Automobile Hybrid Comparison Test - Altima vs. Aura vs. Camry

[R1R]

Automobile Magazine - Nissan Altima Hybrid vs. Saturn Aura Green Line vs. Toyota Camry Hybrid Comparison Test

June 17, 2007
by Midwest Office / American Auto Press

Nearly unanimously, our favorite was the Altima. It wasn't the most efficient hybrid here, though it was close thanks to the technology it shares with the Camry. What impressed us, and ultimately won us over was the integration of the hybrid drivetrain, not only with the engine, but with the rest of the car. Especially its character. The Altima was the quickest of the bunch, the most enjoyable to drive, and what's more is that it felt just like the regular Altima to drive. For its efforts, the Altima Hybrid snatched first place, and is our hybrid midsize sedan of choice.

http://car-reviews.automobile.com/Sa...son-test/2938/
Has anyone noticed how well the new Altima has been doing in comparison tests since its redesign?

Automobile

1. Nissan Altima Hybrid
2. Toyota Camry Hybrid
3. Saturn Aura Green Line

Car and Driver

1. Honda Accord SE
2. Nissan Altima 2.5S
3. Kia Optima EX
4. Saturn Aura XE
5. Toyota Camry LE
6. Chrysler Sebring Touring

Consumer Reports

1. Nissan Altima 2.5S/3.5SE
2. Kia Optima I4/V6
3. Saturn Aura XR/XE
4. Pontiac Base I4/GT 3.5
5. Chrysler Sebring Touring 2.4/2.7

[E. Haskell]

Aura = 28 mpg
Camry = 37 mpg
Altima = 35 mpg

This shows that the Aura GL does give a boost gas mileage. It's about where I would expect it compared to the other two.

Comparing the Aura head-to-head isn't really fair considering the price difference. A better comparison is dollar-for-dollar - in that case, you could compare the Aura Greenline with a 4cyl non-hybrid Camry.

[guitarlix]

The Nissan Altima Hybrid is easily the best buy. You get Toyota's technology and Nissan's performance tuning and you also get full tax benefits because Nissan hasn't met their hybrid sales quota. That's a bargain but a lot of people still don't know about it.

[Old Dood]

Originally Posted by guitarlix

The Nissan Altima Hybrid is easily the best buy. You get Toyota's technology and Nissan's performance tuning and you also get full tax benefits because Nissan hasn't met their hybrid sales quota. That's a bargain but a lot of people still don't know about it.

Good Point Guitarlix!

A lot of people do not even know that Nissan even makes a Hybrid let alone the fact that they can still get the tax break.

EDITED: Because I am a dork and can't spell...<sigh>

[Gunner22]

Nissan is putting out some very nice products lately. The Altima is one of the few cars we are considering when we ultimately replace our awesome Grand Prix. I just wish they would sell the hybrid in more that 7 states. If they sold them in IA there is a good chance we would have one in our driveway in the near future.

[PhishPhood]

Originally Posted by guitarlix

The Nissan Altima Hybrid is easily the best buy. You get Toyota's technology and Nissan's performance tuning and you also get full tax benefits because Nissan hasn't met their hybrid sales quota. That's a bargain but a lot of people still don't know about it.

The problem for Nissan, until they come out with their own hybrid, is that this model is only being sold in the 5 CARB states. It is a real bargain and it looks good and performs very well but 80% of the population will have to really really really want it to go get one.

[Strapping.Young.Lad]

Originally Posted by Gunner22

Nissan is putting out some very nice products lately. The Altima is one of the few cars we are considering when we ultimately replace our awesome Grand Prix. I just wish they would sell the hybrid in more that 7 states. If they sold them in IA there is a good chance we would have one in our driveway in the near future.

They sell the Hybrid in 7 states....

WTF kind of marketing approach is that!