Dodge Caliber vs. Nissan Altima Review

Handling
With their comparable turning radii, the Dodge Caliber and the Nissan most certainly handle about the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Nissan Altima's engine is significantly more massive than the Dodge Caliber's. Keep in mind that bigger engines may use more gas than smaller ones. The Nissan packs quite a punch compared to the Dodge as far as torque, which is roughly equivalent to acceleration. The Caliber could learn a lesson or two from the Nissan Altima in terms of torque.

Utility
Neither the Nissan Altima nor the Caliber has a marked advantage with respect to seating capacity. The Dodge Caliber outpulls the Nissan Altima by a large margin.

Convenience
You'll most definitely have to take the Dodge for a fill-up more often than the Altima because of its tank size and fuel economy.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Nissan Altima offers a bit more head room than the Dodge, there really isn't much of a difference. The Dodge Caliber offers more head- and leg-room to your passengers than the Nissan Altima does.

Dimensions
The Nissan Altima is tremendously heavier than the Dodge Caliber. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Altima than the Dodge because of its larger tank. The Dodge and the Nissan Altima compete for the same parking spaces.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. The Dodge Caliber is significantly cheaper to get to the dealership than the Nissan Altima. As far as fuel economy, the Nissan is a bit better than the Caliber, but not by much. The Nissan isn't much costlier than the Dodge Caliber with respect to MSRP.

Warranty
The Dodge Caliber and the Nissan Altima have the same basic after-sale protection.