2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 S vs 2025 Toyota Prius LE
$2,750 less and 11.8″ longer vs 23 MPG better and AWD. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $2,750 price gap, 188 vs 196 hp, 31 vs 54 MPG.
The Altima 2.5 S leads on $2,750 less, 11.8″ longer. The Prius LE leads on 23 MPG better, AWD. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 6 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 Nissan Altima 2.5 S | 2025 Toyota Prius LE |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $27,000 | $29,750 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.0L I4 hybrid |
| Horsepower | 188 hp | 196 hp |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft | No published data |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 27 | 53 |
| Highway MPG | 38 | 54 |
| Combined MPG | 31 | 54 |
| Fuel Tank | 16.2 gal | 10.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,400/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,253 lbs | 3,230 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 108.3" |
| Length | 192.9" | 181.1" |
| Width | 72.9" | 70.2" |
| Height | 56.7" | 55.9" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | No published data | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 2yr/25k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 S and 2025 Toyota Prius LE?
The 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 S starts at $27,000, $2,750 less than the 2025 Toyota Prius LE at $29,750. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $49/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 S?
The 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 S is the stronger pick when you want to keep $2,750 in your pocket and the 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 S covers your needs; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.
Who should choose the 2025 Toyota Prius LE?
The 2025 Toyota Prius LE is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $577/year less on fuel; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 S or 2025 Toyota Prius LE?
The 2025 Toyota Prius LE rates 54 combined MPG, 23 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 S or 2025 Toyota Prius LE?
The 2025 Toyota Prius LE produces 196 hp, 8 more than the 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 S at 188 hp. The 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 S runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Toyota Prius LE uses a 2.0L I4 hybrid. Drivetrains differ too: FWD on the 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 S, AWD on the 2025 Toyota Prius LE.
Is the 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 S bigger than the 2025 Toyota Prius LE?
The 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 S is 11.8″ longer at 192.9″ vs 181.1″. The 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 S has a 2.9″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 S and 2025 Toyota Prius LE have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Toyota Prius LE comes with AWD, while the 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 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: Nissan trims, Nissan Altima trims, Toyota trims, Toyota Prius trims
- 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 S Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- 2025 Toyota Prius LE Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
The Altima–Prius Decision
Shopping midsize sedans means the Altima and Prius will likely end up on the same test-drive day. Here is what the numbers say before you get behind the wheel. The $2,750 gap is about $49/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
What Powers Each Vehicle
The 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 S runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Toyota Prius LE uses a 2.0L I4 hybrid. The 8 hp difference (196 vs 188) is marginal in daily driving. The 2025 Toyota Prius LE comes with AWD; the 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 S uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.
The Ownership Math
The 2025 Toyota Prius LE saves roughly $577/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $2,885. The 2025 Toyota Prius LE costs more upfront but recovers some of that gap through lower running costs. At $577/year in savings, it takes about 4.8 years to close the $2,750 sticker difference.
Living With the Altima vs the Prius
The 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 S is 11.8″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages.
The Decision
Choose the 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 S when you want to keep $2,750 in your pocket and the 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 S covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Toyota Prius LE when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $577/year less on fuel. At $49/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.
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 Nissan or Toyota or any dealership.