2026 Nissan Altima: NHTSA Safety Rating & Pricing
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
In its segment, the 2026 Nissan Altima scores well across safety and reliability. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
- Starting MSRP
- $27,580 - $30,480
- EPA Combined MPG
- 28-30 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,000 - $2,150 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 6 / 10
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $750 over 5 yrs
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $996 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.66
- Brand Origin
- Japan
The 2026 Nissan Altima is a Sedan priced from $27,580 to $30,480 with 4 trims. For a daily driver, fuel cost and reliability matter most. Both are covered below.
- Avg repair cost $254 per year below Sedan average
- 5-year ownership cost $4,557 below value Sedans average
- Zero recalls on file (Sedan average: 1)
2026 Nissan Altima at a Glance
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 five-year cost. The main caution is that fuel cost is only average.
- safety
- reliability
- estimated 5-year cost
Strengths in the data
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA. Safest Sedans 2026 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable Sedans 2026 →
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup is about $4,557 below the similar-vehicle average. Lowest cost to own 2026 →
Cautions in the data
- Fuel cost lands in the middle of its comparison group rather than standing out.
Similar vehicles to compare
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%
The five-star NHTSA scale gives you the broad picture. The IIHS breakdown below shows how the 2026 Nissan Altima performed in specific test categories, which can highlight strengths or gaps the star rating does not capture.
How Did the 2026 Nissan Altima Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS tested the 2026 Nissan Altima across multiple crash configurations. It did not earn an overall Top Safety Pick, but some individual test ratings may still be strong. See the breakdown below. 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
Safety ratings measure crashworthiness. Recall data measures post-production quality. A vehicle can score well in crash tests and still have recall campaigns if a component turns out to be defective.
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. Recalls may be issued at any time. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
What Do 2026 Nissan Altima Owners Report to NHTSA?
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 2026-04-16.
For a vehicle driven daily, fuel cost compounds fast. The difference between 30 and 40 MPG is roughly $400 per year at average gas prices and 15,000 miles.
What Is the 2026 Nissan Altima Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Nissan Altima achieves up to 30 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,000. That is $155 more per year than the $1,845 average for value Sedans. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
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 | $2,000 per year |
| 2.5 SR FWD GAS | 30 MPG | 26 | 36 | $2,000 per year |
| 2.5 SV AWD GAS | 28 MPG | 25 | 33 | $2,150 per year |
| 2.5 SR AWD GAS | 28 MPG | 25 | 33 | $2,150 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel costs range from $10,000 to $10,750 depending on trim.
For a daily driver, fuel is the cost you see. Insurance, depreciation, and maintenance are the costs you feel at tax time. AAA estimates all of them for the Medium Sedan 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 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,572 per year |
| Depreciation | $3,462 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $613 per year |
| Financing | $854 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $9,956 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.66 per mile |
For a daily commute, the most fuel-efficient trim often delivers the best long-term value. The comparison below shows fuel economy, price, and estimated cost for all 4 options.
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 | $2,000 per year |
| 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 | $2,000 per year |
| 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 | $2,150 per year |
| 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 | $2,150 per year |
| 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) (last available 2025)
- 2.5 SL (FWD, AWD) (last available 2025)
- VC-T SR (FWD) (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 31 MPG | $28,980 30 MPG |
| 2.5 SV AWD GAS | $28,300 29 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 31 MPG | — |
| 2.5 SL AWD GAS | $34,200 29 MPG | $34,830 28 MPG | — |
| VC-T SR FWD GAS | $35,700 31 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
Trim selection is about the first year. Reliability is about years two through ten. The section below summarizes the available third-party data on how dependable this vehicle has proven.
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.
The warranty is the manufacturer's own bet on the vehicle's durability. Nissan's coverage terms for the 2026 Altima are shown below.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Nissan Altima Come With?
Here is what Nissan covers at no cost for the 2026 Altima. Basic coverage handles most defects. Powertrain coverage protects the engine and transmission for a longer period. Both start from the original purchase date.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k |
What Are the 2026 Nissan Altima Specs?
Dimensions, weight, and powertrain details for the 2026 Nissan Altima. These figures are published by Nissan and apply to the base configuration unless noted. Specific trims may differ.
EPA vehicle class: Mid-size car
| Engine | 2.5L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 182 - 188 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 105.8 - 114.5 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $147 - $167 |
| 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 |
| Est. Range per Tank | 486 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| 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
That is the complete data picture for the 2026 Nissan Altima. For a daily commuter, fuel cost and reliability are usually the deciding factors, and both are covered above. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2026 Nissan Altima FAQ
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.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Nissan Altima?
The 2026 Nissan Altima competes with 2026 Kia K5, 2026 Hyundai Sonata, and 2026 Honda Accord based on price, size, and segment. Each of those vehicles has its own fact sheet with the same EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data shown here. 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 $167 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $997 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Nissan based?
Nissan is headquartered in Japan. Brand origin reflects where the company is based, not where individual vehicles are assembled. Many Nissan vehicles sold in the U.S. are built at domestic or international plants. See our Japan-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Nissan models are available for 2026?
Nissan offers multiple models for 2026. Our Nissan models page lists every available Nissan vehicle with safety ratings, fuel costs, and ownership data.
What does the 2026 Nissan Altima cost per mile to drive?
Based on AAA ownership cost estimates and EPA fuel data, the 2026 Nissan Altima costs approximately 66.4 cents per mile to operate, including fuel, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and financing. Actual cost per mile depends on your annual mileage, driving habits, and location.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
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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.