answer flips.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2026 Nissan Altima wins
- It lists 30 standard driver-assist features against 2.
- It starts $21,215 lower ($27,580 against $48,795 base MSRP).
- It holds 15.4 cu ft behind the second row against 13.3.
Where the 2026 Lexus ES answers
- It is rated 127 combined against 30 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
- It costs $1,500 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($600 against $2,100).
What they share
- A Safety Signal of 100.
- 1 owner complaints.
- 5 seats.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
50 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Lexus ESES 350e Premium FWD | Nissan AltimaSV FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $48,795 | $27,580 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | — | naturally aspirated |
| Cylinder count | — | 4 |
| Engine displacement | — | 2,488 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (Front) | 2.5L 4-cylinder inline DOHC |
| Fuel injection system | — | gdi mpi |
| Valve configuration | — | 4 valves per cylinder; CVTCS on intake and exhaust valves |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 221 hp | 188 hp |
| Torque | 198 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | — | 26 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | — | 30 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | — | 36 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | — | 4.828 |
| Transmission type | — | cvt |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Overall height | 61.4 in | 56.8 in |
| Overall length | 202 in | 193 in |
| Overall width | 75.6 in | 72.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 116 in | 111 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 13.3 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | — | 116 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 38.3 in | 39.1 in |
| Second-row headroom | — | 36.9 in |
| Third-row headroom | 37.8 in | — |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41.9 in | 43.8 in |
| Second-row legroom | — | 35.2 in |
| Third-row legroom | 40.7 in | — |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 4,652 lbs | — |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,608 lbs | — |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 5,810 lbs | — |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent MacPherson strut-type | Independent strut with coil springs, aluminum links, 25mm stabilizer bar |
| Rear suspension type | Multilink | Multi-link independent suspension, 26mm hollow stabilizer bar |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | EPS | Dual-pinion electric-powered steering system |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | — | 18.7 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 340 mm | 296 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | Power-assisted vented disc |
| Parking brake type | — | Foot brake / mechanical |
| Rear brake diameter | 339 mm | 292 mm |
| Rear brake type | ventilated disc | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 19 in | 17 in |
| Wheel material | forged alloy | alloy |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | — | 215/55R17 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | — | 16.2 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | — | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Lexus Interface | NissanConnect Services Powered by SiriusXM |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | 36 months | — |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | 60 months | 3 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 57.5 in | 58.2 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | — | 57.1 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 53.9 in | — |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
159 features · differences first, then sharedSafety42 differ · 42 listed
| Feature | Lexus ESES 350e Premium FWD | Nissan AltimaSV FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Warning | — | std |
| Intelligent Cruise Control | — | opt |
| Intelligent Forward Collision Warning | — | std |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | std |
| Front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags | — | std |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | std |
| Nissan Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor | — | std |
| RearView Monitor | — | std |
| Roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection | — | std |
| Seat-mounted rear passenger side-impact supplemental air bags | — | std |
| Anti-lock Braking System | — | std |
| Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection | — | std |
| Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | std | — |
| Brake Assist | — | std |
| Child safety rear door locks | — | std |
| Child seat upper tether anchors – 3 (rear seat) | — | std |
| Driver and front passenger supplemental knee air bags | — | std |
| Driver Monitor | opt | — |
| Easy-Fill Tire Alert | — | std |
| Electronic / switch parking brake | — | opt |
| Electronic Brake Force Distribution | — | std |
| Emergency inside trunk release | — | std |
| Front Cross Traffic Assist | opt | — |
| High Beam Assist | — | std |
| Hill Start Assist | — | std |
| Intelligent Driver Alertness | — | std |
| Intelligent Lane Intervention | — | opt |
| Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | opt | — |
| Lane Change Assist | opt | — |
| LATCH System | — | std |
| Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 | std | — |
| ProPILOT Assist | — | opt |
| Rear Automatic Braking | — | std |
| Rear Door Alert | — | std |
| Rear Pedestrian Detection | opt | — |
| Rear Sonar System | — | std |
| Traction Control System | — | std |
| Traffic Jam Assist | opt | — |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control | — | std |
| Vehicle Security System | — | std |
| Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System | — | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System, 4-corner pressure readout | — | std |
Infotainment35 differ · 35 listed
| Feature | Lexus ESES 350e Premium FWD | Nissan AltimaSV FWD |
|---|---|---|
| NissanConnect Services Powered by SiriusXM® (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Wi-Fi Hotspot | std | opt |
| 12.3-inch HD color display with multi-touch control | — | opt |
| 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display | std | — |
| 2 front 60W USB-C ports | std | — |
| 2 rear 60W USB-C ports | std | — |
| 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist® Display | — | std |
| 8-inch color display with multi-touch control | — | std |
| AM/FM with 6 speakers | — | std |
| Bluetooth® and USB smartphone connectivity | std | — |
| Bluetooth® hands-free phone system | — | std |
| Drive Connect with Cloud Navigation, Intelligent Assistant and Destination Assist w/ minimum 3-year-trial | std | — |
| Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant | — | std |
| Integrated Streaming w/ Spotify® (requires active Wi-Fi Connect trial or subscription) | std | — |
| Lexus app | std | — |
| Lexus Interface w/ 14.0-inch touchscreen display | std | — |
| Manual shift mode with paddle shifters | std | — |
| NissanConnect Services Powered by SiriusXM® (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Wi-Fi Hotspot | — | opt |
| NissanConnect® featuring Apple CarPlay® integration and Android Auto™ | — | std |
| Remote Connect (minimum 3-year trial included) | std | — |
| Safety Connect (5-year trial included) | std | — |
| Service Connect (5-year trial included) | std | — |
| Siri Eyes Free®/Google Assistant™ Voice Recognition | — | std |
| SiriusXM® with 360L (3-month trial included) | std | — |
| SiriusXM® with advanced audio features (three-month trial period included) | — | std |
| Streaming audio via Bluetooth® | — | std |
| Two front illuminated USB connection ports (one Type-A, one Type-C) | — | std |
| Two rear illuminated USB charge ports (one Type-A, one Type-C) | — | opt |
| Wired Android Auto | — | std |
| Wired Apple CarPlay | — | std |
| Wireless Android Auto | — | opt |
| Wireless Android Auto™ compatibility | std | — |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay | — | opt |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay® compatibility | std | — |
| Wireless charging pad | — | opt |
| Wireless phone charger | std | — |
Convenience8 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Lexus ESES 350e Premium FWD | Nissan AltimaSV FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition | — | std |
| Cruise control | — | std |
| HomeLink® garage door opener | std | — |
| Lexus Memory System for driver's seat, outside mirrors and steering wheel | std | — |
| Power door locks with selective unlocking | — | std |
| Power windows with auto up/down with auto reverse – driver side | — | std |
| Remote engine start | — | std |
| SmartAccess | std | — |
Climate4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Lexus ESES 350e Premium FWD | Nissan AltimaSV FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control | — | opt |
| Dual-zone climate control with interior air filters, smog sensor and automatic recirculation mode | std | — |
| Front HVAC system microfilter | — | std |
| Multi-zone climate control w/ rear-seat controller | opt | — |
Seating18 differ · 19 listed
| Feature | Lexus ESES 350e Premium FWD | Nissan AltimaSV FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 10-way power-adjustable driver seat w/ memory and 4-way lumbar adjustment | std | — |
| 60/40 split fold-down rear seats | — | std |
| Heated and ventilated front seats | std | — |
| Heated front seats | std | opt |
| 10-way power-adjustable driver seat w/ memory and 4-way lumbar adjustment | std | — |
| 2-way power lumbar | — | opt |
| 2-way power-adjustable driver's side rear passenger seat and 4-way power-adjustable rear passenger seat w/ ottoman and massage function | opt | — |
| 4-way manual passenger seat | — | std |
| 4-way power passenger seat | std | opt |
| 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat w/ memory | std | — |
| Driver's seat power cushion extender | opt | — |
| Front seat radiant knee heater | opt | — |
| Heated and ventilated rear seats | opt | — |
| Leather-appointed seating | — | opt |
| Perforated NuLuxe® interior trim | std | — |
| Seating for five | std | — |
| Woven fabric seating | — | std |
| Zero gravity bucket front seats | — | std |
| 8-way power | std | std |
Interior11 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Lexus ESES 350e Premium FWD | Nissan AltimaSV FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Heated steering wheel | std | — |
| 3-spoke urethane steering wheel | — | std |
| Active noise control | std | — |
| Center console with armrest, 12V power outlet and storage | — | std |
| Dual overhead front map lights with sunglass holder | — | std |
| Meters/gauges – Fine Vision illumination (Speedometer, Tachometer, Coolant temperature, Fuel level with fuel door location indicator) | — | std |
| Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column | std | — |
| Power-adjustable tilting and telescoping steering column | std | — |
| Rear reading lights | — | std |
| Steering wheel-mounted control switches (cruise control, audio, Bluetooth® hands-free phone system) | — | std |
| Thematic ambient lighting | std | — |
Exterior29 differ · 29 listed
| Feature | Lexus ESES 350e Premium FWD | Nissan AltimaSV FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Single panel moonroof | std | opt |
| Heated power-folding outside mirrors with auto tilt-down in reverse | std | — |
| 17-inch alloy wheel, gloss black | — | opt |
| 17-inch machined aluminum-alloy with painted inserts | — | std |
| 19-inch alloy wheels | std | — |
| 19-inch machined aluminum-alloy with painted inserts | — | opt |
| 21-inch alloy wheels | opt | — |
| 215/55R17 all-season tires | — | std |
| 235/40R19 all-season tires | — | opt |
| Acoustic front and side window glass | std | — |
| Active grille shutters | — | std |
| Center High-Mounted Stop Light (LED) | — | std |
| Digital latch electronic door handles | std | — |
| Dual power remote-controlled sideview mirrors – manual folding | — | std |
| Exhaust finisher | — | opt |
| Flat blade variable intermittent windshield wipers with mist cycle | — | std |
| Headlamp washer | opt | — |
| Heated power-folding outside mirrors with auto tilt-down in reverse | std | — |
| Intelligent Auto Headlights (LED, Daytime Running Lights, High Beam Assist) | — | std |
| LED headlamps and daytime running lights | std | — |
| LED taillamps | std | — |
| Power trunk w/ kick sensor | std | — |
| Rain-sensing windshield wipers | std | — |
| Rear camera washer | std | — |
| Rear decklid spoiler | — | opt |
| Windshield wiper de-icer | opt | — |
| Rear window defroster with timer | — | std |
| Splash Guards | — | opt |
| Temporary spare tire – 16 x 4T, steel wheel | — | std |
Powertrain8 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Lexus ESES 350e Premium FWD | Nissan AltimaSV FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive | — | std |
| Front Wheel Drive (FWD) | — | std |
| AC dual-voltage charging cable supporting Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) input | std | — |
| Battery saver timing device | — | std |
| Braking regen paddle shifters | std | — |
| CCS to NACS (J1772 to J3400) AC plug adapter | std | — |
| CCS1 to NACS (J1772 combo to J3400) DC plug adapter | std | — |
| Drive Mode Select (ECO, Normal, Sport, Custom) | std | — |
Chassis3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Lexus ESES 350e Premium FWD | Nissan AltimaSV FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ride Control | — | opt |
| Intelligent Trace Control | — | opt |
| ZF Sachs monotube rear shock absorbers | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPLexus ES
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 0
Owner complaints 1 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Unspecified (1)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Nissan Altima
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★★
Recalls 0
Owner complaints 1 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Electrical System (1), Lane Departure (1)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Lexus ESES 350e Premium FWD | Nissan AltimaSV FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $48,795 (base trim) | $27,580 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $48,795 – $60,195 8 trims | $27,580 – $30,480 4 trims |
| Powertrains | BEV, HEV | GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | ES 350e (19 inch Wheels) | Altima |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 127 | 30 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $600 | $2,100 |
| EV range | 307 mi | — |
| Basic warranty | — | — |
| Powertrain warranty | — | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Lexus ES or the 2026 Nissan Altima?
Too close to call: Nissan Altima 85.3 vs Lexus ES 85.2 with these weights. The Lexus ES is ahead on fuel & range and performance. Raise the fuel & range weight from 3 to 3.1 and it flips. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Nissan Altima scores 85.3 and the 2026 Lexus ES 85.2. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2026 Lexus ES or the 2026 Nissan Altima?
The 2026 Nissan Altima starts lower — $27,580 against $48,795, a gap of $21,215 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Lexus ES or the 2026 Nissan Altima?
2026 Lexus ES: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. 2026 Nissan Altima: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 0 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2026 Lexus ES and the 2026 Nissan Altima?
Where the 2026 Nissan Altima wins: it lists 30 standard driver-assist features against 2, starts $21,215 lower ($27,580 against $48,795 base MSRP), and holds 15.4 cu ft behind the second row against 13.3. Where the 2026 Lexus ES answers: it is rated 127 combined against 30 (EPA mpg or MPGe) and costs $1,500 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($600 against $2,100). What they share: a Safety Signal of 100, 1 owner complaints, and 5 seats.