2025 Nissan Altima SL vs. Mazda6 Grand Touring: Premium Comfort Meets Sporty Refinement

In the crowded midsize sedan market, the 2025 Nissan Altima SL and the Mazda6 Grand Touring stand out as two trims that deliver upscale comfort without the luxury price tag. Both come loaded with leather interiors, premium audio, and advanced safety tech—all for under $35K.

So which sedan is right for you? Let’s break down pricing, performance, features, and owner impressions to help you decide.

• 2025 Nissan Altima SL: Starting MSRP around $32,075
  • Estimated Lease: ~$459/month with $2,500 down
  • Estimated Finance: ~$579/month with $3,000 down at 6.0% APR
• 2025 Mazda6 Grand Touring: Starting MSRP around $32,550 (estimated based on past trends)
  • Estimated Lease: ~$479/month with $2,500 down
  • Estimated Finance: ~$589/month with $3,000 down at 6.0% APR

👉 Remember, your actual payment depends on the negotiated price, interest rate, and incentives. Even small discounts can shave $25–$40 off your monthly cost.

💡 Pro Tip: Get pre-approved with a credit union or online lender before heading to the dealership. Rates are often 1–2% lower than dealer financing, which can save you over $1,600 across a five-year loan.

• Altima SL: Powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder with 188 hp and a CVT. It’s smooth, quiet, and tuned for comfort, hitting 0–60 mph in about 7.9 seconds.
• Mazda6 Grand Touring: Packs a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 227 hp (250 with premium fuel) and a 6-speed automatic. It feels more responsive, hitting 0–60 mph in about 6.4 seconds.

🎯 Verdict: The Altima SL is ideal for relaxed commutes, while the Mazda6 GT delivers sportier acceleration and a more connected drive.

• New 12.3-inch touchscreen
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 9-speaker Bose premium audio
• Leather-appointed heated seats
• Power moonroof & remote engine start

• 8-inch display with rotary control dial
• 11-speaker Bose premium audio
• Heated leather-trimmed seats
• Power moonroof & wireless charging
• Heads-up display (a rare feature at this price)

📱 Verdict: The Altima’s larger touchscreen is more modern and user-friendly, while the Mazda6 GT shines with premium touches like a heads-up display.

Both sedans include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning.

• Altima SL stands out with Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist, a semi-autonomous highway driving system—great for long road trips.
• Mazda6 GT offers robust coverage but lacks semi-autonomous features.

🚦 Verdict: If semi-autonomous driving tech is important, the Altima SL takes the win.

• Altima SL: Around 27 MPG city / 37 highway / 31–32 combined
• Mazda6 GT: Around 23 MPG city / 31 highway / 26–27 combined

📊 Verdict: The Altima SL is clearly more fuel-efficient, while the Mazda6 GT trades efficiency for power.

Altima SL Owners:

• “ProPILOT makes highway driving stress-free.”
• “Interior feels like entry-level luxury.”
• ❌ Some dislike the CVT’s lack of sporty feel.

Mazda6 Grand Touring Owners:

• “Feels like a luxury car with turbocharged power.”
• “Bose audio is fantastic.”
• ❌ Some find the rotary infotainment dial frustrating at first.

• Altima SL: No wireless CarPlay, occasional infotainment lag, CVT feel can be uninspiring.
• Mazda6 GT: Requires premium fuel for full power, tighter rear seating, and infotainment isn’t touch-enabled while driving.

• Choose the Altima SL if: You value fuel economy, semi-autonomous highway driving, and a user-friendly touchscreen system.
• Choose the Mazda6 GT if: You want turbocharged performance, a more engaging drive, and premium interior touches.

Both sedans deliver near-luxury experiences at non-luxury prices. The choice comes down to whether you want stress-free comfort or sporty refinement.

Ready to compare the Altima SL and Mazda6 Grand Touring side by side? Skip the dealership runaround and head to AutoFinder.com.

• Compare real-time prices and offers from multiple dealers
• See estimated monthly payments based on your budget
• Filter by condition, mileage, and location
• Connect directly with dealerships—all from home

👉 Start your search now at AutoFinder.com and find the sedan that fits your life and budget.