Safety & Technology Features
Both brands now include advanced safety features as standard. Honda’s Sensing Suite and Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 offer technologies like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Honda often integrates these features more consistently across trims, while Nissan sometimes reserves advanced tech for higher trims.
Comparison Table: Honda vs Nissan Ownership Costs (2025)
| Model (2025) | Starting MSRP | 5-Year Maintenance | 5-Year Depreciation | Safety Features | Reliability Score (CR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Accord | $28,000 | ~$2,100 | ~45% depreciation | Honda Sensing | Above Average |
| Nissan Altima | $27,500 | ~$2,500 | ~50–55% depreciation | Safety Shield | Average |
| Honda CR-V | $30,500 | ~$2,200 | ~42% depreciation | Honda Sensing | Above Average |
| Nissan Rogue | $29,000 | ~$2,600 | ~48–50% depreciation | Safety Shield | Average |
Pros and Cons of Honda
Pros
- Higher reliability scores
- Lower average maintenance costs
- Strong resale value
- Consistently high safety ratings
Cons
- Higher upfront prices compared to Nissan
- Fewer dealer incentives or discounts
Pros and Cons of Nissan
Pros
- Lower entry prices on many models
- Attractive financing and lease offers
- Comfortable interiors with modern tech
Cons
- Higher depreciation rates
- Slightly more expensive to maintain long term
- Reliability less consistent across models
Who Should Choose Honda vs Nissan?
- College Students or First-Time Buyers: Nissan offers lower upfront prices and easier financing, making it appealing for limited budgets.
- Families Seeking Safety and Long-Term Value: Honda’s CR-V and Odyssey deliver better resale and reliability, saving money over time.
- Daily Commuters: Honda sedans like the Accord or Civic are more fuel-efficient and durable for long-term use.
- Budget-Conscious SUV Buyers: Nissan Rogue and Pathfinder often come with stronger dealer incentives, making them more affordable in the short term.
Expert Opinions & Customer Reviews
- According to a J.D. Power 2024 Dependability Study, Honda ranked higher than Nissan in overall dependability after three years of ownership.
- Edmunds owner reviews often highlight Honda’s strong resale value, while Nissan owners appreciate the affordability of entry-level trims.
- A customer review from a Honda CR-V owner in California noted: “After five years, my Honda still drives like new and has barely lost value.”
- A Nissan Altima owner in Texas commented: “I saved thousands upfront compared to a Honda, but the resale wasn’t as strong when I traded it in.”
Final Verdict: Is Honda or Nissan Worth It in 2025?
For buyers focused on long-term ownership costs, Honda comes out ahead thanks to higher reliability, lower maintenance costs, and stronger resale value. Nissan is still an excellent choice for those who prioritize lower upfront costs and short-term affordability, but Honda ultimately provides better savings over the full ownership cycle.
