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If you’re shopping for a used sedan, then the 2018 Nissan Altima and 2018 Ford Fusion are great choices. Each of these rivals brings a lot of comfort, technology, and fuel efficiency to the table, but in different ways. Here is a comparison between the two.

2018 Ford Fusion driving
2018 Ford Fusion | Ford

The 2018 Ford Fusion’s interior feels a little more upscale than the 2018 Nissan Altima’s

2018 Ford Fusion interior
2018 Ford Fusion | Ford

We’ll start from the inside out. The 2018 Ford Fusion’s interior features upscale materials and easy-to-use features. Some of the most notable ones include a push-button start, Ford MyKey, a rearview camera, a four-speaker sound system, and a voice-activated SYNC interface. According to U.S. News, “Its infotainment system is intuitive and straightforward.”

The Nissan Altima, on the other hand, has decent interior materials, but U.S. News reports that they lag compared to those found in the Fusion. It is, however, filled with technology as well. Some of its most important tech features include a 5-inch infotainment display, Bluetooth, a USB port, a six-speaker audio system, a proximity key, a push-button start, and a rearview camera.

The Ford Fusion has more engine choices than the Nissan Altima

2018 Nissan Altima engine
2018 Nissan Altima | Nissan

If you’re checking out the used car classifieds for either of these cars, you’ll find that the Ford Fusion has more engine choices. The base-model Fusion is powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder powerplant that produces 175 hp. If you want more power, then the higher trim levels is where it’s at. The optional engines include a turbocharged EcoBoost 1.5-liter that puts out 181 hp, a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that makes 245 hp, and 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 that generates 325 hp.

The Nissan Altima is powered by either a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that pushes out 179 hp or a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 270 hp. Case in point, if you want more power, find a Fusion.

It’s the buyer’s choice when it comes to exterior aesthetics

2018 Nissan Altima front
2018 Nissan Altima | Nissan

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say. As such, when it comes to exterior looks, we think that the 2018 Nissan Altima and Ford Fusion have the same bland aesthetics. However, if you like a more angular and aerodynamic look, then we suggest going with an Altima.

How is the cargo space in each car?

2018 Ford Fusion interior
2018 Ford Fusion | Ford

Sedans aren’t known for having the most functional cargo areas as some SUVs have. But if trunk space is important to you, then the Ford Fusion is the way to go. It boasts 16 cubic feet of space as compared to Nissan’s 15.4 cubic feet. No, it’s not much of a difference, but when it comes to hauling random items, sometimes that little bit of extra space can make all the difference.

The 2018 Nissan Altima is a little cheaper in the current market

2018 Nissan Altima rear view
2018 Nissan Altima | Nissan

If pricing is important to you, then the 2018 Nissan Altima is the better way to go. A nationwide search on CarGurus reveals that the current prices for a 2018 Altima range from $7,000 to $28,000 depending on the location and condition of the car.

We found that many 2018 Ford Fusions for sale currently have prices from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on the car’s location and condition. In that case, you may have an easier time finding a cheaper Altima in this vintage.

2018 Nissan Altima vs. 2018 Ford Fusion: Which sedan is a better buy?

2018 Ford Fusion
2018 Ford Fusion | Ford

If you’re looking for a better buy between these two sedans, we would suggest the 2018 Ford Fusion. There are more engine options to choose from, nicer interior materials, and more usable cargo space. However, the Nissan Altima is still a great bargain for the prices we’ve seen. So go with whichever car suits your lifestyle better.

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