2025 Nissan Altima vs 2025 Toyota Prius

Compared to midsize sedans, compact crossover SUVs offer more interior room, a taller driving position, easier entry and exit, and more models offer all-wheel drive (AWD). Their extra ground clearance helps you through snow or to scramble down a trail, too. They literally leave sedans in the dust, though they’re usually more expensive, get worse fuel economy, and handle less securely. Nevertheless, Nissan adds a 2025 Altima SR Premium trim to the Canadian lineup to drum up interest in its fading family car.

Verdict: Is the 2025 Nissan Altima a good car? It has terrific front seats, standard AWD in Canada, and a competitively priced trim walk. Otherwise, it simply doesn’t have what it takes to attract customers better served by other midsize cars.

Decades ago, few cars were anywhere near as fuel efficient as the Toyota Prius. Today, the 2025 Prius remains a fuel economy champion, but numerous alternatives are close. Some even offer more interior room at a lower price. That reality, coupled with the cramped interior, limited trunk space, and general weirdness of the Prius, means hybrid car buyers have options.

Verdict: The point of the 2025 Toyota Prius is fuel economy, but our test car averaged 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres, falling significantly short of the Natural Resources Canada estimate of 4.8 L/100 km in combined driving. That certainly isn’t superior to roomier hybrid cars from Honda, Hyundai, or from within Toyota’s own lineup.