2026 Nissan Altima
This page covers the 2026 Nissan Altima, a Sedan available in 4 trims from $27,580 to $30,480. Below you will find crash test ratings, fuel cost data, reliability scores, recall history, ownership costs, and manufacturer specifications, each sourced and linked to the original publisher.
5-star safety. B fuel cost. 4.0/5 reliability. That is the snapshot for the 2026 Nissan Altima among value Sedans. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
What the published data indicates
Compared with similar sedans in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Nissan Altima are high published crash-test results and an above-average RepairPal reliability rating, with lower estimated fuel cost.
- safety
- reliability
- fuel cost
Strongest published signals
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA. Safest Sedans 2026 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable Sedans 2026 →
- Fuel: Below-average fuel cost among gas Sedans. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,450. Cheapest Sedans to fuel 2026 →
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $27,580 - $30,480
- EPA Combined MPG
- 28-30 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,450 - $1,550/yr
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $500 over 5 yrs
- Brand Origin
- Japan
How Safe Is the 2026 Nissan Altima?
In NHTSA crash testing, the 2026 Nissan Altima received 5 out of 5 stars overall. 99% of tested Sedans share this top rating. Tests cover frontal impact, side impact, and rollover resistance. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
99% of Sedans share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 9.2%
While NHTSA uses a star rating system, IIHS rates individual crash types. The two together offer a fuller view of how this vehicle performs in different crash scenarios.
How Did the 2026 Nissan Altima Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS has tested the 2026 Nissan Altima but did not award a Top Safety Pick designation. Individual test ratings are shown below. IIHS tests complement NHTSA ratings by evaluating different crash scenarios. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | M Marginal |
| Side | P Poor |
| Headlights | A Acceptable |
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle) | P Poor |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | M Marginal |
| Seat Belt Reminders | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | G+ Good+ |
IIHS vehicle class: Midsize cars
Test scores tell part of the safety story. The recall record adds another dimension: real-world defects identified after production.
Does the 2026 Nissan Altima Have Any Recalls?
No recalls are on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Nissan Altima. Among Sedans, the average recall count is 1.2. Recalls may be issued at any time. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA complaint data is not available for the 2026 Nissan Altima. This does not mean there are no complaints. The model may not yet be tracked in the NHTSA database.
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-03-07.
From safety to cost. How much fuel this vehicle uses directly affects what you pay month to month.
What Is the 2026 Nissan Altima Fuel Economy?
At up to 30 combined MPG, the 2026 Nissan Altima's fuel costs are estimated at $1,450 per year, near the $1,403 average for value Sedans. Source: EPA.
Ranges from 28 to 30 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 SV FWD GAS | 30 MPG | 26 | 36 | $1,450/yr |
| 2.5 SR FWD GAS | 30 MPG | 26 | 36 | $1,450/yr |
| 2.5 SV AWD GAS | 28 MPG | 25 | 33 | $1,550/yr |
| 2.5 SR AWD GAS | 28 MPG | 25 | 33 | $1,550/yr |
Beyond fuel, the full ownership picture includes insurance, routine maintenance, depreciation, and financing. AAA publishes annual estimates for each vehicle class.
What Does the 2026 Nissan Altima Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Nissan Altima ranges from $68,930 to $88,010 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Medium Sedan class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,786/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,572/yr |
| Depreciation | $3,462/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $613/yr |
| Financing | $854/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $9,956/yr |
| Cost per mile | $0.66/mi |
Which trim offers the best balance of cost and equipment? The breakdown below compares all 4 options side by side.
How Do the 2026 Nissan Altima Trims Compare?
4 trims are available for the 2026 Nissan Altima, spanning $27,580 to $30,480. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.
2.5 SV FWD GAS
| Base MSRP | $27,580 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,450/yr |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 188 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $68,930 |
2.5 SR FWD GAS
| Base MSRP | $28,980 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,450/yr |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 188 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $70,330 |
2.5 SV AWD GAS
| Base MSRP | $29,080 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,550/yr |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 182 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $86,610 |
2.5 SR AWD GAS
| Base MSRP | $30,480 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,550/yr |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 182 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $88,010 |
The Nissan Altima lineup has contracted from 8 trims in 2024 to 4 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $1,580 since 2024.
Trims no longer available
- 2.5 S FWD GAS (last available 2025)
- 2.5 SL FWD GAS (last available 2025)
- 2.5 SL AWD GAS (last available 2025)
- VC-T SR FWD GAS (last available 2024)
Price changes since 2024
- 2.5 SV FWD GAS $26,800 (2024) → $27,580 (2026) +$780
- 2.5 SR FWD GAS $28,200 (2024) → $28,980 (2026) +$780
- 2.5 SV AWD GAS $28,300 (2024) → $29,080 (2026) +$780
- 2.5 SR AWD GAS $29,700 (2024) → $30,480 (2026) +$780
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S FWD GAS | $26,000 31 MPG | $27,000 31 MPG | — |
| 2.5 SV FWD GAS | $26,800 31 MPG | $27,430 31 MPG | $27,580 30 MPG |
| 2.5 SR FWD GAS | $28,200 31 MPG | $28,830 30 MPG | $28,980 30 MPG |
| 2.5 SV AWD GAS | $28,300 31 MPG | $28,930 28 MPG | $29,080 28 MPG |
| 2.5 SR AWD GAS | $29,700 29 MPG | $30,330 28 MPG | $30,480 28 MPG |
| 2.5 SL FWD GAS | $32,700 31 MPG | $33,330 30 MPG | — |
| 2.5 SL AWD GAS | $34,200 31 MPG | $34,830 28 MPG | — |
| VC-T SR FWD GAS | $35,700 29 MPG | — | — |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
After narrowing down a trim, it helps to check the broader reliability picture. The section below summarizes the third-party reliability rating we have on file.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Nissan Altima?
The 2026 Nissan Altima scores 4.0 out of 5.0 on RepairPal's reliability index, above the average for value Sedans. RepairPal data reflects repair frequency and severity from shops nationwide. Source: RepairPal.
Warranty coverage sets the floor for what the manufacturer will repair at no cost. Here are Nissan's published terms.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Nissan Altima Come With?
Nissan provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 Altima. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k |
What Are the 2026 Nissan Altima Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2026 Nissan Altima as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 2.5L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 182 - 188 hp |
| Torque | 178 - 180 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 16.0 - 16.2 gal |
| Length | 192.9 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 72.9 in |
| Height | 56.8 - 57.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,283 - 3,442 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Nissan Altima?
- Number of available trims changed
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- EPA fuel economy ratings changed
- Recall status changed
All data shown for the 2026 Nissan Altima comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. This page updates automatically when source agencies publish new information. See our methodology page for details on data collection and verification.
2026 Nissan Altima FAQ
How does the 2026 Nissan Altima compare to other sedans?
Based on published data, the 2026 Nissan Altima has a safety grade of B, a fuel cost grade of B, a RepairPal reliability score of 4.0/5, and zero recalls on file. These grades compare it against similar sedans in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page. See our Safest Sedans 2026 list.
Which 2026 Nissan Altima trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 4 available trims, the 2.5 SV FWD GAS has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $68,930, starting at $27,580 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $88,010. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
How much does 2026 Nissan Altima insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Medium Sedan class at $1,572 per year, or about $131 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2026 Nissan Altima. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2026 Nissan Altima maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Medium Sedan class at $1,786 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($1,572/yr) and depreciation ($3,462/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $9,956 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2026 Nissan Altima depreciate?
AAA estimates the Medium Sedan class depreciates about $3,462 per year, or roughly $17,310 over five years. On a base MSRP of $27,580, that represents about 63% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much will I spend on gas with a 2026 Nissan Altima?
The most efficient 2026 Nissan Altima trim costs an estimated $1,450 per year in fuel, or about $121 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. See our Cheapest Sedans to fuel 2026 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Nissan Altima?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2026 Nissan Altima include 2026 Kia K5, 2026 Hyundai Sonata, and 2026 Honda Accord. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 Sedans.
What changed on the 2026 Nissan Altima from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 4 trims were dropped and the entry price increased by $1,580 for the Nissan Altima lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Nissan Altima cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Nissan Altima include about $830 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $121 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $951 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2026 Nissan Altima safe for families?
The 2026 Nissan Altima earned NHTSA's highest 5-star overall safety rating, which evaluates frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance. A 5-star rating does not guarantee safety in every situation but indicates strong performance in standardized crash tests. See our Safest Sedans 2026 list.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.