Nissan and Toyota are among the biggest Japanese auto brands sold here in the U.S., and many people cross-shop them for that reason. But Nissan and Toyota are anything but similar. If you are planning on buying a new sedan, crossover, or pickup, you need to read this comparison. You can also talk to a product specialist about your vehicle needs by calling 800-982-0302.
Nissan vs. Toyota
Performance
Nissan has built itself a reputation for sporty cars that has persisted throughout the years, while Toyota is known for being reliable but not much else. Toyota models don't tend to make an impression like Nissan vehicles do.
Most Nissan models come in a sporty SR trim that can include larger wheels, a rear spoiler, a sport-tuned suspension, and more. If you want track inspired performance, take home a Nissan Sentra in the NISMO trim package.
Nissan vs. Toyota
Safety
Both Nissan and Toyota have earned impressive safety scores. In each case, six models from their respective lineups have earned either the Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2019 model year. You can see which below.
Nissan
2019 Altima
2019 Sentra
2019 Pathfinder
Toyota
2019 Camry
2019 Avalon
2019 Corolla
2019 Highlander
2019 Prius
However, only Nissan models are developed with the Nissan Safety Shield philosophy. Toyota's stance on safety is not so comprehensive. With this method of implementation, every piece of Nissan safety technology falls into one of three categories: monitor, respond, and protect.
Monitoring systems include innovative technologies like Driver Attention Alert and Moving Object Detection.
Responding systems include adaptive headlights and brake assistance.
Protecting systems include advanced airbags and whiplash-reducing headrests.
Nissan vs. Toyota
Awards
There are several ways shoppers find information about models and brands they are interested in. Sometimes they get recommendations from friends and family, and sometimes they turn to reviews and awards by professional organizations. Although Toyota has received several "Best Resale Value" awards from Kelley Blue Book in 2019, Nissan won a significant amount of awards from several different publications.
The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder earns family approval as one of Parents magazine's "10 Best Family Cars of 2019."
The 2019 Nissan Altima has been named one of Automobile Magazine's 2019 All-Stars at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.
WardsAuto named the 2019 Nissan Kicks compact SUV to its list of "10 Best Interiors" at the New York International Auto Show.
U.S. News & World Report has designated the 2019 Nissan Murano as the "Best 2-Row SUV for the Money" for the fourth time in five years in the magazine's annual "Best Cars for the Money" awards.
U.S. News & World Report has named the 2019 Nissan Murano as the "Best 2-Row SUV for the Money" for the fourth time in five years in the magazine's annual "Best Cars for the Money" awards.
Nissan vs. Toyota
Reliability
Although both brands put out incredibly reliable vehicles, our experts agree you'll gain added peace of mind behind the wheel of a Nissan. Nissan boasts advanced automotive safety technology, such as:
