Nissan Altima: Price, Specs, Features & Pros and Cons
The Nissan Altima is a midsize sedan for drivers who want comfortable front seats, a useful trunk, straightforward controls, and the option of all-wheel drive. Its standard 2.5-liter engine has enough power for daily travel, while the available technology packages can make longer commutes more convenient.
WheelPedia Rating: 7.1/10
The Altima scores well for front-seat comfort, usable cargo space, and the availability of AWD. Its fuel economy is reasonable for a gasoline midsize sedan, but buyers seeking a hybrid will need to shop elsewhere.
| Rating Category | Score | Weight |
| Safety | 6.0/10 | 20% |
| Reliability and ownership | 7.0/10 | 15% |
| Performance and driving | 7.0/10 | 15% |
| Comfort and practicality | 8.0/10 | 15% |
| Efficiency | 7.0/10 | 15% |
| Features and technology | 8.0/10 | 10% |
| Price and value | 7.5/10 | 10% |
| Overall Rating | 7.1/10 | — |
See how we rate cars for the full scoring method.
Key Highlights
- The 2026 Altima starts at $27,580 MSRP before destination charges, taxes, and options.
- Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder produces 188 hp in FWD form or 182 hp with AWD.
- EPA-estimated fuel economy is 30 mpg combined with FWD and 28 mpg combined with AWD.
- SV and SR are the two main trims; Special Edition and Midnight Edition add equipment and styling.
- Every Altima includes Nissan Safety Shield 360.
- The trunk holds 15.4 cubic feet, and the rear seats fold in a 60/40 split.
- IIHS rates the updated side-impact test Poor and the updated moderate-overlap front test Marginal.
Quick Specifications
| Specification | Nissan Altima |
| Vehicle type | Midsize sedan |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Engine | 2.5L four-cylinder |
| Output | 188 hp / 180 lb-ft with FWD; 182 hp / 178 lb-ft with AWD |
| Transmission | Xtronic continuously variable transmission |
| Drivetrain | FWD; AWD available |
| EPA-estimated fuel economy | 30 mpg combined FWD; 28 mpg combined AWD |
| Trunk capacity | 15.4 cu. ft. |
| Length | 192.9 in. |
| Width, excluding mirrors | 72.9 in. |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 in. |
Specifications reflect the 2026 US model. Equipment and availability vary by configuration.
Expert tip:
Start with the SV Special Edition if you want the larger screen, wireless phone integration, rear air vents, and a moonroof without moving to the sport-focused SR. The regular SV makes more sense if purchase price matters most.
About the Nissan Altima
The Altima fills the space between compact sedans and larger, more expensive family cars. Its front seats and 15.4-cubic-foot trunk make it particularly useful for commuting and road trips. The cabin has room for five, though buyers who regularly carry tall adults in the back should try the rear seats before deciding.
For 2026, Nissan simplified the main trim range to SV and SR. The SV Special Edition adds comfort and technology features, while the SR Midnight Edition focuses on dark exterior details and additional equipment. Both main grades are offered with FWD or available Intelligent AWD.
Price and Trims
Nissan lists a $1,245 destination charge separately on its current website. Prices, package availability, and dealer offers can change,
| Configuration | Starting MSRP | Main Reason to Choose It |
| SV FWD | $27,580 | Lowest entry price; 17-inch wheels, 8-inch touchscreen, and standard safety features |
| SV Special Edition FWD | $28,880 | Larger touchscreen, wireless phone integration, dual-zone climate control, moonroof, and rear air vents |
| SR FWD | $28,980 | Sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, paddle shifters, and standard 12.3-inch touchscreen |
| SR Midnight Edition FWD | $30,980 | SR equipment with black styling details, black 19-inch wheels, and a moonroof |
AWD is available on SV and SR configurations, including the edition packages shown in Nissan’s builder. The current retail comparison displays FWD prices, so request an AWD-specific quote rather than applying a presumed price difference.
The SV Special Edition and SR FWD currently start just $100 apart. Choose based on their different equipment: the Special Edition emphasizes comfort features, while the SR brings the sport suspension and 19-inch wheels.
Engine, Powertrain, and Performance
Every current Altima uses a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT. FWD versions produce 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. AWD versions are rated at 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft.
That is enough for ordinary commuting and highway travel, but there is no current turbocharged or hybrid option in the lineup. The AWD system is chiefly a traction benefit in poor conditions; it does not turn the Altima into a performance sedan.
Driving Experience
The Altima is set up for predictable daily driving. Its front seats are a particular strength on longer trips, and the independent rear suspension helps it remain composed on uneven roads. Steering and braking feel should be assessed on a test drive, especially if you are comparing several midsize sedans.
The SR has a sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels. Those changes give it a more responsive feel, but the larger wheels may make rough pavement more noticeable than it is in the SV. AWD can help the car find traction when roads are slippery; suitable tires still matter for braking and winter driving.
Fuel Economy
| Configuration | EPA-Estimated City / Highway / Combined |
| SV or SR FWD | 26 / 36 / 30 mpg |
| SV or SR AWD | 25 / 33 / 28 mpg |
AWD carries a two-mpg combined penalty compared with FWD. For a buyer who does not need the added traction, FWD is the lower-fuel-cost choice. Neither version offers the fuel savings of a hybrid midsize sedan, so high-mileage drivers should compare total ownership costs before deciding. Actual mileage depends on traffic, weather, tires, and driving habits.
Interior, Comfort, and Technology
The Altima’s cabin favors familiar controls and supportive front seats. Nissan’s Zero Gravity seat design is a useful reason to try the car if you spend a lot of time behind the wheel.
Key standard and available features include:
- Standard 8-inch touchscreen on the SV
- Available or edition-specific 12.3-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Wireless phone integration on selected packages and configurations
- Available wireless charging
- Available heated front seats and heated steering wheel
- Available dual-zone automatic climate control
- Available nine-speaker Bose audio system
- Available ProPILOT Assist
Check the window sticker for the specific car. In particular, the standard SV’s phone integration should not be assumed to be wireless, and ProPILOT Assist is optional through equipment packages.
Dimensions, Cargo, and Practicality
| Dimension | Measurement |
| Length | 192.9 in. |
| Width, excluding mirrors | 72.9 in. |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 in. |
| Height | 56.8–57.4 in., depending on trim and drivetrain |
| Front legroom | 43.8 in. |
| Rear legroom | 35.2 in. |
| Trunk capacity | 15.4 cu. ft. |
| Seating | 5 passengers |
The trunk has enough room for regular shopping and travel bags. Folding the 60/40-split rear seats helps with longer items, although the fixed trunk opening still limits bulky loads. The Altima is a better fit for buyers who want a conventional sedan than for those who routinely carry large gear.
For more rear-seat room or a different powertrain choice, compare the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
Exterior Design
The SV has a restrained sedan appearance and standard 17-inch alloy wheels. The SR adds 19-inch wheels, gloss-black trim, sport exhaust finishers, and other visual changes. The Midnight Edition takes that look further with black wheels, darkened badges and trim, and an available contrasting black roof.
The Midnight Edition is primarily an equipment and appearance choice. Its engine is the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder used elsewhere in the range.
Safety Features and Ratings
Every Altima includes Nissan Safety Shield 360, which provides:
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Blind Spot Warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Rear Automatic Braking
- Lane Departure Warning
- High Beam Assist
ProPILOT Assist and a surround-view camera are available on selected configurations. These systems assist the driver; they do not replace attention or control.
Crash-test results deserve attention. IIHS gives the 2026 Altima a Good small-overlap front rating, a Marginal updated moderate-overlap front rating, and a Poor updated side-impact rating. Its standard system also receives a Poor rating in the newer vehicle-to-vehicle front crash-prevention test and Marginal in pedestrian front crash prevention.
Some underlying crash tests were performed on earlier Altimas, with IIHS specifying that their results apply to the 2026 model.
Reliability, Warranty, and Ownership
The Altima’s single-engine lineup makes the new-car powertrain choice fairly simple. A buyer keeping the car for years should budget for scheduled maintenance, monitor tire and brake wear, and follow Nissan’s service requirements for the CVT.
| Coverage | Length |
| Basic limited warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain limited warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Corrosion perforation coverage | 5 years / unlimited miles |
These are warranty terms, not a prediction of future reliability. Compare the complete purchase price, insurance quote, maintenance needs, and expected fuel spending for the configuration you choose.
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Comfortable front seats for long drives
- Available AWD in a midsize sedan
- Useful 15.4-cubic-foot trunk
- Standard blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings
- Clear choice between value-focused SV and sport-styled SR
- Larger touchscreen and convenience features available without buying the highest-priced edition
What We Don’t Like
- Poor IIHS updated side-impact rating
- Marginal IIHS updated moderate-overlap front result
- No hybrid powertrain
- CVT and modest engine output may disappoint buyers seeking quicker responses
- Several desirable comfort and driver-assistance features require packages
- SR’s 19-inch wheels may be less comfortable on damaged roads
Competitors
- Toyota Camry: Compare it if fuel economy is a major priority and you want a midsize sedan.
- Honda Accord: Consider it if rear-seat accommodation and overall cabin space matter most.
- Hyundai Sonata: Worth comparing for cabin design, equipment, and available powertrain choices.
Compare the specific trims and their full purchase prices. A feature that is standard on one car may require a package on another.
Related Content
If you are weighing a new Altima against an older one, read our new vs. used car guide. Used buyers can also review how to check a car’s accident history. For ownership planning, see how often you should service your car and how car financing works.
Should You Buy the Nissan Altima?
Buy the Altima if comfortable front seats, a traditional sedan trunk, and available AWD match your needs. The SV is the sensible starting point. The SV Special Edition is attractive if its larger screen, moonroof, and rear-seat convenience features matter more to you than the SR’s sport styling.
Choose the SR if you prefer its firmer suspension and appearance after driving it on the roads you use every day. Consider AWD only if its traction benefit is useful in your climate, and compare a written quote for the exact configuration.
FAQs
How much does the Nissan Altima cost?
The 2026 Altima SV FWD starts at $27,580 MSRP. Nissan lists destination charges separately, and taxes, options, and dealer pricing affect the amount you pay.
Does the Altima have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Nissan offers AWD on SV and SR configurations. Confirm availability and pricing for the exact vehicle at a dealer.
Is there a Nissan Altima Hybrid?
No. The current US Altima lineup uses a 2.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine.
What fuel economy does the Altima get?
The 2026 Altima is EPA-rated at 26 city / 36 highway / 30 combined mpg with FWD, or 25 / 33 / 28 mpg with AWD.
How much horsepower does the Altima have?
FWD models produce 188 hp; AWD models produce 182 hp.
What is the difference between the Altima SV and SR?
The SV focuses on value and comfort. The SR adds a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, paddle shifters, styling changes, and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. Packages and editions can change the equipment comparison.
Does the Altima have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Both are included, while wireless integration depends on the configuration or package.
How much trunk space does the Altima have?
It has 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space and 60/40-split folding rear seats.
Is the Nissan Altima safe?
It has many standard driver-assistance features, but its IIHS results are mixed. The 2026 model is rated Poor in the updated side test and Marginal in the updated moderate-overlap front test. Buyers should review those individual results.
Is ProPILOT Assist standard?
No. ProPILOT Assist is available through selected SV and SR equipment packages.
How long is the Altima warranty?
Nissan lists a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Final Verdict
The Altima makes a practical case for buyers who want a comfortable gasoline sedan with a useful trunk and optional AWD. The SV Special Edition offers a particularly appealing mix of everyday features, while the regular SV keeps the starting price lower.
Its biggest limitation is clear: several IIHS safety evaluations fall short of the strongest results. Compare those findings and the cost of comparable midsize sedans before committing. If the Altima still fits your priorities, test-drive both SV and SR and get an itemized quote for the exact drivetrain and package.
This page covers the 2026 Nissan Altima. Prices, equipment, availability, and safety information can change.