When considering a new car in Saudi Arabia, Nissan is often a popular choice, known for its reliability, versatility, and affordability. Two of Nissan's most well-regarded sedans in the KSA market are the Nissan Sunny and the Nissan Altima. Both vehicles offer unique features and appeal to different types of buyers. In this blog post, we will compare the KSA-spec new Nissan Sunny and Altima to help you decide which one suits your needs better.

Pricing and Value for Money
Nissan Sunny: The Nissan Sunny is a compact sedan that is more budget-friendly, with a starting price of around SAR 66,000. This makes it one of the most affordable sedans on the market in Saudi Arabia, making it a great choice for first-time car buyers, families on a budget, or anyone looking for an economical vehicle.

Nissan Altima: The Altima, on the other hand, falls into the mid-size sedan category and comes with a higher starting price, around SAR 112,700. While the price is significantly higher than the Sunny, it comes with more advanced features, a larger engine, and additional comfort elements, providing more value for those seeking a higher-end experience.

Design and Dimensions
Exterior Design: In terms of design, the Nissan Altima features a sportier and more aggressive look, with sleek lines, a bold V-motion grille, and striking LED headlights that give it a modern appearance. The Sunny, on the other hand, features a more subtle and compact design, focusing on practicality and a straightforward look that appeals to budget-conscious buyers.

Interior Space: The Altima is a larger sedan, which means it offers more cabin and cargo space. Its spacious rear seats and premium-quality materials make it a comfortable choice for families or those who often travel longer distances. In contrast, the Sunny provides a more compact interior, which, while practical and ergonomic, may feel a bit cramped for taller passengers, especially on longer trips.

Engine and Performance
Nissan Sunny: The Sunny is powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces around 118 horsepower and 149 Nm of torque. It is designed for fuel efficiency rather than performance, and with its continuously variable transmission (CVT), it delivers smooth and reliable city driving. Its small engine size makes it a great choice for those prioritizing fuel economy, with an average fuel consumption of 16.5 km per litre, which helps keep running costs low.

Nissan Altima: The Altima, by comparison, comes with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 188 horsepower and 244 Nm of torque, providing significantly better acceleration and overall performance than the Sunny. There is also an option for a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, which offers even more power for those who want a sportier driving experience. The Altima’s performance-oriented engine and handling make it a suitable choice for drivers who spend a lot of time on highways or prefer a more dynamic driving experience. However, the fuel efficiency is lower compared to the Sunny, averaging 14 km per litre.

Features and Technology
Infotainment: The Altima takes the lead when it comes to features. It comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which makes connectivity a breeze. The Altima also has a premium Bose sound system in higher trims, offering a superior audio experience.

The Sunny comes with a 7-inch touchscreen and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its features are more basic compared to the Altima. While it offers adequate connectivity options, the lack of premium audio options and a smaller screen may feel less advanced compared to the Altima.

Comfort and Convenience: The Altima offers more comfort features, such as dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seats, and power-adjustable driver seats. These features make long drives more enjoyable and comfortable. The Sunny, on the other hand, keeps things simple with manual air conditioning and fabric seats, focusing more on practicality than luxury.

Safety Features
Nissan Sunny: The 2024 Nissan Sunny safety features include dual front airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), and a rearview camera. It is designed to offer safety at an affordable price, ensuring peace of mind for city drivers and those looking for a budget vehicle.

Nissan Altima: The Altima, being a higher-end model, is equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Altima’s advanced safety features make it a great choice for those who prioritize safety and want a car with advanced driver assistance systems, especially for highway driving.

Driving Experience
Nissan Sunny: The driving experience in the Sunny is smooth and efficient, designed primarily for city commuting. It is easy to drive, with a lightweight feel that makes it perfect for manoeuvring through tight urban streets and handling daily errands. Its suspension is soft, which helps absorb the bumps commonly found on city roads, providing a comfortable ride.

Nissan Altima: The Altima, with its more powerful engine, offers a sportier and more refined driving experience. Its suspension is tuned for a mix of comfort and sporty handling, and the steering is more responsive compared to the Sunny. It also comes with active noise cancellation, providing a quieter cabin that enhances the driving experience, especially on long trips.

Conclusion: Which Is Better?
The Nissan Sunny and Nissan Altima cater to different types of drivers in the KSA market.

If you are looking for an affordable, reliable, and fuel-efficient car for daily commutes within the city, the Nissan Sunny is an excellent choice. It offers great value for money with its low price tag, easy manoeuvrability, and efficient fuel consumption, making it ideal for budget-conscious buyers and first-time car owners.

On the other hand, if you desire more power, comfort, advanced technology, and premium safety features, the Nissan Altima is the better option. It’s perfect for those who value a more comfortable and dynamic driving experience, especially if you frequently travel on highways or prioritize advanced safety features.

Ultimately, the decision between the KSA-spec Nissan Sunny and Altima depends on your specific needs, budget, and what you value most in a car. If affordability and economy are key, go for the Sunny. If comfort, technology, and performance are your priorities, the Altima will better meet your expectations.