Model research hub
Nissan Altima
Car and Driver says sedans are falling out of favor, but the Nissan Altima is sticking around for 2026 nonetheless, bringing the well-rounded and value-focused disposition it has offered the segment for decades, and while it won't win awards for being particularly quick or engaging to drive, unlike the far-better-driving Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, it hits all the key targets for mass consumption: affordable, practical, comfortable, and attractively styled, with an unimpressive standard four-cylinder and CVT saved by impressively efficient fuel economy achieved without any electrification. MotorTrend says every 2026 Altima is powered by a 2.5-liter I-4 producing 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque with front-wheel drive, and 182 hp and 178 lb-ft when optional all-wheel drive is equipped, with Nissan Safety Shield 360 driver-assist and active safety features equipped on every Altima, and the 2026 lineup pared down to just two trim levels, SV and SR.
Value over dynamics
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says the Altima brings the well-rounded and value-focused disposition it has offered the segment for decades, and while it won't win awards for being particularly quick or engaging to drive, unlike the far-better-driving Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, it hits all the key targets for mass consumption: affordable, practical, comfortable, and attractively styled.
Unimpressive engine, but efficient without electrification
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says the Altima's standard four-cylinder and continuously variable transmission are unimpressive, but for one saving grace: fuel efficiency, staying impressively efficient without any electrification even as many rivals have adopted hybrid technology to eke out additional mpg.
188 hp, and a simplified two-trim lineup
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says every 2026 Altima is powered by a 2.5-liter I-4 producing 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque with front-wheel drive, and 182 hp and 178 lb-ft when optional all-wheel drive is equipped, with Nissan Safety Shield 360 driver-assist features equipped on every Altima, and the 2026 lineup pared down to just two trim levels, SV and SR.
Questions buyers ask
How much horsepower does the Nissan Altima have?
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says 188 hp with front-wheel drive, or 182 hp with all-wheel drive.
What trims does the 2026 Nissan Altima come in?
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says just two: SV and SR.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2025 Nissan Altima is built around 2.5L four-cylinder, rated at 188 horsepower across its midsize sedan body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2025 U.S. lineup has 4 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe 2025 Altima seats 5 and is a Midsize sedan.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 6 owner complaints for the 2025 Altima.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2025 Nissan Altima
Every 2025 Altima uses the same 188-horsepower 2.5L engine and CVT; all-wheel drive is available on SV, SR and SL but not the base S.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
3 indexed Nissan Altima model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Nissan Altima | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Nissan Altima | 2025 record → | |
| 2018 Nissan Altima | 2018 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Nissan Altima.
The Nissan Altima is a mid-size car manufactured by Nissan since 1992. It is an offshoot of the Nissan Bluebird line, which began in 1955. The Altima has historically been larger, more powerful, and more luxurious than the Nissan Sentra but less so than the Nissan Maxima.
- Safety
- The sixth-generation Altima debuted at the 2018 New York International Auto Show in March for the North American market, and in December 2018 for the Chinese market. Its design was previously previewed by the Nissan Vmotion 2.0 Concept, which was first showcased at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in January.
- Reception
- The third-generation Altima was well received by the press, with many critics praising the new style and extra space, being one of the most powerful and best-handling family sedans available. As the Altima offered the performance and space of the upper-market Maxima in a less expensive car, this significantly reduced Maxima sales but made Nissan competitive in the mid-size segment for the first time.
- Awards
- 2002 North American Car of the Year. 2010 Altima Received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Highest Front-Impact Crash Safety Rating (five stars). 2017 Nissan Altima named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. 2019 Nissan Altima named a finalist of the 2019 Green Car of the Year® by the Green Car Journal.
Source: Nissan Altima (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Nissan Altima at a glance
- Production
- 1992–present
- Model years
- 1993–present
- Class
- Compact car (1993–1997; 2007–2013 for coupes only), Mid-size car (1998–present)
- Predecessor
- Nissan Bluebird, Nissan Stanza
- Also called
- Nissan Stanza Altima (1992–1993), Nissan Bluebird (1992–1997), Nissan Teana (2012–2020, 2025–present)
Nissan Altima generations
The Nissan Altima has been redesigned in 1997, 2001, 2006, 2012, gaps of 5, 4, 5, 6 years, an average of 5.0 years between generations. The current generation (fifth generation, L33) began in 2012.
| Generation | Code | Began | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | U13 | 1992–1997 | Like the Stanza before it, the original Altima was the export version of the Nissan Bluebird SSS (chassis model U13), though its original styling hailed from Nissan's California design group (Blue Studio under Allan Flowers) in 1989. |
| Second generation | L30 | 1997–2001 | The second generation (chassis model L30) was an American/Canadian market-only version, again styled by Nissan's California design center under Doug Wilson through 1994 (design freeze in 1995). |
| Third generation | L31 | 2001–2006 | The third-generation Altima (chassis model L31) debuted in 2001 for the 2002 model year. |
| Fourth generation | L32 | 2006–2012 | The fourth generation Nissan Altima (chassis model L32A) was announced at the 2006 New York International Auto Show on April 12, 2006. |
| Fifth generation | L33 | 2012–present | A redesigned Altima debuted at the 2012 New York International Auto Show for the 2013 model year and went on sale in the summer of 2012. |
NHTSA rated the 2025 Nissan Altima overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 4 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 5 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (3 campaigns across the latest model years)
- August 2026, Air Bags:Critical Fasteners. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Altima vehicles. The front passenger air bag and front passenger knee air bag may have been installed with incorrect mounting fasteners, which can cause the air bags not to deploy as intended. Consequence: Air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- January 2026, Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Altima, Sentra, 2025-2026 Frontier, and 2026 Kicks vehicles. The door strikers may have been improperly welded and break, allowing the door to open while moving. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with… Consequence: A door that opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion increases the risk of injury or a crash.
- December 2023, Steering:Rack And Pinion. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Altima vehicles. The bolts connecting the electronic power steering unit to the steering rack may loosen, resulting in a loss of steering control or steering lock-up. Consequence: A loss of steering control or steering lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Owners filed 7 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Nissan Altima, most often about service brakes (2), hydraulic (1), air (1).
Year by year
The Nissan Altima across 12 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Nissan Altima | 28–30 | $2,150–$2,300 | 2 | 5 stars | ||
| 2025 Nissan Altima | 28–31 | $2,000–$2,250 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 5 stars |
| 2024 Nissan Altima | 29–31 | $2,000–$2,150 | 4 | 1 | 41 | 5 stars |
| 2023 Nissan Altima | 29–31 | $2,000–$2,150 | 4 | 29 | 5 stars | |
| 2022 Nissan Altima | 29–32 | $1,950–$2,150 | 6 | 20 | 5 stars | |
| 2021 Nissan Altima | 29–32 | $1,950–$2,150 | 6 | 2 | 69 | 5 stars |
| 2020 Nissan Altima | 29–32 | $1,950–$2,150 | 5 | 6 | 179 | 5 stars |
| 2019 Nissan Altima | 29–32 | $1,950–$2,150 | 5 | 7 | 229 | 5 stars |
| 2018 Nissan Altima | 26–31 | $2,000–$2,400 | 3 | 2 | 225 | 5 stars |
| 2017 Nissan Altima | 26–31 | $2,000–$2,400 | 3 | 3 | 390 | 5 stars |
| 2016 Nissan Altima | 26–31 | $2,000–$2,400 | 3 | 4 | 552 | 5 stars |
| 2015 Nissan Altima | 26–31 | $2,000–$2,400 | 2 | 10 | 949 | 5 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Nissan Altima, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 to 2026 | 3 to 2 | 29.5 to 29.0 | Labels: Altima SL/SR | |
| 2024 to 2025 | 4 to 3 | 30.0 to 29.5 | Labels: Altima SR; Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; Transmissions: Automatic (AV-S8) | |
| 2022 to 2023 | 6 to 4 | 30.5 to 30.0 | Labels: Altima SL/SR | Labels: Altima AWD SR/Platinum, Altima SV/SL |
| 2021 to 2022 | Transmissions: Automatic (AV-S8) | Labels: Altima SR/Platinum | ||
| 2020 to 2021 | 5 to 6 | Labels: Altima SR, Altima SV/SL | ||
| 2019 to 2020 | Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI | Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; VCR | ||
| 2018 to 2019 | 3 to 5 | 28.5 to 30.5 | Labels: Altima AWD, Altima AWD SR/Platinum, Altima SR/Platinum; Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI, 2L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; VCR; Drives: All-Wheel Drive | Labels: Altima SR; Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl; Transmissions: Automatic (AV-S7) |
| 2015 to 2016 | 2 to 3 | Labels: Altima SR |
Buying used
What the Nissan Altima recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | latches/locks/linkages (doors); air bags (critical fasteners) | None |
| 2024 | 1 | steering (rack and pinion) | None |
| 2021 | 2 | steering (linkages); back over prevention (sensing system) | None |
| 2020 | 6 | visibility (glass, side/rear); tires; steering (linkages); 2 more | None |
| 2019 | 7 | fuel system, gasoline (delivery); exterior lighting (brake lights); back over prevention (sensing system); 2 more | None |
| 2018 | 2 | back over prevention (sensing system); latches/locks/linkages (hood) | None |
| 2017 | 3 | latches/locks/linkages (doors); structure (emergency); latches/locks/linkages (hood) | None |
| 2016 | 4 | air bags (sensor); latches/locks/linkages (doors); structure (emergency); 1 more | None |
| 2015 | 10 | latches/locks/linkages (hood); fuel system, gasoline; air bags (frontal); 4 more | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| power train | 577 | 21% | 2016 (235) |
| unknown or other | 411 | 15% | 2015 (92) |
| air bags | 371 | 14% | 2015 (177) |
| exterior lighting | 342 | 13% | 2015 (269) |
| engine | 310 | 11% | 2016 (86) |
| electrical system | 301 | 11% | 2019 (58) |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Nissan Altima trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 SV | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 182 | 178 | 3,253 | – | 28 | $28,720 |
| 2.5 SR | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 182 | 178 | 3,442 | – | 28 | $30,120 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Nissan Altima model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 182 | 3,253–3,442 | – | 16 |
| 2025 | 4 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 182–188 | 3,253–3,490 | – | 16–16.2 |
| 2024 | 5 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 188–236 | 3,253–3,479 | – | 16.2 |
| 2023 | 5 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 182–236 | 3,244–3,460 | – | 16.2 |
| 2022 | 6 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 182–236 | 3,244–3,492 | – | 16–16.2 |
| 2021 | 6 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 182–236 | 3,207–3,462 | – | 16–16.2 |
| 2020 | 7 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 188–248 | 3,208–3,438 | – | 16.2 |
| 2019 | 8 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 188–248 | 3,212–3,436 | – | 16.2 |
| 2018 | 5 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 3.5-liter V6 | 179–270 | 3,212–3,463 | 1,400 | 18 |
| 2017 | 12 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 3.5-liter V6 | 179–270 | 3,197–3,463 | 1,400 | 18 |
| 2016 | 7 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 3.5-liter V6 | 182–270 | 3,197–3,463 | 1,400 | 18 |
| 2015 | 7 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 3.5-liter V6 | 182–270 | 3,182–3,422 | 1,400 | 18 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Nissan Altima.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0W-20 (5.5 qt) | – | 83 lb-ft | R-1234yf | – |
| 2025 | – | – | 83 lb-ft | R-1234yf | – |
| 2024 | – | – | 83 lb-ft | – | – |
| 2023 | – | – | 83 lb-ft | – | – |
| 2022 | – | – | 83 lb-ft | – | – |
| 2021 | – | – | 83 lb-ft | – | – |
| 2018 | – | – | – | R-134a | – |
| 2017 | – | – | – | R-134a | – |
| 2016 | 0W-20 | – | – | R-134a | – |
| 2015 | 0W-20 | – | – | R-134a | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Nissan Altima: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
Fewer recalls than this model’s own average
- 2024 Nissan Altima : 1 recall on file (average across published years is 4.1).
More recalls than this model’s own average
- 2019 Nissan Altima : 7 recalls on file, most commonly affecting fuel system and backup camera.
- 2015 Nissan Altima : 10 recalls on file, most commonly affecting door latches and airbags.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | not available | ||
| 2025 | 2 | 6 | door latches, airbags |
| 2024 | 1 | 41 | steering |
| 2023 | 29 | ||
| 2022 | 20 | ||
| 2021 | 2 | 69 | steering, backup camera |
| 2020 | 6 | 179 | tires, steering, visibility/wipers, backup camera |
| 2019 | 7 | 229 | fuel system, backup camera, tires, exterior lighting |
| 2018 | 2 | 225 | door latches, backup camera |
| 2017 | 3 | 390 | door latches, structure |
| 2016 | 4 | 552 | door latches, structure, airbags |
| 2015 | 10 | 949 | door latches, airbags, structure, brakes |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Nissan Altima?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2024 carried fewer recalls than this model's own average, while 2019, 2015 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which Nissan Altima model years should I watch for recalls?
The 2019 Nissan Altima has 7 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting fuel system, backup camera, tires; The 2015 Nissan Altima has 10 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting door latches, airbags, structure. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.
Q03Which Nissan Altima model years have the cleanest federal recall record?
The 2024 Nissan Altima has 1 recall on file: below this model's own average of 4.1. A shorter list on file as of this page's data pull is not a guarantee against a future recall.
Q04What are common recall-related problems on the Nissan Altima by model year?
2025: door latches, airbags. 2024: steering. 2021: steering, backup camera. 2020: tires, steering, visibility/wipers, backup camera. 2019: fuel system, backup camera, tires, exterior lighting. 2018: door latches, backup camera.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Buying, records and recalls, Brakes, tires and steering, Climate and electrical, Engine and cooling.
2019 Nissan Altima owners specifically: see Engine and cooling and Climate and electrical and Brakes, tires and steering.
2015 Nissan Altima owners specifically: see Buying, records and recalls and Brakes, tires and steering.
Compared with
Models this Nissan Altima is most often compared with.
Nearest Nissan models
Other Nissan models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2025 Altima come in?
The 2025 Nissan Altima (midsize sedan) comes in 4 trims: S, SV, SR, SL.
Q02What are the 2025 Altima trims?
The 2025 Nissan Altima trims are S, SV, SR, SL, listed from the entry S up to the top SL.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2025 Altima use?
The 2025 Nissan Altima is built around 2.5L four-cylinder, rated at 188 horsepower across its midsize sedan body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2025 Altima have?
The 2025 Nissan Altima is rated at 188 horsepower (2.5L four-cylinder).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2025 Altima?
The 2025 Nissan Altima is offered with FWD / AWD.