Nissan Altima vs Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is more fuel-efficient at 46 MPG combined, against 26 MPG for the Nissan Altima. At EPA assumptions that is about $1,150 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Nissan Altima | Toyota Prius | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,379 | 1,894 |
| Most reported problem | Body & structure | Lighting |
| Crashes and fires | 74 and 22 | 214 and 10 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 72,000 miles | 55,000 miles |
| Recalls | 4 | 4 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 26 MPG | 46 MPG |
| City and highway | 23 and 31 | 48 and 45 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,600 | $1,450 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,379 complaints for the Nissan Altima and 1,894 for the Toyota Prius. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 4 for the Nissan Altima, 4 for the Toyota Prius.