# Nissan Altima specs and mpg by year

- **Latest year:** 2026
- **MPG (combined):** 28-30
- **Drive:** AWD, FWD
- **Years covered:** 2015-2026

## Quick answer

The 2026 Nissan Altima is a midsize car rated at 28-30 mpg combined. Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl.

## Every 2026 Nissan Altima version

| Version | Engine | Drive | Transmission | City/Hwy | Combined | Fuel cost / year | CO2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Altima | 2.5L 4-cyl | FWD | CVT | 26/36 | 30 mpg | $2,250 | 297 g/mi |
| Altima AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | CVT | 25/33 | 28 mpg | $2,400 | 316 g/mi |

Each row is a version the EPA tested. Fuel cost assumes 15,000 miles a year (55% city) at national average prices; CO2 is tailpipe emissions.

## Nissan Altima specs by year

| Year | Engines | Transmission | Drive | MPG (combined) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD, FWD | 28-30 |
| 2025 | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD, FWD | 28-31 |
| 2024 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | CVT | AWD, FWD | 29-31 |
| 2023 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | CVT | AWD, FWD | 29-31 |
| 2022 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | CVT | AWD, FWD | 29-32 |
| 2021 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | CVT | AWD, FWD | 29-32 |
| 2020 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | CVT | AWD, FWD | 29-32 |
| 2019 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | CVT | AWD, FWD | 29-32 |
| 2018 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 3.5L V6 | CVT | FWD | 26-31 |
| 2017 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 3.5L V6 | CVT | FWD | 26-31 |
| 2016 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 3.5L V6 | CVT | FWD | 26-31 |
| 2015 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 3.5L V6 | CVT | FWD | 26-31 |

EPA combined ratings. MPGe is the EPA efficiency measure for electric cars. Ranges cover every engine and drivetrain EPA tested for that year.

## How has the Altima changed over the years?

- **2026:** combined mpg went from 28-31 to 28-30.
- **2025:** dropped 2.0L 4-cyl turbo.
- **2023:** combined mpg went from 29-32 to 29-31.
- **2019:** added 2.0L 4-cyl turbo; dropped 3.5L V6; AWD became available.

## What does it cost to run a Altima?

The EPA puts the 2026 Nissan Altima's fuel cost at **$2,250-$2,400 a year**, against about $2,502 for other current midsize car: roughly 7% less. Over five years at 15,000 miles a year that is about $11,625 in fuel.

## Altima vs rivals

| Model | Powertrains | Fuel economy | Range | Fuel cost / year |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Toyota Prius](/vehicles/toyota-prius) | Hybrid | 48-57 mpg | -- | $1,200-$1,400 |
| [Hyundai Elantra](/vehicles/hyundai-elantra) | Gas, Hybrid | 23-54 mpg | -- | $1,250-$3,550 |
| [Toyota Camry](/vehicles/toyota-camry) | Hybrid | 43-51 mpg | -- | $1,300-$1,550 |
| [Honda Civic](/vehicles/honda-civic) | Gas, Hybrid | 24-49 mpg | -- | $1,350-$3,400 |
| [Honda Accord](/vehicles/honda-accord) | Gas, Hybrid | 31-48 mpg | -- | $1,400-$2,150 |
| [Lexus ES](/vehicles/lexus-es) | Electric, Hybrid | 44-46 mpg | 307 mi | $600-$1,850 |
| [Toyota Crown](/vehicles/toyota-crown) | Hybrid | 30-41 mpg | -- | $1,650-$2,250 |
| [Kia K4](/vehicles/kia-k4) | Gas | 28-33 mpg | -- | $2,050-$2,400 |

Other current midsize car from other makes, most efficient first.

## Nissan Altima problems owners report most

| System (NHTSA category) | Complaints |
| --- | --- |
| Power Train | 590 |
| Air Bags | 387 |
| Exterior Lighting | 346 |
| Engine | 313 |
| Electrical System | 309 |
| Service Brakes | 187 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 171 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 138 |

From 2,717 complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015-2026 models. Most-complained-about model year: **2015**.

## Guides for common Nissan Altima problems

- **Transmission and drivetrain** (590 complaints): [Why is my transmission slipping](/symptoms/transmission-slipping) - [Why won't my car go into gear](/symptoms/car-wont-go-into-gear) - [Why does my car jerk when I accelerate](/symptoms/car-jerks-when-accelerating) - [transmission replacement cost](/cost/transmission-replacement) - [transmission fluid change cost](/cost/transmission-fluid-change) - [clutch replacement cost](/cost/clutch-replacement)
- **Exterior lighting** (346 complaints): [headlight bulb replacement cost](/cost/headlight-bulb-replacement)
- **Engine** (313 complaints): [Why is my car idling rough](/symptoms/rough-idle) - [Why is my engine knocking](/symptoms/engine-knocking-noise) - [Why is my car leaking oil](/symptoms/car-leaking-oil) - [engine replacement cost](/cost/engine-replacement) - [timing chain replacement cost](/cost/timing-chain-replacement) - [valve cover gasket replacement cost](/cost/valve-cover-gasket-replacement)
- **Electrical** (309 complaints): [Why does my car battery keep dying](/symptoms/car-battery-keeps-dying) - [Why are my headlights flickering](/symptoms/headlights-flickering) - [Why won't my car start](/symptoms/car-wont-start) - [alternator replacement cost](/cost/alternator-replacement) - [car battery replacement cost](/cost/car-battery-replacement) - [starter replacement cost](/cost/starter-replacement)
- **Brake** (187 complaints): [Why are my brakes squeaking](/symptoms/squeaky-brakes) - [Why do my brakes make a grinding noise](/symptoms/brake-grinding-noise) - [Why does my brake pedal go to the floor](/symptoms/brake-pedal-goes-to-floor) - [brake pad replacement cost](/cost/brake-pad-replacement) - [brake rotor replacement cost](/cost/brake-rotor-replacement) - [brake caliper replacement cost](/cost/brake-caliper-replacement)

## Nissan Altima warning lights

- [Altima: Airbag (SRS) warning light](/warning-lights/airbag/nissan-altima): 250 complaints
- [Altima: Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine/nissan-altima): 203 complaints
- [Altima: Power steering warning light](/warning-lights/power-steering/nissan-altima): 34 complaints
- [Altima: Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake/nissan-altima): 21 complaints
- [Altima: Coolant temperature warning light](/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/nissan-altima): 21 complaints
- [Altima: Traction control light](/warning-lights/traction-control/nissan-altima): 16 complaints

## Nissan Altima recalls (23)

| Campaign | Model years | Component | Reported |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [26V526000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V526000) | 2025 | Air Bags: Critical Fasteners | 2026-08-13 |
| [26V023000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V023000) | 2025 | Latches/Locks/Linkages: Doors | 2026-01-21 |
| [25V437000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V437000) | 2019-2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine | 2025-06-27 |
| [23V882000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V882000) | 2024 | Steering: Rack And Pinion | 2023-12-21 |
| [23V628000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V628000) | 2019-2021 | Back Over Prevention:  Sensing System | 2023-09-08 |
| [21V169000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V169000) | 2019-2020 | Tires | 2021-03-11 |
| [21V138000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V138000) | 2020-2021 | Steering: Linkages | 2021-03-04 |
| [20V685000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V685000) | 2020 | Tires | 2020-11-05 |
| [20V570000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V570000) | 2020 | Visibility: Glass, Side/Rear | 2020-09-22 |
| [20V315000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V315000) | 2015-2018 | Latches/Locks/Linkages: Hood | 2020-05-28 |
| [19V654000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V654000) | 2018-2019 | Back Over Prevention:  Sensing System | 2019-09-12 |
| [19V316000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V316000) | 2019 | Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery | 2019-04-18 |
| [19V235000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V235000) | 2019 | Exterior Lighting: Brake Lights | 2019-03-25 |
| [18V922000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V922000) | 2019 | Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery | 2018-12-20 |
| [18V915000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V915000) | 2015-2017 | Structure: Emergency | 2018-12-19 |
| [17V040000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V040000) | 2015-2017 | Latches/Locks/Linkages: Doors | 2017-01-18 |
| [16V911000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V911000) | 2015 | Air Bags: Sensor | 2016-12-19 |
| [16V244000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V244000) | 2015-2016 | Air Bags: Sensor | 2016-04-26 |
| [16V029000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V029000) | 2015 | Latches/Locks/Linkages: Hood | 2016-01-22 |
| [15V733000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V733000) | 2015 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Foundation Components | 2015-11-05 |
| [15V681000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V681000) | 2015 | Air Bags: Frontal | 2015-10-20 |
| [15V486000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V486000) | 2015 | Fuel System, Gasoline | 2015-08-04 |
| [15V116000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V116000) | 2015 | Latches/Locks/Linkages: Hood | 2015-02-27 |

Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer. Check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). Data as of 2026-11-04.

## Frequently asked questions

### What mpg does the 2026 Nissan Altima get?

The 2026 Nissan Altima is EPA-rated at 28-30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain. Real-world mileage varies with speed, climate and load.

### What engine does the 2026 Nissan Altima have?

The 2026 Nissan Altima comes with: 2.5L 4-cyl. It uses cvt transmission and is offered with AWD and FWD.

### Is there a hybrid Nissan Altima?

No. In the EPA data from 2015-2026 the Nissan Altima has no hybrid version.

### Which Nissan Altima year gets the best gas mileage?

In the EPA data, the 2022 Nissan Altima has the highest combined rating, up to 32 mpg. Ratings for the same model can change between years when engines or test procedures change.

### How much does it cost to fuel a 2026 Nissan Altima for a year?

About $2,250-$2,400 a year, using the EPA's assumptions of 15,000 miles (55% city, 45% highway) at national average fuel prices. Your cost depends on your local prices, mileage and driving style.

### What is the city and highway mpg of the 2026 Nissan Altima?

The most efficient 2026 version, the Altima, is rated 26 mpg city and 36 mpg highway (30 combined). Other engines and drivetrains are rated lower; the versions table above lists each one.

### How much CO2 does the 2026 Nissan Altima emit?

EPA rates its tailpipe CO2 at 297-316 grams per mile depending on version. Lower is better; the cleanest gas cars sit under 250 g/mi and electric cars have none at the tailpipe.

### Does the 2026 Nissan Altima come with all-wheel drive?

Yes. The 2026 Nissan Altima is offered with AWD and FWD. All- or four-wheel drive usually costs 1-3 mpg compared with the two-wheel-drive version of the same engine, as the versions table shows.

### Is the Nissan Altima cheap to run compared with other midsize cars?

Yes, cheaper than average: its EPA annual fuel cost of $2,250-$2,400 compares with about $2,502 for other current midsize car models. Fuel is only part of running costs; insurance, tires and repairs also differ.

### How many recalls does the Nissan Altima have?

NHTSA lists 23 recalls for 2015-2026 Nissan Altima models as of 2026-11-04, the latest reported 2026-08-13 (26V526000). Recall work is free; enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to your car.

### What is the most common problem with the Nissan Altima?

In NHTSA owner complaints the most-reported category is power train, followed by air bags. The 2015 model year has the most complaints (955), partly because complaint counts follow sales volume.

## Sources

- [fueleconomy.gov (US DOE and EPA)](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/)
- [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis)

## All Nissan cars

- [Nissan ARIYA](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-ariya)
- [Nissan Murano](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-murano)
- [Nissan Z](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-z)
- [Nissan LEAF](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-leaf)
- [Nissan Sentra](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-sentra)

## More Nissan models

- [Nissan Armada](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-armada)
- [Nissan Frontier](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-frontier)
- [Nissan Kicks](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-kicks)
- [Nissan Pathfinder](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-pathfinder)
- [Nissan Rogue](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-rogue)
- [Nissan 370Z](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-370z): discontinued
- [Nissan GT-R](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-gt-r): discontinued
- [Nissan Maxima](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-maxima): discontinued
- [Nissan Rogue Sport](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-rogue-sport): discontinued
- [Nissan Titan](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-titan): discontinued

## Other midsize cars

- [Polestar 2](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/polestar-2)
- [Subaru Legacy](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/subaru-legacy)
- [Subaru WRX](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/subaru-wrx)
- [Tesla Model 3](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/tesla-model-3)
- [Toyota Avalon](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-avalon)
- [Toyota Camry](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-camry)

## Compared with

- [Toyota Crown](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-crown)
- [Toyota Prius](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-prius)

## Car care

- [How long do tires last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/tires)
- [How often to change oil](https://diagxcar.com/how-often/change-oil)
- [Tire size calculator](https://diagxcar.com/tools/tire-size-calculator)

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Source page: https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-altima
Updated: 2026-11-03
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.