You could be an everyday commuter, searching for a cozier experience as you sit in bumper-to-bumper traffic, or you could be looking for your next road trip companion that’ll deliver all the comfort you need during your journey. Both of these scenarios require a car that’s not only easy to drive but also easy on the eyes, and a select few midsize sedans fit the bill perfectly. Two of the top options are the Nissan Altima and the Honda Accord, and when it comes to comfort, these models deliver. You’re not just looking for beauty, however, as the quality of the ride is just as important. When it comes to the 2022 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Honda Accord, you’ll find that there are many similarities between the two, as well as many differences. If you’re wondering which vehicle to choose as your next comfortable travel companion, you’ll find that one model clearly outshines the other.
Designed With Driving in Mind
You may be thinking, “Aren’t all cars designed for driving?” Well, not really. Some vehicles are more suited to venturing off-road, while others focus more on completing tough tasks on the work site. If you’re looking for a car that places the focus of its mission on the drive, then the Nissan Altima may be the top pick for you. From customizable memory seats to an elegant cabin design, the interior of the Altima radiates comfort. Its front seats particularly impress, with the ability to store seating and mirror positions, so that from the moment you take your place behind the wheel, you’re enjoying maximum comfort. A flat-bottom steering wheel, soft-touch appointments, and ergonomically friendly seating elements make a trip inside the Altima absolutely blissful. Add to this state of bliss features like dual zone automatic temperature control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, and you’re in for a better ride, no matter where the road leads you.
Although the 2022 Honda Accord showcases a decent level of comfort throughout, it is severely lacking when it comes to high-quality materials, as many of its base models are pretty…well, basic. You’ll want to upgrade to the more expensive Touring trim to take advantage of features like heated and ventilated front seats, power-adjustable seating, and more luxurious features. It’s also been documented that the Accord tends to be a bit noisy on the highway, especially in its base models, which can take away from the overall enjoyment of the drive. In addition, it’s also been reported that its bold, sloping roof pillars tend to work against it, resulting in more blind spots, which can also take away from your comfort behind the wheel. Even though you can upgrade to higher-quality materials, the Accord comes with its fair share of downfalls, especially when your ride experience is important to you.
Enough Space to Handle It All
The last thing you want during your ride is to feel crammed into your vehicle, especially when traveling with others or with extra travel gear. That’s why you need a vehicle that provides ample headroom and legroom, as well as the cargo space you require to accommodate your belongings.
In addition to being stylish and cozy, the 2022 Nissan Altima is also pleasantly spacious and ready to handle everything that’s joining you on your journey. With plenty of room throughout to provide your passengers with enough space to relax and enjoy the ride, plus 60/40 split-folding rear seats to configure your space to suit your needs, the Altima is a true gem among its midsize peers. Like the Altima, the Accord impresses with its interior space as well. Both vehicles are similar here, with large trunk spaces and an open feeling inside their well-designed cabins. The Accord offers 16.7 cu.ft. of cargo space in the trunk, while the Altima offers slightly less with 15.4 cu.ft. of space, which is not a significant difference in terms of how much you can carry.
The only downfall lies with the Accord’s lack of interior storage solutions, as these tend to be disappointing for drivers and passengers alike. Travelers not only need multiple seating configurations to handle their gear but also cubbies and other storage compartments inside to keep them organized on the road. Unfortunately, you’ll find better options in models other than the Accord in this respect. All in all, though, both vehicles offer drivers much of what they’re looking for in a comfortable ride, whether they’re seeking to transport some of their team members to a business retreat or load up for a journey across state lines.
A Top Quality Ride
Finally, a vehicle that doesn’t deliver a smooth and refined ride can’t possibly provide you with the comfort you’re seeking. Feeling every bump and crevice in the road means not enjoying the drive fully, and not all vehicles are designed with comfort in mind. From the intensity of the ride to the overall feel on the road, the vehicle you choose must exhibit remarkable characteristics when it comes to its performance.
This is where the 2022 Altima impresses, offering exceptional ride quality. Unrivaled handling and control, plus available all-wheel drive capabilities, make the Altima one of the best travelers in its class. Its VC-Turbo engine delivers the power and excitement you’re searching for to keep you engaged during long highway jaunts, while its XTRONIC CVT delivers the level of refinement you’ve always wanted on the road. Responsive steering and unmatched control around the twists and turns of the road make for an all-around excellent experience behind the wheel of this Nissan favorite. When you’re looking for power matched with precision, you’ll find it in the Altima.
Not to be outdone, the Honda Accord also seeks to revitalize your travels, although it falls short in a few key areas. For one, its steering is incredibly light, causing drivers to desire a bit more responsiveness out of this Honda staple. As we mentioned before, it tends to be a bit loud on the road; another factor that can take away from the comfort of the drive. Although it’s agile and controlled, it teeters on the verge of being sporty but doesn’t quite get there. This may leave drivers wanting a bit more excitement out of this midsize option.
And the Comfort Champion Is…
It seems as though these two models are neck-and-neck, so which is right for you? The Altima offers a lively ride with its cutting-edge VC-Turbo engine, providing you with a smooth experience that’s difficult to rival. Plus, with its comfortable seating elements and highly refined cabin, you’ll be able to settle into your drive and focus on enjoying the ride. The Accord offers a sportier ride quality; however, it can be noisy, especially when you crank it up to highway speeds. It’s spacious and comfortable, but rear pillars make it challenging to see in your blind spots. These are the main downfalls that lead to the Accord’s demise, despite both vehicles exhibiting very similar attributes.
In the end, you need to choose which vehicle is best for you, but our pick lies with the Altima. You can’t beat the legendary ride quality that emits from its one-of-a-kind engine, and with ergonomically friendly front seats, you’ll be comfortable, no matter how long the journey lasts. The lack of visibility, basic base model features, and loud ride tend to turn buyers off to the Accord. After all, who wants to raise their voice over the noise of the road to speak to passengers in the rear of the vehicle? When comfort is a priority for you, multiple aspects need to be taken into consideration, not just appearance, and when you want a vehicle that delivers it all, you’ll want to take a closer look at the Altima.
