Compare the2026 Audi A5VS 2026 Nissan Altima

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics

Safety

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The A5’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Altima doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

Both the A5 and Altima have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The A5 has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The Altima’s child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

The A5 has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The Altima doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

The A5 has standard whiplash protection, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the whiplash protection system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Altima doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

With its standard Active Front Assist, the Audi A5 is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Nissan Altima, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

	A5	Altima
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
	Crossing Child - DAY
12 MPH	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH	AVOIDED	-11 MPH
	Crossing Adult - NIGHT
12 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-5 MPH
12 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-1 MPH
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-7 MPH
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-5 MPH
	Parallel Adult - NIGHT
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-11 MPH
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-5 MPH
37 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-9 MPH
Warning Issued-Brights	2.2 sec	1.3 sec
37 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	No Slowing
Warning Issued-Low beams	1.7 sec	No Warning

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Audi A5 achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, outperforming the Nissan Altima which scored “Poor” - the lowest rating - in these critical safety features.

The A5 has a standard Secondary Collision Brake Assist, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Altima doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the A5. But it costs extra on the Altima.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The A5 has Car-to-X Services, a system that seamlessly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The Altima doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from infrastructure.

Both the A5 and Altima have rear cross-traffic warning, but the A5 has Automatic Brake Activation (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Altima’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the A5 and the Altima have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The Audi A5 weighs 650 to 809 pounds more than the Nissan Altima. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the A5 is much safer than the Altima:

	A5	Altima
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Leg Forces L/R	360/112 pounds	517/517 pounds
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Chest Rating	GOOD	MARGINAL
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	ACCEPTABLE	POOR

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Audi A5 is much safer than the Altima:

	A5	Altima
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	POOR
Structure	GOOD	POOR
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	MARGINAL
Head Injury Criterion	278	562
Head Peak Forces	no contact	109 G’s
Neck Tension	357 lbs.	625 lbs.
Neck Compression	-201 lbs.	22 lbs.
Torso	ACCEPTABLE	POOR
Shoulder Deflection	1.42 in	2.09 in
Shoulder Force	335 lbs.	402 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.34 in	2.2 in
Pelvis	GOOD	POOR
Pelvis Force	870 lbs.	1339 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	MARGINAL
	Passenger Injury Measures
Neck Tension	112 lbs.	201 lbs.
Neck Compression	-22 lbs.	22 lbs.
Shoulder Deflection	.75 in	1.06 in
Shoulder Force	268 lbs.	290 lbs.
Torso Deflection Rate	7 MPH	7 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	736 lbs.	892 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Audi A5 has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2025 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Altima is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2025.

Warranty

The A5 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Altima’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The A5’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the Altima’s (12 vs. 5 years).

Audi pays for scheduled maintenance on the A5 for 3 years and 30,000 miles. Audi will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Nissan doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Altima.

Reliability

The Audi A5’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the Altima’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the A5 has a standard 150-amp alternator. The Altima’s 120-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

Engine

The A5’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 86 more horsepower (268 vs. 182) and 117 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 178) than the Altima AWD’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The A5’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 80 more horsepower (268 vs. 188) and 115 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 180) than the Altima’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Audi A5 is faster than the Nissan Altima:

	A5	Altima AWD	Altima
Zero to 60 MPH	5.6 sec	7.6 sec	7.4 sec
Quarter Mile	14.1 sec	15.9 sec	15.7 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	98.3 MPH	89.5 MPH	90.2 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

Regenerative brakes improve the A5’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Altima doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the A5’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Altima doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

Transmission

The A5’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Altima doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the A5’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Altima:

	A5	Altima
Front Rotors	13.3 inches	11.65 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	11.02 inches
Opt Rear Rotors		11.5 inches

The A5’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Altima are solid, not vented.

The A5 stops shorter than the Altima:

	A5	Altima
60 to 0 MPH	121 feet	124 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the A5 has larger standard tires than the Altima (235/45R18 vs. 215/55R17). The A5’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Altima (245/40R19 vs. 235/40R19).

The A5’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Altima SV’s standard 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the A5 has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Altima SV.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the A5 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Altima doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the A5’s wheelbase is 2.6 inches longer than on the Altima (113.8 inches vs. 111.2 inches).

The A5’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (56% to 44%) than the Altima’s (58.9% to 41.1%). This gives the A5 more stable handling and braking.

The A5 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.3 seconds quicker than the Altima SV AWD (26.4 seconds @ .69 average G’s vs. 27.7 seconds @ .61 average G’s).

Passenger Space

The A5 has .9 inches more front headroom, .3 inches more rear headroom and .9 inches more rear legroom than the Altima.

Cargo Capacity

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the A5’s hatch uses gas strut supported hinges that don’t intrude into the cargo area. Its intrusive beam hinge reduces the Altima’s useful trunk space.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the A5. The Altima doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the A5’s power liftgate can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Altima doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening trunk.

Servicing Ease

The A5 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Altima uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The engine in the A5 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Altima. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the A5, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Altima doesn’t offer a memory system.

The A5’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Altima doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The A5 Premium Plus/Prestige has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, navigation instruction, infotainment and driver assistance information readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Altima doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The A5’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Altima’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The power windows standard on both the A5 and the Altima have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the A5 is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Altima prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The A5’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Altima’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

If the windows are left open on the A5 the driver can close all of them at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Altima can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The A5’s standard Audi Advanced Key allows you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Intelligent Key standard on the Altima doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The A5’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Altima’s power window (except driver window) switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The A5’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Altima’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the A5 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Altima doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The A5’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the Altima’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the A5 has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Altima doesn’t offer cornering lights.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the A5 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Altima doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The A5’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. The Altima doesn’t offer heated side mirrors.

When the A5 is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Altima’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The A5’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Altima offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the Audi A5 and Nissan Altima offer exterior mirrors that can be folded to provide convenience. The A5 features standard power folding mirrors, which allow for easy, one-touch folding or unfolding at the driver’s discretion. This provides added convenience when maneuvering or parking, as well as when walking past the parked vehicle. In comparison, the Altima’s foldable mirrors are manual, requiring the driver to get out and physically fold them once parked and unfold them before getting in.

The A5 has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the Altima. The A5 Prestige also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Altima.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the A5 (except Premium) keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Altima doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The A5 has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the car heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the Altima.

The A5 has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning costs extra on the Altima.

Both the A5 and the Altima offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the A5 has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Altima doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

The Audi A5 has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the rear view mirror. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Nissan charges extra for Homelink® on the Altima.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Audi A5 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the Altima SR offers wireless charging.

The A5 Premium Plus/Prestige’s Park Assist Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Altima doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

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