2025 Honda Civic Sport vs 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV
On paper, the 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV wins on 32 more hp, 45 more lb-ft torque, 8.1″ longer. The 2025 Honda Civic Sport has to win you at the dealer. Key numbers: $2,830 price gap, 150 vs 182 hp, 34 vs 28 MPG.
The Civic Sport leads on $2,830 less, 6 MPG better. The Altima 2.5 SV leads on 32 more hp, 45 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 7 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 7 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2025 Honda Civic Sport | 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $26,250 | $29,080 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Horsepower | 150 hp | 182 hp |
| Torque | 133 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 31 | 25 |
| Highway MPG | 39 | 33 |
| Combined MPG | 34 | 28 |
| Fuel Tank | 12.4 gal | 16.0 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $1,550/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 2,935 lbs | 3,401 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 107.7" | 111.2" |
| Length | 184.8" | 192.9" |
| Width | 70.9" | 72.9" |
| Height | 55.7" | 57.3" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | No published data |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Honda Civic Sport and 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV?
The 2025 Honda Civic Sport starts at $26,250, $2,830 less than the 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV at $29,080. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $50/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Honda Civic Sport?
The 2025 Honda Civic Sport is the stronger pick when you want to keep $2,830 in your pocket and the 2025 Honda Civic Sport covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $265/year less on fuel.
Who should choose the 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV?
The 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV is the stronger pick when the extra 32 hp matters for your commute or driving style; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Honda Civic Sport or 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV?
The 2025 Honda Civic Sport rates 34 combined MPG, 6 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Honda Civic Sport or 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV?
The 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV produces 182 hp, 32 more than the 2025 Honda Civic Sport at 150 hp. The 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV also leads in torque at 178 lb-ft vs 133 lb-ft. The 2025 Honda Civic Sport runs a 2.0L I4; the 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV uses a 2.5L I4. Drivetrains differ too: FWD on the 2025 Honda Civic Sport, AWD on the 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV.
Is the 2025 Honda Civic Sport bigger than the 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV?
The 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV is 8.1″ longer at 192.9″ vs 184.8″. The 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV has a 3.5″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2025 Honda Civic Sport and 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV comes with AWD, while the 2025 Honda Civic Sport uses FWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.
How do the warranties compare?
Both offer similar warranty coverage: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain.
Explore more: Honda trims, Honda Civic trims, Nissan trims, Nissan Altima trims
The Civic–Altima Decision
Shopping compact cars means the Civic and Altima will likely end up on the same test-drive day. Here is what the numbers say before you get behind the wheel. The $2,830 gap adds up to $50/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
What Powers Each Vehicle
The 2025 Honda Civic Sport runs a 2.0L I4; the 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV uses a 2.5L I4. The 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV has 32 more hp (182 vs 150), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV adds 45 more lb-ft of torque (178 vs 133), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. The 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV comes with AWD; the 2025 Honda Civic Sport uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.
The Ownership Math
The 2025 Honda Civic Sport saves roughly $265/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,325. The 2025 Honda Civic Sport wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.
Living With the Civic vs the Altima
The 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV weighs 466 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
The Decision
Choose the 2025 Honda Civic Sport when you want to keep $2,830 in your pocket and the 2025 Honda Civic Sport covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV when the extra 32 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $50/month more, the 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Honda or Nissan or any dealership.